1. Summer TV

Summer is now a time when some TV networks present new shows and hope viewers will be interested enough to watch them. Take a look at today's TV listing in the newspaper. Notice how shows are arranged on the schedule. Pick one network and analyze what audience or age group the shows would attract during the evening. Then use your imagination to make a schedule of your own on a network of your own for a night. Be sure to give your imaginary shows and network original names. Underneath your schedule, write a brief description of your shows and to whom they would appeal.

Learning Standard: Responding to visual and written texts by making connections to students lives and the lives of others; investigating practical situations such as scheduling, networking, organizing and classifying.

2. Synonyms/Antonyms

Increasing word power and vocabulary will help you develop reading skills, and also speaking skills. Discuss synonyms and antonyms with family or friends. Review how synonyms are words that mean the same as other words and antonyms are words that mean the opposite of other words. Now find and list 10 words you know from the features section of the newspaper. Next to each, write a synonym that could be used in place of the word. Then go back and write an antonym for each word. Finish by using two synonyms and two antonyms in humorous, complete sentences.

Learning Standard: Focusing on meaning and communication while listening, speaking, viewing reading and writing in personal, social, occupational and civic contexts.

3. Standing Room Only

In an effort to increase the number of passengers it can serve, and to lower air fares, one airline is planning to eliminate something: seats. Ryanair, a European airline, proposes replacing 10 rows of traditional seating with a "standing room only" or "vertical seat" section. The airline may also eliminate two bathrooms and may charge passengers to use the remaining toilets. The extra space would provide room for an additional 40 to 50 passengers, and passengers in the standing-room-only section would wear seatbelts that go over the shoulder. The move must first be approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency, which now requires each passenger to have a seat. If approved, the airline would begin the standing-room-only sections on flights of less than an hour. Read the newspaper business section to learn about a company that is trying something new or different to succeed in a struggling economy. Write a business plan outlining ideas you think could help this company.

Learning Standards: Using a real example, describing how business practices, profit and a willingness to take risks enables an entrepreneur to operate; acquiring information from multiple sources; writing fluently for multiple purposes.

4. There's an App for That

Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed an application -- or app -- for smart phones that can give inexpensive and accurate eyeglass prescriptions. The app, when used with a thin, inexpensive lens, works like a camera with a manual focus lens. Users bring patterns to focus by pushing buttons on the phone, which helps determine the person's eyesight and prescription needed. Look through the newspaper to find an article about a common problem or practice you believe could be corrected or made better through technology. Develop, describe and name a smart phone app that could help. Discuss and share your idea with family and friends.

Learning Standards: Responding to a variety of oral, visual, written and electronic texts by making connections to students' personal lives and the lives of others; using varied sources of information to help solve problems.

5. Let's Move!

First Lady Michelle Obama is speaking at the NAACP's 101st annual convention this week in Kansas City, Missouri, about ways to prevent or overcome childhood obesity. Obama recently started the Let's Move! Campaign to create a healthier generation of kids. The initiative, which brings together community leaders, teachers, doctors, nurses and parents, seeks to have schools provide healthier foods, encourages kids to get more exercise and is working to see that all parts of the United States gain greater access to healthy, affordable food. Find an example in the newspaper of ways citizens have helped bring about change for healthier living or another issue important to the community. Write a letter to the editor offering support or comment about their efforts.

Learning Standards: Reading and writing fluently, speaking confidently, listening and interacting appropriately, viewing critically and representing creatively; acquiring information from multiple purposes; writing fluently for multiple purposes.