NiE Life 2019 (Vol 482)

WEDNESDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2017

Intermediate The strength to be humane Advanced When courage goes bad BRATs Journalists in the making

Tel: 03 7967 1388 Fax: 03 7955 4039 thestar.com.my/education

Badge of courage

Supported by the Ministry of Education

Vol 482

2

-NiE ,

27 SEPTEMBER 2017

Elementary Courage

Note to the teacher

century learning skills

OUR children are riding the great wave of technology today. They now have facts and procedures at their fingertips.

Teachers have to equip their students with new skills that allow them to thrive in today’s global economy.

The activities in The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education pullout combine literacy skills with current content to build this set of skills.

The key below indicates the skills integrated into the activities in this pullout.

Critical thinking

In the line of fire DAN Rather is an 85-year old American journalist. He is well-known in the American and global television news networks because he once worked as an anchor for the American CBS Evening News.

This journalist was once quoted as saying, “Courage is being afraid but going on anyhow.” Rather definitely knew what he was talking about. Being a journalist is no easy feat!

Think of the role of a photojournalist and a reporter. How do you get the stories that fill the newspaper or social media sites? When dangers – like bomb blasts and wars – take place, these reporters are there to tell you the story. When danger happens, people run as far away as possible, but these journalists run in the opposite direction of the crowd – towards the bad spot. Why? To see, to hear, and to capture the story or image in order to show the world what is going on.

Wearing a flak jacket, protective helmet and gas mask, a photojournalist wades through a cloud of tear gas amid a demonstration by activist groups in Caracas, Venezuela. – AFP

NiE Activity 1

NiE Activity 2

Critical thinking ● Identify ● Reason

● Measure ● Organise

Creative thinking ● Imagine ● Connect ● Brainstorm

Communicating

Collaborating ● Listen

● Oral

● Contribute respectfully

Example Picture / word

What other types of jobs do you know of that need courage? There are some obvious ones like being a policeman or a fireman. But think deeply about other types of jobs where danger may not be so obvious at first glance.

In pairs, scan The Star for occupations and photographs of people who hold such jobs.

(Remember to use the classifieds, too.) Are there jobs that appear safe on the surface but still require courage to go on? Cut out as many such jobs as possible, and paste them on a sheet of A4 paper.

Think of one reason why a person needs courage to carry out each of these jobs.

Next, share some unique jobs you have found and tell your friends why courage is needed to get these types of jobs done.

Occupation / Job

You need to be courageous because…

● Identify ● Reason ● Measure ● Organise

Creative thinking

Critical thinking ● Identify

Problem solving ● Question

Communicating ● Oral ● Written

Just because you are not in the workforce doesn’t mean that you don’t need courage to get through life on a daily basis. What are some things that you face that need courage to “still push on”? A few have been listed for you below.

In pairs, add to the list. Look in The Star for at least three activities (in the form of words, phrases or pictures) that require courage to learn.

Example

● Imagine ● Brainstorm ● Connect ● Invent

Problem solving ● Question ● Research ● Recreate

NiE Activity 3 Creative thinking ● Imagine ● Connect ● Brainstorm ● Invent

Problem solving ● Research ● Present ● Recreate

● Present

Communicating ● Oral ● Non-verbal ● Written ● Aural

Collaborating ● Listen ● Contribute respectfully

Pick one example (from NiE Activity 2) that you found from The Star. Join forces with a partner.

Can you and your partner write a simple five-line poem about having the courage to take up the feat?

Use a free verse poem to speak of the courage needed to do this task. Then, take turns reading the poem out to the rest of your classmates.

(Your teacher can select two pairs per day to read out their poems of courage just before the start of the English language lesson.)

Communicating ● Oral

● Written

Example

* Free verse poems do not follow any rules. They have no rhyme or rhythm, but they are still considered an artistic expression.

● Compromise ● Attain goal nie editorial manager: SHARON OVINIS senior nie executive: ROWENA CHUA writer: S. SIVAM layout designer: SHOBA illustrator: HASSAN BAHRI To order The Star for NiE lessons, call: Sundarrajan 03-7967 1388 ext 1437 or 016-288 3682 We welcome feedback; write to: Star-NiE, Star Media Group, 15 Jalan 16/11, 46350 Petaling Jaya or e-mail us at: starnie@thestar.com.my

-NiE ,

Elementary Courage

● Identify ● Reason ● Measure ● Organise

Creative thinking

Problem solving

● Imagine ● Brainstorm ● Connect ● Invent

● Question ● Research ● Recreate ● Present

Here are a few wonderful and heart-warming Disney tales. Have you watched any of them? With a partner, pick one of the stories. Choose one character in the story that displayed the courage to: ● ● ● ●

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Heroes are not just for the movies

NiE Activity Critical thinking

27 SEPTEMBER 2017

stand up for someone; share work with others; speak up for what’s right no matter what; or be himself or herself.

Communicating ● Oral ● Non-verbal ● Written

DISNEY’S animated movie Frozen drew over six million viewers worldwide.

Disney’s movies are much loved and attract people of all ages. Most of us have, at some point or another, watched an animated movie from Disney’s pool of cartoons for the silver screen.

The theme of courage runs through many of these movies. It shows us that character strengths and life skills are essential in overcoming adversity. Courage is not only about fighting dragons and monsters and bad guys!

It’s also about standing up for someone, sharing work with others, speaking up for what’s right no matter what or simply being yourself.

Provide a summary of the movie. Then, think of the specific scene that shows how the character showed courage. How would you and your partner apply that type of courage in your own lives? Give one example. (You may also use any other Disney movie not stated here.)

●

Moana

●

Finding Nemo

● A Bug’s Life

●

Frozen

●

The Lion King

●

Beauty and the Beast

●

Brave

●

Mulan

●

Ratatouille

●

Finding Dory

●

Tangled

When you are done, colour in the character (you selected) and complete the certificate that awards your character with a certificate of courage.

This is a certificate to congratulate ……………………………………………………..

He / She has been extremely brave by ………………………………………..………………………………………… ………………………………………………………..………………………… ………………………………………………………………………….……… ………………………………………………………..………………………… ………………………………………………………..………………………… ………………………………………………………..…………………………

Date: ………………

Signature: ……………….………….

Next, scan The Star with your partner. Look for a suitable character who has the same sense of courage as your character from the Disney cartoon you selected. Explain why and how these characters are similar.

Paste picture of hero from The Star here

Name of personality from The Star: ……………………………….……….……….……….……….

He/She has the same sense of courage as this character ………………………………... from Disney’s ………………………………………..…………………………….. because …………. ………….………….………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

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-NiE ,

27 SEPTEMBER 2017

The strength to be humane

INTERMEDIATE Courage

DOING the right thing takes courage. There are many ways we can face our fears with confidence. Here is a list of them. Can you think of one more way to show courage?

1. Do the right thing, even if others are not.

2. Bravely deal with your daily challenges.

3. Be willing to try new things, even if you might fail.

4. Tell the truth regardless of the consequences.

5. Face your fears and work to overcome them.

6. Admit your mistakes and learn from them.

7. Do not give into negative peer pressure

8. Write your answer here:

NiE Activity 1 Creative thinking

Critical thinking ● Identify ● Reason

● Measure ● Organise

● Brainstorm ● Invent ● Connect

Problem solving ● Question ● Recreate

● Present

Excerpt

Collaborating

Communicating ● Oral ● Written

● Aural

● Listen

Who is this message directed to?

> Brave new world

Swapping the pen for mop and pail to immerse themselves in maid cleaning services is nothing for the university students to be ashamed of in these trying times. Certainty of income overrides any social stigma which may be attached to the job. The flexible working hours are a plus point. Furthermore, reliance on foreign labour can be gradually eased. – 5th Beatle Aug 8, 2017

> Watch schools or colleges

Identifying and monitoring hotspot schools by the Education Ministry and the police will enable the authorities to take action to prevent gangsterism, drugs, bullying and other problems from escalating beyond control. Parents should appreciate these efforts and should not be alarmed when their children’s schools are put on the list of hotspots. – Thomas Foo Aug 19, 2017

> All in this together

Hats off to Mohamed Ghouse Nasuruddin for setting the record straight on Malaysians’ ancestries and celebrating the ethnic diversity of contemporary Malaysia. Remember, people, we are all in this together and the sooner we recognise we are all one nationality, the sooner things will improve for all.

– Orang Tinggi.

Aug 18, 2017

> No food allowed

Please enforce the no-eating rule in our trains (MRT and LRT). Can’t we enforce even a simple rule? – Khairul Salleh Aug 10, 2017

> Brave deed

Ashraf Sahimun, it was really brave of you to tell your story (The Star, June 21).

It is heart-warming to know that you are past it. Your warning that “verbal bullying stays for good” is a stark reminder. Get on with your life, Ashraf, and remember that you are a child of God no less than the others. – MAM June 23, 2017

> Great for young artists

Very happy to read about Sekolah Seni Malaysia! Wish we had this when I was in high school. But better late than never. – Ze Rebelle May 12, 2017

NiE Activity 2 Critical thinking

● Connect ● Invent

● Identify

Problem solving ● Research ● Recreate

Creative thinking

● Present

Communicating ● Written

The SMS Your Views column is an opportunity for readers to text their concerns on current issues.

In pairs, look for a current and “hot” issue in your copy of The Star. How do you feel about the issue?

Discuss it with your partner. Next, write a “text” – a short message – using the space provided on the right. Summarise the issue, and give an opinion and a solution to the problem. Condense your message.

Remember, SMS means “Short Messaging Services” and the instructions read: 140 characters only!

(Review examples from NiE Activity 1.) Try and weave in one of the elements of courage into your message to the public.

Pin your SMS text on the board for others to read.

And if your teacher allows you to, send the message to The Star to see if it gets printed!

● Contribute respectfully

Here are a few opinions taken from the SMS Your Views column in The Star’s Views pages. Read the excerpts in pairs. Then, decide which type of courage is needed to make the suggestion a reality for the Malaysians concerned. Once you and your partner are done, pair up with another team. Discuss to see how similar or different your answers are.

What type of courage must be displayed in order for this suggestion to work?

How so? Discuss.

-NiE ,

27 SEPTEMBER 2017

9

Ordinary people, extraordinary courage

INTERMEDIATE Courage

TAKE a few moments to think about this: what was the hardest stand you ever had to stake with your friends? Did the situation call for you to show moral courage? In pairs, take about three minutes to tell your partner the story. Explain: ● ●

What was hard about it?

What did it accomplish?

● ●

How did the people around you respond to you before you took the stand?

How did the people around you react to you after that?

NiE Activity Critical thinking ● Identify ● Reason

● Measure ● Organise

Creative thinking ● Image ● Connect ● Brainstorm ● Invent

Problem solving ● Question ● Recreate

● Present

Communicating ● Oral

● Written

What does it take to stand up against peer pressure? How much courage would you need to support a friend who is a victim of bullying? Read the excerpt about this brave young man named Ashraf Sahimun. (He is also mentioned on Page 4.)

Now a law student, Ashraf shares his ordeal of being verbally bullied when he was enrolled in a boarding school after doing well in his PMR examinations in 2011.

In groups of four, discuss the following questions:

Part A

1. In what way has Ashraf demonstrated courage in his life?

On my first few weeks there, everyone seemed nice and I was greeted with the warmest smiles ever. I felt delighted and content. My roommates were helpful, too. But things started to change a month later.

People started to call me names during prep time (8pm class). “Hey gnotos,” someone called out from the other block and the rest of the students there started to shout, too. One of my classmates took a piece of paper and wrote on it the word “gnotos” which had been inverted from “sotong” (a term for someone who is a bit effeminate). I was stunned and embarrassed.

When I went to my room after prep ended, my senior who was on his bed said, “Here comes the gnotos, everybody”. Those who were in the room laughed out loud.

I cried that night; I just couldn’t believe this was happening to me. I thought the name-calling would eventually end but it happened again and again for the next couple of months! Everyone in the school seemed to isolate me just because I was slightly different. Even my classmates hardly spoke to me…

I only lasted there for three months because I really couldn’t stand the abuse. I couldn’t focus on my studies at all. So in June 2011, I went back to my old school, and guess what? After a few days there, I became my true self again! It felt like a huge stone was lifted from my chest and I could breathe a sigh of relief.

To date, I am still traumatised by the word. The experience at boarding school has left a huge scar in me.

Physical bullying will leave wounds but as the time passes, the wounds will heal. Verbal bullying will stay for good.

The Star, June 21, 2017

................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................

2. Had you been a classmate or roommate of Ashraf’s, what would you have done in the situation? ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................

3. Have you ever gone along with the crowd even though you knew it was wrong? ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................

4. How did you feel about yourself? ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................

5. What did you learn from it? ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................

Part B

Look at the various definitions of courage in Ashraf’s story.

Stand up for what is right even if you stand alone.

Don’t cave in to negative peer pressure.

Don’t avoid trying something for fear of making a mistake of failing.

Don’t be afraid to express yourself just because some people might disapprove of it.

1. In pairs, discuss specific episodes in which Ashraf displayed these courageous characteristics.

2. Change partners. Now discuss how you can demonstrate these characteristics of courage as an independent thinker (as opposed to being someone with bystander apathy i.e. someone who does not offer help to the victim).

Part C

Write a letter of 150 words in support of Ashraf. Express your admiration for his courage and decision-making with regard to standing up to bullies. Use examples from his story and characteristics of courage as discussed in Part B to make your letter of support carry more weight.

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-NiE ,

27 SEPTEMBER 2017

ADVANCED Courage

When courage goes bad ON Aug 12, the town of Charlottesville in the United States erupted in chaos, violence and tragedy as a car driven by a neo-Nazi ploughed into protesters who had gathered to oppose a white supremacist rally in the college town. A 32-year old woman died while 19 others were injured.

NiE Activity 1 Creative thinking

Critical thinking ● Identify ● Reason

● Measure ● Organise

● Imagine ● Connect ● Brainstorm ● Invent

Problem solving ● Question ● Research

● Present

Communicating ● Oral

● Written

This is an excerpt taken from the story that appeared in The Star on Aug 14.

Had you been at the site of this tragedy, what would you have seen, heard and felt? In pairs, look for as many words as possible from The Star that spell out what your senses would have captured. Look at the photograph to identify, and empathise with, the situation.

An eyewitness said that a silver Dodge Challenger smashed into another car, then backed up, barrelling through “a sea of people”. The impact hurled people into the air. Those left standing scattered, screaming and running for safety in different directions. The driver was later identified by police as James Alex Fields Jr of Ohio…

Attorney-General Jeff Sessions said, “When such actions arise from racial

What I would have seen

bigotry and hatred, they betray our core values and cannot be tolerated.”

The turbulence began on Friday night, when the white nationalists carried torches though the University of Virginia campus. It quickly spiralled into violence on Saturday morning. Hundreds of people threw punches, hurled water bottles and unleashed chemical sprays. At least three more men have been arrested in connection to the protests.

What I would have heard

Here are a few questions to ponder on. Gather in groups of four to discuss. Write down some pertinent points you agree on individually, as you hear your friends out. ● What is moral courage? ● Give one historic example of moral courage and one historic example of moral cowardice. ● Give one recent example of moral courage and one recent example of moral cowardice. ● What things in your life require moral courage?

What I would have felt

NiE Activity 2 Creative thinking

Critical thinking ● Identify ● Reason

● Measure ● Organise

● Imagine ● Connect ● Brainstorm ● Invent

Communicating ● Oral

● Non-verbal

Look through your copy of The Star. In groups of four, look for one article about an act of courage. Consider these questions:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Who performed the act of courage?

What did they do?

When and where was the act of courage accomplished?

How did they carry it out?

How did this act of courage affect other people?

Finally, summarise the story and convert it into a skit. Role-play the highlights of the story.

-NiE ,

ADVANCED Courage

27 SEPTEMBER 2017

11

Standing up for what is right

WHAT would Rosa Parks say if she knew of the carnage that took place in Charlottesville?

Who was Rosa Parks? She was a simple lady who worked hard for a living. On Dec 1, 1955, Parks was on her way home from work. She was tired. All she wanted to do was to take a bus home so that she could cook a hot meal for her husband. When the bus arrived, it was packed.

Parks had no place to sit except for the “white-only” section of the bus. The people on the bus who were seated at the “white-only” section were upset. They wanted to

force Parks off the bus but she refused to move. She wanted people to be able to sit wherever a seat was available.

Eventually, the bus driver called the police who arrived and took her to jail. Some people in the town where Parks lived became upset. They said, “We will walk if we can’t sit where we want.” This resulted in what is now known as the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Men, women and children walked to work, the stores and school, and eventually to their freedom.

Because Parks had the courage to sit down, America stood up for what is right.

A file photo taken at the Henry Ford Museum. This is the bus Rosa Parks rode when she was arrested for refusing to vacate her seat for a white passenger.

NiE Activity 1 Critical thinking ● Identify ● Reason

● Measure ● Organise

Creative thinking ● Imagine ● Connect ● Brainstorm

Problem solving ● Question ● Research

● Recreate ● Present

Communicating ● Oral

● Written

Many people still fight for their rights to freedom. In groups of four, scan The Star for articles depicting such events. Remember that the definition of “freedom” is wide and the term “rights” can take on many forms. Look for as many such cases as possible. List them as follows:

NiE Activity 2 Critical thinking ● Identify ● Reason

● Measure ● Organise

Communicating ● Oral ● Written ● Non-verbal ● Aural

Part A

Headline and page of article Creative thinking

What are the people in How are they showing the story fighting for? courage

Problem solving

● Imagine ● Connect ● Brainstorm ● Invent

Are their actions justified? Explain your reasons.

● Question ● Present ● Recreate

Collaborating ● Listen ● Compromise ● Contribute ● Attain goal respectfully

Our first Prime Minister of Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman was a man of formidable character. He was much loved by the rakyat. People who knew Tunku personally had the utmost respect for him. Read an excerpt taken from an article written by Star Media Group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, who met Tunku when he was just a rookie reporter.

Meeting the Tunku became part of my regular beat. I would head to the residence when he wanted to give a statement... On such occasions, he would add value to the news reports by dispensing some advice, often on the need for moderation and for all the races to live together in harmony. He had many visitors and they ranged from ordinary Malaysians to VVIPs. And the one message that came from him was simple, consistent and clear – all Malaysians must live in peace and harmony, and there’s no room for political and religious extremism.

His recollections of the fight for freedom enabled Malaysians to gain first-hand insights into the struggles and challenges that took place. He may not be a historian but as a direct participant in our nation’s history, his writings were powerful.

The Star, Aug 31, 2013

Do you think we are born courageous? Explain your opinion.

How courageous did Tunku Abdul Rahman have to be in order to steer Malaya towards independence in 1957? That must have been some awesome courage! In groups of four, list out some challenges that require courage on Tunku’s part in order to gain independence. Share and compare your lists as a class thereafter.

Do you think there is a difference between awesome courage and everyday courage?

Gather in groups of four to role-play situations. The character you represent in the scenario should be someone with Tunku’s qualities.

Each group will be given one scenario. As you read the scenario handed to you, imagine being in Tunku’s shoes. How would he show courage in the particular situation?

These scenarios are written with the problem only; no

Part B

solution is provided. As a group, read over the scenario together. Determine a way to conclude the scenario. The conclusion to the skit should demonstrate an act of courage on the part of the character.

Your teacher will allow the class a 10-minute time span to plan and rehearse the skits. Next, groups perform their skits one at a time. Skits begin by groups reading their scenarios to the class. The audience is given the opportunity to provide feedback regarding group performances. Did the character in the skit solve the problem in a way that demonstrates courage?

SCENARIO 1

SCENARIO 5

Your friends ask you to perform with them in a school talent show. You really don’t want to, but you don’t want to let your friends down either. How would you handle this situation in a courageous way?

Your teacher asks the class a question. You think you know the answer but you are not 100% sure. How would you handle this situation in a courageous way?

SCENARIO 2

SCENARIO 6

When walking home from school with some classmates, one of your friends suggests that the group goes to his house as nobody is home. How would you handle this situation in a courageous way?

Football tryouts are happening and you really want to go for it but you do not think you are athletic enough to make the team. How would you handle this situation in a courageous way?

SCENARIO 3

SCENARIO 7

As you are lining up for recess, you overhear two of your classmates making fun of another student in your class.

How would you handle this situation in a courageous way?

Your friends invite you to go with them to a scary movie at the theatre. You don’t really like scary movies. How would you handle this situation in a courageous way?

SCENARIO 4 While playing football in the field, your ball hits the neighbour’s window and shatters the pane. How would you handle this situation in a courageous way?

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-NiE ,

27 SEPTEMBER 2017

Episodes 28 and 29

By: Dean Pitchford Reggie and Newt are still on top of the water tower. Reggie shows Newt that his foot is stuck between two beams.

Can you help me?

Exhaustion

Oh, no! What a mess! Newton, can I tell you what really happened?

Tiredness, fatigue.

Looks like your shoe’s stuck between two beams.

I edged closer and tried to untie Reggie’s shoelaces. My hands were shaking with exhaustion but little by little, the loops started to loosen.

Don’t move!

You need to crawl.

Genius

Someone who is exceptionally clever or intelligent.

You did it!

You’re a genius.

Wriggling, twisting the body from side to side.

A tremor in the ladder grew to a shudder, and the rusty braces screwed to the water tower’s supports began to groan.

We’re on TV. We’re being seen all over Appleton.

Reggie? You wait here till I reach the bottom before you start down.

Like soldiers squirming under barbed wire, we wriggled across the roof to the ladder.

Squirming

Crawl?

Tremor

A shaking, trembling or vibration.

Plunging

No, Reggie!

Falling down quickly.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

I was suddenly dropping so fast that I left the scream I was screaming somewhere far above my body.

There is the sky! Then, the ground!

Sky! Ground! Sky ground sky ground sky ground...

I am on the ground, and I am alive!

“Yahoo!” I was about to holler when I looked up to find that Reggie Ratner, 280 pounds of muscle plunging down on top of me. All the breath was pushed from my body.

WHUMP

OOF!

ZIN

G!

Holler

Yell, scream, shout.

QUESTIONS

1. Why couldn’t Reggie Ratner untie his own shoelaces when his foot got stuck?

2. Describe the different feelings that Newt may have had from the time he was falling until the time he hit the ground.