Banning “Best Friends” At School? (1010)
http://teachingkidsnews.com/2012/04/03/banning-best-friends-at-school/
Some kids in London, England are being discouraged from having a best friend at school.
Psychologist Gaynor Sbuttoni, a specialist in children’s behaviour, told a London newspaper that some elementary teachers aren’t letting students have a best friend. Instead, they are urging children to play together in groups.
The Sun newspaper reported that Russell Hobby, of the UK’s National Association of Head Teachers, said some schools there have best-friend bans.
Teachers say the reason they do this is so kids don’t get hurt if they split up with their friend.
But many people don’t agree with banning best friends. Some say that forbidding best friends can prevent kids from learning about the ups and downs of life. They say it’s better to learn at a young age that good things don’t always last and that people can get hurt—and that they will bounce back from disappointments.
Others say that the emotional support that comes from a best friend is more important than worrying about a break-up.
Maurene Atherton is an elementary school teacher and principal who has worked in Canada and China. She says friendships are very important for children.
“Having a best buddy or friend assists a child in their self-confidence. Children are, however, encouraged to develop a circle of friends so that they are not solely dependent on one child.
“But there is value in that certain friend that you can share (everything) with, and who knows all your secrets. I am sure many of us can relate and hold that special relationship in our hearts forever.”
Sbuttoni said that the practice of banning best friends at school isn’t just in England. It also takes place in other countries.
Grammar Feature: Adjectives
(12 points)
Adjective: word that describes/answers the questions of what kind?, which one?, how many?
1. Circle 5 different adjectives in the article.
2. Write adjectives to describe a friend.
a. _____________________ b. _____________________
c. _____________________
3. Write a paragraph describing the ideal best friend. You must include a
topic sentence, 2 or more details and a concluding sentence.
http://teachingkidsnews.com/2012/04/03/banning-best-friends-at-school/
Some kids in London, England are being discouraged from having a best friend at school.
Psychologist Gaynor Sbuttoni, a specialist in children’s behaviour, told a London newspaper that some elementary teachers aren’t letting students have a best friend. Instead, they are urging children to play together in groups.
The Sun newspaper reported that Russell Hobby, of the UK’s National Association of Head Teachers, said some schools there have best-friend bans.
Teachers say the reason they do this is so kids don’t get hurt if they split up with their friend.
But many people don’t agree with banning best friends. Some say that forbidding best friends can prevent kids from learning about the ups and downs of life. They say it’s better to learn at a young age that good things don’t always last and that people can get hurt—and that they will bounce back from disappointments.
Others say that the emotional support that comes from a best friend is more important than worrying about a break-up.
Maurene Atherton is an elementary school teacher and principal who has worked in Canada and China. She says friendships are very important for children.
“Having a best buddy or friend assists a child in their self-confidence. Children are, however, encouraged to develop a circle of friends so that they are not solely dependent on one child.
“But there is value in that certain friend that you can share (everything) with, and who knows all your secrets. I am sure many of us can relate and hold that special relationship in our hearts forever.”
Sbuttoni said that the practice of banning best friends at school isn’t just in England. It also takes place in other countries.
Grammar Feature: Adjectives
(12 points)
Adjective: word that describes/answers the questions of what kind?, which one?, how many?
1. Circle 5 different adjectives in the article.
2. Write adjectives to describe a friend.
a. _____________________ b. _____________________
c. _____________________
3. Write a paragraph describing the ideal best friend. You must include a
topic sentence, 2 or more details and a concluding sentence.