There is a great concern in Europe and North America about declining standards of literacy in schools. The development of literacy has far-reaching effects on general intellectual development and thus anything which impedes the development of literacy is a serious matter for us all. So the hunt is on for the cause of the decline in literacy. When teachers use picture books, they are simply continuing a long-established tradition that is accepted without question. And for the past two decades, illustrations in reading primers have become increasingly detailed and obtrusive, while language has become impoverished-sometimes to the point of extinction. Amazingly, there is virtually no empirical evidence to support the use of illustrations in teaching reading. On the contrary, a great deal of empirical evidence shows that pictures interfere in a damaging way with all aspects of learning to read. The artwork is often marvellous, but the pictures make the language redundant, and the children have no need to imagine anything when they read such books. Looking at a picture actively prevents children younger than nine from creating a mental image, and can make it difficult for older children. In order to learn how to comprehend, they need to practise making their own meaning in response to text. They need to have their innate powers of imagination trained. As they grow older, many children turn aside from books without pictures, and it is a situation made more serious as our culture becomes more visual. It is hard to wean children off picture books when pictures have played a major part throughout their formative reading experiences, and when there is competition for their attention from so many other sources of entertainment. Pictures are also used to help motivate children to read because they are beautiful and eye-catching. But motivation to read should be provided by listening to stories well read, where children imagine in response to the story. Then, as they start to read, they have this experience to help them understand the language. If we present pictures to save children the trouble of developing these creative skills, then we are making a great mistake.
New research has indicated that students who sacrifice sleep in order to cram for exams may be doing more harm than good. The study, which explores the link between sleep and memory, was recently published by scientists at Harvard Medical School. According to their findings, people who deprive themselves of sleep so that they can study until the last minute are unlikely to remember anything that would improve their performance, while suffering the crippling effects of fatigue. The research indicates that the brain requires good-quality sleep after practicing a task to effectively learn and improve at it. Those who substitute study for sleep, particularly those who miss deep or "slow-wave" sleep will get little benefit from their extra effort. The results, which have been published in the scientific journal Nature Neuroscience, support the growing body of evidence suggesting that sleep is crucial to the learning process. Professor Stickgold, who led the study, suggests that a good night's sleep immediately after learning is essential for embedding new skills in the memory. He explains that the first night's sleep is crucial in the process of memory consolidation, adding that memories may not be retained unless they are "nailed down" by certain processes. Based on the findings, it seems that sleep is one such process that plays a crucial role in solidifying new information in the memory.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is necessary (10) ______ our physical and mental well-being. One of the most important aspects of a healthy lifestyle is keeping fit through regular exercise. Exercise not only helps us maintain a healthy weight, (11) ______ it also strengthens our muscles and bones, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and boosts our mood and energy levels. In addition to regular exercise, a healthy diet is also essential. Eating a (12)______diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can provide the nutrients our bodies need to function properly. It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Other healthy habits (13) ______ getting enough sleep, managing stress, and avoiding harmful substances such as tobacco and excessive alcohol. By incorporating these habits into our daily routines, we can improve our (14) ______ health and well- being and enjoy a better quality of life.
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