初中英语朗读比赛文章
- 格式:doc
- 大小:32.50 KB
- 文档页数:9
初中生挫折作文挫折,是我们成长道路上不可避免的一道坎。
对于初中生来说,正处于从懵懂走向成熟的阶段,挫折更是如影随形。
记得刚上初中时,我满怀信心地参加了学校的英语演讲比赛。
为了这次比赛,我精心准备了很久,每天都会抽出时间背诵演讲稿,练习发音和语调。
我以为自己已经做得足够好,一定能够在比赛中取得优异的成绩。
然而,比赛的那一天,当我站在舞台上,望着台下众多的观众,我的心突然紧张得砰砰直跳。
原本熟记于心的演讲稿,在那一刻竟然变得模糊不清。
我的大脑一片空白,结结巴巴地完成了演讲。
结果可想而知,我在这次比赛中名落孙山。
那是我第一次遭遇如此重大的挫折,心里充满了失落和沮丧。
我觉得自己付出了那么多努力,却没有得到应有的回报。
我甚至开始怀疑自己的能力,是不是根本就不适合参加这样的比赛。
回到家后,我把自己关在房间里,一个人默默地流泪。
就在我陷入自我否定的深渊时,妈妈轻轻地推开了房门,她走到我的身边,轻轻地拍了拍我的肩膀说:“孩子,一次失败并不代表永远失败。
这次的挫折只是你成长路上的一个小插曲,它能让你更加清楚地认识到自己的不足,从而更加努力地去改进。
”妈妈的话犹如一道光,照亮了我黑暗的内心。
我开始反思自己在比赛中的表现,意识到自己之所以会紧张得忘词,是因为平时练习得还不够熟练,缺乏在众人面前演讲的经验。
于是,我决定重新振作起来,更加努力地练习。
每天早上,我都会早早地起床,大声朗读英语文章,锻炼自己的语感和发音。
晚上,我会对着镜子反复练习演讲的姿势和表情,想象自己正站在舞台上,面对着众多的观众。
我还积极参加学校的各种活动,主动争取上台表演的机会,锻炼自己的胆量和应变能力。
经过一段时间的努力,我终于迎来了又一次英语演讲比赛的机会。
这一次,我没有了之前的紧张和不安,而是充满了自信。
我在舞台上流利地完成了演讲,赢得了台下观众热烈的掌声。
当我听到主持人宣布我获得一等奖时,我的心中充满了喜悦和自豪。
通过这次经历,我深刻地明白了,挫折并不可怕,可怕的是我们在挫折面前失去了勇气和信心。
初中英语作文经典朗诵稿英文回答:My favorite English poem is "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost. I remember the first time I read this poem, I was immediately drawn to its beautiful imagery and its exploration of the themes of nature, solitude, and contemplation. The poem's speaker is a traveler who has stopped in a snowy wood on a winter evening. He is struck by the beauty of the scene, and he takes a moment to appreciate the peace and quiet of the forest. However, he also realizes that he must eventually continue on his journey.The poem's language is simple and direct, but it is also very evocative. Frost uses vivid imagery to create a strong sense of place, and his use of sound devices, such as alliteration and assonance, adds to the poem's musicality. The poem's rhythm is also carefully crafted, and it contributes to the poem's overall mood ofcontemplation and reflection.I find this poem to be particularly meaningful because it speaks to the human experience of being in the natural world. The poem's speaker is able to find solace and peace in the beauty of the forest, but he also recognizes that he must eventually leave it behind. This is a reminder that we are all part of a larger journey, and that we must cherish the moments of beauty and peace that we find along the way.中文回答:我最喜欢的英语诗歌是罗伯特·弗罗斯特的《雪天里在林中停留》。
英语朗读大赛英文作文范文Title: The Art of Oratory: A Journey Through Words。
In the realm of spoken word, where eloquence meets emotion and rhetoric dances with rhythm, lies the essence of the English Oratory Contest. As participants, we embark on a voyage of self-discovery, traversing the vast ocean of language to uncover the treasures hidden within our own voices. This is not merely a competition but a celebration of the art of oration, where each word uttered resonates with power and purpose.At the heart of every great oration lies authenticity. We must delve deep within ourselves to find the true essence of our message, for it is only when we speak from the heart that our words truly touch the souls of our audience. Whether our topic is profound or mundane, it is our sincerity that captivates, our passion that inspires, and our authenticity that leaves a lasting impression.However, authenticity alone is not enough to captivate an audience. We must also master the craft of rhetoric, weaving our words into a tapestry of persuasion and eloquence. From the stirring cadence of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" to the piercing logic of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, history's greatest orators have wielded rhetoric like a finely honed sword, cutting through ignorance and apathy to ignite change.Yet, rhetoric without substance is but empty rhetoric. Our words must be grounded in truth and imbued with meaning if they are to transcend mere persuasion and touch the hearts of our listeners. Whether we speak of love, justice, or the human condition, it is our ability to convey the profound truths of our experience that gives our orations their power and relevance.Moreover, the delivery of our orations is just as important as their content. We must command the stage with confidence, our voices resonating with clarity and conviction. From the subtle nuances of tone and gesture to the commanding presence of our posture, every aspect of ourdelivery must be carefully crafted to enhance the impact of our words.In the English Oratory Contest, we are not merely competitors but comrades-in-arms, united in our quest to master the art of oration. As we take to the stage, let us not see each other as adversaries but as fellow travelers on this journey of self-discovery. Let us applaud each other's triumphs, learn from each other's mistakes, and above all, celebrate the beauty of language and the power of words.In conclusion, the English Oratory Contest is not just a competition but a testament to the enduring power of the spoken word. It is a platform for self-expression, a crucible for personal growth, and a celebration of the human capacity to inspire, persuade, and move others through the art of oration. As we stand on the threshold of the stage, let us embrace the challenge before us with courage and conviction, for in the words of Winston Churchill, "We shall never surrender" in our pursuit of oratorical excellence.。
浅谈初中英语朗诵【摘要】朗读是在课文所提供的语境中对语音、语调、意群、句型等基础知识的综合练习,同时培养纯正的语音语调和好的用语习惯以及为听力打下坚实的基础。
对学过的句型、词组、对话、课文进行朗读和背诵,形成流利的语感,也培养了理解能力,为说、读及英语写作打好基础,这是提高英语水平的根本方法。
【关键词】初中英语朗诵能力一、激发学生朗读兴趣兴趣是最好的老师,让学生乐在其中。
针对不同的学生,应采取不同的激励方法。
如初中生好奇心强,爱好表现,选那些学得好,朗读准确的学生当“小老师”,在早读或课外时间让他们领读,并对进步快的学生给予奖励,激发他们的学习积极性,这样久而久之,必定会由英语朗读带动他们学习英语的信心和兴趣,必定会提高他们英语学习的成绩,形成良性循环,有利于英语教学。
二、注重个体朗读与集体朗读的有机结合《标准》中指出:“课堂教学中教师、学生、内容、环境四个因素的整合,都要求以学生主动参与为主的任务驱动型学习,充分开发和利用课程资源,关注学生素质的培养。
”在朗读教学中教师可根据对话或课文的特点,采取个人朗读与集体朗读相结合。
个人朗读可以给学生提供更多的朗读练习机会,有利于学生独立进行朗读的自我实践过程,便于教师对学生朗读过程中出现的问题进行及时纠正;而集体朗读又可以为胆怯害羞的学生进行大声朗读提供良好的机会,激发朗读的兴趣。
二者的有机结合或交换进行,能够增强学生朗读技能的发展。
三、布置自由舞台,尽展学生才华《标准》中强调:“教师应给学生营造民主、平等、和谐、宽松的课堂学习氛围,最大限度调动学生参与教学活动的积极性,培养学生思维创造能力。
”实际上每个学生都有学习表现的欲望,并且希望得到教师或家长的肯定。
教师可以利用学生这一心理特点,让学生自由布置舞台,尽情展示自己的才华,进一步激发朗读热情,培养学生主动参与活动的积极性和思维创造能力。
1.朗读比赛。
教师可以预先列出部分课文或让学生寻找自己最喜欢的童话、寓言、诗歌或课文等读物作品。
中华经典朗诵比赛英语作文英文:I participated in the Chinese Classic Recitation Competition and it was an amazing experience. I have always been interested in Chinese literature and poetry, so when I heard about this competition, I knew I had to take part in it. 。
During the competition, I chose to recite a classic Chinese poem by Li Bai, one of the most famous poets in Chinese history. The poem I selected was "Quiet Night Thoughts", which is a beautiful and melancholic piece about the poet's longing for his hometown. I spent a lot of time practicing and perfecting my recitation, making sure to capture the emotions and nuances of the poem.On the day of the competition, I was nervous but also excited. When it was my turn to recite, I stepped onto the stage and began to recite the poem. I tried to convey thedeep emotions and imagery of the poem through my voice and gestures. The audience seemed to be captivated by my performance, and I felt a sense of accomplishment as I finished reciting the poem.After the competition, I received positive feedback from the judges and the audience. Many people told me that they were moved by my recitation and that they could feel the emotions behind the words. It was a truly rewarding experience for me, and it made me appreciate Chinese literature even more.中文:我参加了中华经典朗诵比赛,这是一次很棒的经历。
初一英语朗读比赛范文英文回答:Good morning, everyone. I am honored to be here today to participate in this English Reading Competition. I have chosen to read an excerpt from the novel "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry."The Little Prince" is a story about a young boy who leaves his home planet, Asteroid B-612, to explore the universe. He visits several planets, including Earth, and meets a variety of characters along the way. The story is a timeless classic that has been translated into over 250 languages and dialects.I chose to read this excerpt because it is a beautiful and inspiring story about the importance of friendship, love, and imagination. The Little Prince is a wise and innocent child who sees the world with a fresh perspective. He teaches us that the most important things in life cannotbe seen with the eyes.I hope you enjoy this excerpt from "The Little Prince."中文回答:大家好!很荣幸今天能够参加此次英语朗读比赛。
初中英语作文朗读精选十三篇篇1:名师指导:初中英语要重视朗读背诵名师指导:初中英语要重视朗读背诵任何一种语言口语能力的形成都离不开语言材料大量有效的输入与积累。
中国学生在日常生活中听到的、看到的、与人交流的都是汉语,即使学了英语,也是“哑巴英语”。
因为平时几乎不说,更谈不上利用。
因此中国学生也就很难从生活中得到输入英语语言材料的机会;学生在每周有限的四节英语课当中所学到的听说训练,由于平时很少说英语,课堂上所学的英语句子除了早读外,其他时间也很难利用、复习和巩固。
更何况现在大部分学生早读时根本不开口读英语,其原因还是平时缺乏练习,课堂上老师教的课后不能及时在遗忘之前得到巩固,从而导致好多学生不会读英语单词、句子、课文。
这样的语言环境及所带来的后果严重的影响了学生的听说训练,也限制了学生口语能力的发展。
正如发展经济要走中国特色的道路一样,学习外语也要选择适合中国国情的教学方法和途径。
我认为对每一位英语学习者来说,朗读和背诵是必不可少的。
尤其对初学英语的初中学生来说是至关重要的。
朗读和背诵是提升学生英语口语能力和英语成绩的有效途径,也是必经之路。
朗读和背诵也是克服当前中国学生的“哑巴英语”的有效途径。
更为重要的是朗读和背诵还有以下几方面的好处:第一,朗读和背诵几乎可以不受环境的`影响,对环境的依赖较小,容易得到保证及满足,我们只要给学生有自由支配的时间和读背的内容,学生就可以在课外时间一个人完成,无需找伙伴做训练对象。
第二,朗读和背诵同样也不受时间的限制。
它不需要学生专门用大块的时间来完成。
它有机动灵活的特点。
学生可以自由选择朗读和背诵的时间,课前课后,饭前饭后,甚至于在上下学的路上,学生都可以自由地读和背。
第三,通过朗读和背诵,可以积累大量实用的英语短语、句子、习惯用语;可以扩大视野,在脑子里储存大量有用的词汇、短语、习惯用法;通过朗读和背诵,可以了解英语国家的生活、风俗习惯、人文、历史、地理知识等,还可以动员眼、耳、口等感觉器官同时参与学习,综合提升听说读写能力。
自己亲身经历挫折的作文人生就像一场充满未知的旅行,有阳光明媚的坦途,也有崎岖泥泞的小道。
在我的成长过程中,挫折就像不期而至的暴风雨,让我在前行的路上跌跌撞撞。
但也正是这些挫折,塑造了今天坚强且乐观的我。
记得那是在我上初中的时候,学校组织了一场英语口语比赛。
从小就对英语有着浓厚兴趣的我,毫不犹豫地报名参加了。
为了能在比赛中取得好成绩,我付出了前所未有的努力。
每天放学后,我都会留在教室里,对着镜子一遍又一遍地练习发音和表情。
晚上回到家,还要背诵大量的英语文章,常常熬到深夜。
那段时间,我满脑子都是英语,连做梦都在说英语。
终于,比赛的日子来临了。
我怀着紧张又兴奋的心情走进赛场,看到台下坐满了老师和同学,心里顿时像揣了只小兔子一样,怦怦直跳。
当主持人叫到我的名字时,我深吸一口气,走上舞台。
可是,就在我开口的那一刻,原本熟记于心的台词突然变得模糊不清,大脑一片空白。
我紧张得不知所措,只能结结巴巴地乱说一通。
台下传来了同学们的窃窃私语和评委老师失望的眼神,那一刻,我觉得自己仿佛置身于冰窖之中,全身发冷。
比赛结束后,我失魂落魄地走下舞台,泪水不受控制地流了下来。
我觉得自己是个失败者,之前付出的所有努力都白费了。
我不敢面对老师和同学的目光,恨不得找个地缝钻进去。
回到家后,我把自己关在房间里,不吃不喝,整整一天都没有出门。
就在我陷入绝望的时候,妈妈轻轻地推开了房门,走到我的身边,她没有责备我,而是温柔地抚摸着我的头说:“孩子,失败并不可怕,可怕的是失去重新站起来的勇气。
这次的挫折只是你人生中的一个小插曲,只要你不放弃,继续努力,一定会成功的。
”妈妈的话像一束温暖的阳光,照进了我黑暗的内心,让我重新燃起了希望。
从那以后,我更加努力地学习英语。
每天早上,我都会早早地起床,大声朗读英语课文;课余时间,我会主动找老师请教问题,和同学们用英语交流;周末的时候,我还会参加英语角活动,锻炼自己的口语表达能力。
在这个过程中,我也遇到了很多困难和挫折,比如发音不准确、语法错误、词汇量不足等等。
初一英语朗诵作文范文英文回答:As a young and aspiring student in the seventh grade, I am filled with a deep passion for learning and a keen interest in exploring the world around me. I believe that through education, I have the potential to make a meaningful contribution to society and to live a fulfilling life.In my academic endeavors, I am particularly drawn to subjects such as science and mathematics. I find immense joy in unraveling the mysteries of the natural world and in solving complex equations. I am also an avid reader, and I devour books on a wide range of topics, from history and literature to philosophy and psychology.Beyond the classroom, I am actively involved in extracurricular activities that allow me to develop my leadership skills, creativity, and social awareness. Iserve as a member of the student council, where I have the opportunity to represent the voices of my fellow classmates and to advocate for positive change. I am also a member of the debate team, where I have honed my critical thinking abilities and learned to articulate my thoughts effectively.In my personal life, I am a kind and compassionate individual who values the importance of strong relationships. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and I am always eager to lend a helping hand to those in need. I am also passionate about environmental protection, and I volunteer my time at local organizations dedicated to preserving our planet.As I embark on this new chapter in my educational journey, I am filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation. I am eager to continue expanding my knowledge, developing my skills, and making a positive impact on the world around me. I am confident that with hard work, dedication, and the support of my teachers, classmates, and family, I will achieve my goals and fulfill my potential.中文回答:作为一名刚进入初中的学生,我对学习充满着强烈的热情,并对探索周围的世界有着浓厚的兴趣。
英语诗歌朗诵稿(共10篇)英语诗歌朗诵稿(一): 英文诗歌朗诵稿一分钟内能朗诵完,Bring It all Back 找回自己Don"t stop,never give up,Hold your head highReach the top.Let the world see what you have got,Bring it all back to you.Hold on what you try to be,Your individuality.When the world is on your shoulders,Just smile and let it go.If people try to put you down,Just walk on by,don"t turn around,You only have to answer to yourself.Don"t you know it"s true what they say,That life,it isn"t easy,But your time"s coming around,So don"t you stop trying.Dream of falling in love,Anything you"ve been thinking of,When the world seems to get too tough,Bring it all back to you.Try not to worry "bout a thing.Enjoy the times life can bring.Keep it all inside you,Gotta let the feelings show.Imagination is the key,"Cause you are your own destiny.You never should be lonely,When time is on your side.Don"t you know it"s true what they say, Things are sent to try you.But your time"s coming around,So don"t you stop trying.Don"t you know it"s true what they say, Things happen for a reason.But your time"s coming around,So don"t you stop trying.[参考译文]不要停顿,永不放弃,高昂起头到达顶峰.让世界看见你的收获,找回自己.坚持自己想达到的境地,坚持自我.当世界的重担压到了你的肩头时,笑一笑,让它去.如果有人打击你,走过去,不要回头,你只须负责自己.难道你不知道他们说的是真的,生活,不容易,但你的时机将会来到,千万别停滞不进取.梦想自己坠入了情网,自己想过的任何事情,当世界仿佛变得太艰难时,找回自己.努力不为任何事担忧,享受生活能带来的好时光.让这一切留在你心里,得让自己的感情流露.幻想就是答案,因为你就是自己的命运.你永远不必孤独,当时间支持着你.难道你不知道他们说的是真的,这些事都是为了考验你.但你的时机将会来到,千万别停滞不进取.难道你不知道他们说的是真的,事情发生都有道理.但你的时机将会来到,千万别停滞不进取.英语诗歌朗诵稿(二): 小学英语诗歌朗诵稿题目:spring goeth all in white内容:spring goeth all in white,crowned with milk-white may;in fleecy flocks of light,over heaven the white clouds stray;white butterflies in the air;white daisies prank the ground;the cherry and hoary pear,scatter their snow around.翻译:春之女神着素装春之女神着素装,山楂花冠乳白光;天上分明一群羊,白云朵朵自来往;粉蝶空中时蹁跹;廷命菊花饰郊原;樱桃梨树共争艳,四处非花如雪片.英语诗歌朗诵稿(三): 英语诗歌朗诵稿不要中文诗歌翻译过来的!需要英语原版.最好有中英文对照,著名点的,比如泰戈尔、雪莱、普希金等等,最主要的是要长一点的!带点感情什么的,都可以,要长一点,但不是很长.朗诵需要!Springby Thomas NashSpring,the sweet spring,is the year"s pleasant king;Then blooms each thing,then maids dance in a ring,Cold doth not sting,the pretty birds do sing;Cuckoo,jug-jug,pu-we,to-witta-woo!The palm and may make country houses gay,Lambs frisk and play,the shepherds pipe all day,And we hear aye birds tune this merry lay:Cuckoo,jug-jug,pu-we,to-witta-woo!The fields breathe sweet; the daisies kiss our feet, Young lovers meet,old wives a-sunning sit,In every street these tunes our ears do greet:Cuckoo,jug-jug,pu-we,to-witta-woo!Spring,the sweet spring!【译文】春托马斯.纳什作郭沫若译春,甘美之春,一年之中的尧舜,处处都有花树,都有女儿环舞,微寒但觉清和,佳禽争着唱歌,啁啁,啾啾,哥哥,割麦、插一禾!榆柳呀山楂,打扮着田舍人家,羊羔嬉游,牧笛儿整日在吹奏,百鸟总在合鸣,一片悠扬声韵,啁啁,啾啾,哥哥,割麦、插一禾!郊原荡漾香风,雏菊吻人脚踵,情侣作对成双,老妪坐晒阳光,走向任何通衢,都有歌声悦耳,啁啁,啾啾,哥哥,割麦、插一禾!春!甘美之春!英语诗歌朗诵稿(四): 小学英语诗歌朗诵稿要简单一点的,My favorite seasonIf you ask to me favorite seasonI to say:my favorite season is fall.Because fall is cool and windy but isn"t hot and cold.I like readar relaxed and happy feeling.moreover fall will come,farmers can harvest theirs "fruits of lador" The most exciting still can eat many tasty fruits.Such as:oranges,mangos,bananas,apples,pears~Listen to my introduce,do you know why I like fallI like fall best.The first day of term beginsToday is the first day to school on autumn,in china ,this day is the first day on september.we are going to be a student of four grade ,I"m a livelyboy,1.45meter high,and I have black -bright hair,in school,Ihave many friends,They are did like my brothers.we are helped together last time.My teacher is a unstrung woman,she cry out to us frequently and give us many many schoolwork and homework ,we have been meetting our death.But today ,we are going to be liberated,we cried loudly because we are glad ,our teacher has benn changed.we ran to classroom quickly to see the new teacher and she/he will be our class charge.But we are depression when we saw her,she is a higher woman and have a helish tough face .suddenly she shouted to us :"this time is rollcall,please stand up when you be called and tell me you come from where ,do you understand",we answered lower than lower yes.My Good LifeIn my good life,I want to eat some more food.I want to go to the moon.On the moon,we will have supper.From themoon,we will go to the sun by a rocket.In the world I want to go to my grandma and grandpa’s house.I play with my brother.My aunt and uncle will go around the world.I want to see at the wide grassland.I want to go to the sea to see the dolphins and the crabapples.And I like seafood very much,too.英语诗歌朗诵稿(五): 爱国诗歌英语朗诵稿【英语诗歌朗诵稿】2023年10月15日。
初中英语朗读比赛文章导读:我根据大家的需要整理了一份关于《初中英语朗读比赛文章》的内容,具体内容:英语是一种语言工具,学习英语的最终目标就是能利用这种工具与别人自由流畅的交流。
下面就是我给大家整理的,希望大家喜欢。
:Buy What You LoveI used...英语是一种语言工具,学习英语的最终目标就是能利用这种工具与别人自由流畅的交流。
下面就是我给大家整理的,希望大家喜欢。
:Buy What You LoveI used to be a shopaholic.How many of us can relate to that statement? Yet, when Saturday rolls around, off we go to the nearest boutique or shopping mall to buy more clothes, things, and possessions that we really arent even sure we need or want."But it was on SALE..." is often one of the biggest defenses we use to justify our shopping habits and expenditures.As someone who truly has been a shop-a-holic (yes, I once spent $10,000 in one two month period on clothes -- my MasterCard entered the MasterCard hall-of-fame for that one!) I can tell you that buying something just because it is "on sale" is not a good reason for making a purchase.I spent far more money than I needed to simply because a store was going out of business and had too many great deals to pass up. But at what cost did I do this? If I had invested my money in real estate, I could have bought ten times the amount of clothes just three years later. Or, how many starving, hungry people could I have fed, if I had donated that money, instead? Did I need the clothes? Not really. I already had numerous suits, ties, and shirts that I hardly wore more than once a year.So, if youre finding yourself nodding and saying, "hmm... yes, I DO have a lot of shoes I rarely wear.... yes, I do have more than I need... " then here are a few basic guidelines to help break the pattern and start creating the proactive life on purpose with our elegant -- yet SIMPLE lifestyle we seek:1. Buy it ONLY if we NEED it and ONLY if we LOVE it. This is the most important guideline.2. If I buy something new, and have something like it already, then the older something must be donated, given away, or thrown away. This is a basic of clutter clearing that when overlooked creates an abundance of stuff we no longer need cluttering up our lives.3. If we need it, buy it if it is on sale, if possible, but do not let that be a deterrence to buying. However, buy consumables, furniture, and other things which stay in style longer at the endof seasons, and buy clothing which fades from style at the beginning of the season. We need to buy much less of the "fashion trend" type of clothing and much more of styles which will be staying around for a longer time, so we can maximize our clothing investment.4. If we havent worn it in a year, then consider getting rid of it.5. Find a good tailor. Most of the problems with clothing and fit could be eliminated simply by having good tailor. Also, take outfits to the tailor for fitting any time weve gained or lost more than 5 lbs. Ever seen someone with a double breasted suit with the button in the wrong place? Or a suit that pinches in the middle? A dress that fits funny? Why not get it tailored professionally so we can look our best? That is what elegance is all about, isnt it?6. If we have not used an item (furniture, gadget, etc.) for overa year, consider donating, selling, or otherwise getting rid of the item. There are some exceptions to this guideline, if collecting a certain item is our passion, but otherwise, this is a healthy guideline to keep our "stuff" simplified.7. Before buying anything, always ask "Do I need this? Do I LOVE this?" If the answer is "no", then dont buy it.As we start to buy proactively, with a plan for bringing new things into our life and donating or selling those things we no longer need,we will find your life will be far more free to spend the time doing what we love, rather than being a slave to fashion.:With one small gestureOne day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd." I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friend tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on. As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes. So, I jogged over to him and as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives.He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks!" There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now.We talked all the way home, and I carried his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play football on Saturday with me and my friends. He said yes. The more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him. And my friends thought the same of him.Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, "Dim boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!" He just laughed and handed me half the books.Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors, we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown, and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem.Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasnt me having to get up there and speak.Graduation day, I saw Kyle.. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found themselves during high school. He had more dates than me and all the girls loved him! Boy, sometimes I was jealous.Today was one of those days. I can see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, youll be great!" He looked at me with one of those looks (the reallygrateful one) and smiled."Thanks," he said. As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began. "Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach.... but mostly your friends. I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give him or her. I am going to tell you a story." I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldnt have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile. "Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable."I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his Mom and Dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize its depth.Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a persons life. For better or for worse.:May I sit here?I look at spiders and butter-flies. I watch caterpillars and moths. Sometimes I think Im the only one who notices these things. But if it hadnt been for a crowded cafeteria, I wouldnt Have ever noticedValeri. After all, I wasnt looking for new friends.Valeri was a new student. She walked to class with her books huddled against her chest and her head down. He talked only when the teacher asked her a question. After a month at our school, she hadnt made any friend. At recess, she sat on a bench and read. If you asked who she was, youd get a response like this, "Shes in my PE class, I cant remenber her name."One day at lunch, I had nowhere to sit. Most tables were full, my friends scattered among them. But Valeri sat alone, book in hand, I walked over to her."May I sit here?" I asked."Sure," she said.The cafeteria was noisy, but silence hung between us. Valeri didnt seem to mind, but it drove me crazy. I searched my mind for things to say."So," I said, "is that a good book?" Valeri gave a small nod and went back to reading. "Whats it about?" I asked, after several more agonizing seconds of silence. She looked at me, her eyes sparkling. "Well, its called Eragon, and its about a dragon! This boy, Eragon, finds this dragon egg when he goes hunging one day. He thinks its a rock! The egg hatches and Eragon hides the dragon from his cousin and uncle until it gets too big.""That sounds cool." I said. I was about to ask her another question, but the bell rang.As I rushed out of the cafeteria, I called to Valeri, "See you later.""Yeah," she said, "see you later." She sounded doubtful.A couple days later, I spotted Valeri looking for a place to sit at lunch."Valeri, come here." I pointed to an empty chair.She sat down and pulled out her book. Everyone was talking about next weeks talent show. "So, what are you doing for the show?" My friend Erin asked my friend Kelly."Oh, I dont know, probably nothing," Kelly sighed. "What are you doing?" She pointed to Valeri."Oh." Valeri put her book down. "I dont know. Maybe nothing."The week flew by. Before I knew it. I was sitting in the auditorium, listening to a group of girls sing the latest pop songs at the talent show. I was bored out of my life, and I wanted it to end so I could read Eragon. Id checked it out at the library, Then a shy girl walked on stage. I recongized her immediately. Valeri clutched a violin in one hand and a bow in the other.She stared to play. The notes formed a soft, weet tune. Then it turned fast, then faster. The music stopped altogether before thetune retumed. Valeri ended the song with one hard, fast, loud note. The auditorium fell completely silent until we realized the music was finished. Still in a halftrance, we burst into applause. Valeri took a swift bow and walked off stage.I smiled to myself. Valeri wasnt just a "quiet girl".She knew about wonderful books and could play the violin like nothing Id ever heard. Like a caterpillar or butterfly, she was beautiful and amazing when you looked closely.。