III. Post-reading

3.1. Feelings.

Work in pairs. Think of various conversations relatives and friends might like to have with Lara after that tragic event. Try to figure out the ways different people would try to give her support and consolation.

3.2. Roleplay: providing support.

Act out a session of group therapy. One of the students is supposed to be having an emotional problem. Try to listen to her/him and find the ways - or, rather, the words - to help relieve the frustration Be responsive, caring and full of understanding, just like real teachers should be.

3.3. Project work: stress & human psychology.

In 1967, two research scientists at the University of Washington developed a rating form that ranked stressful events on a point scale. Each stressful event was assigned a value in terms of its severity. Study the "scale impact" of some events, and discuss the table in the group. Do you find these data convincing?

The Holmes -

Rahe Readjustment

Rating Scale

Event	Scale of Impact
Death of a spouse	100
Divorce	73
Marital separation	65
Jail term	63
Death of a close family member	63
Personal injury or illness	53
Marriage	50
Fired from a job	47
Marital reconciliation	45
Retirement	45
Change in health of family member	44
Pregnancy	40
Sex difficulties	39
Gain a new family member	39
Change in financial status	38
Death of a close friend	37
Son or daughter leaving home	29
Trouble with in-laws	29
Outstanding personal achievement	28
Change of living conditions	251
Revision of personal habits	24
Trouble with boss	23
Change in residence	20
Change in schools	20
Change in recreation	19
Change in sleeping habits	15
Change in eating habits	15
Vacation	13
Christmas	12
Minor violation of the law	11

THE QUIRIN'S SECRET

by Nancy Springer

I. Pre-reading

1.1 SAY if you ever had small but meaningful things in your life that made you quite happy — a toy, perhaps, or a token. Your fellow students would like to hear about it, wouldn't they?

1.2 DISCUSS the things that bring you most joy — a view of a clear forest river, or, maybe, a Marlboro Man ad in a magazine. Make a list of the things you agree on with your partner.

1.3. HOLD a small discussion on minerals. Do you know anything about their alleged magic powers? Share knowledge or hearsay with your small group.