Music and Mindfulness – with Christopher Hardy
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ReadOasis Step 2 Christopher took his seat in the middle of the concert hall. A flow of people filled the room. The lights went dark, and all the talking heads turned silent. In the quiet and dark, electricity filled the air as people waited for the music. And when... Read more
ReadOasis Step 2 All cultures have morals for good and bad behavior. And people think their morals are real. For example, "stealing is wrong." Even a thief says, "It's wrong to steal from me!" People act like they have a real basis for moral action. They argue about morals... Read more
ReadOasis Step 2 Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should old acquaintance be forgot, and old lang syne? Some call him the national poet of Scotland. Some say he is Scotland's favorite son. Some even think he is the greatest Scotsman of all time. He... Read more
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
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ReadOasis Step 3 We are far into "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" when Albus Dumbledore says, "Dark and difficult times lie ahead." But they lie behind us too. And these dark and difficult times have caught our imagination since the beginning of Harry Potter. But this fourth... Read more
Photo Art: Light (3 in a Series)
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ReadOasis Step 2 It was a grey and cloudy day. But now, the setting sun shines kindly from below the clouds. For a few moments, the flowers and faces around you glow. The light is soft, warm, and gentle. It is an ideal time of day for taking pictures.... Read more
Is That a Fish in Your Ear
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Book Trailer by David Bellos ReadOasis Step 5 Um, Well, different languages have words for mostly similar kinds of things. I mean, because we're all human, you know, we have words for legs, and arms, and hands. And we have words for up and down. And we have words... Read more
The Science of Good (Step 2)
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ReadOasis Step 2 (Part 1) President Clinton stood in front of the microphone. He took a breath and swallowed. Then he began his apology. He was not apologizing for being with another woman. Not yet. And he was not apologizing for a personal failure. Not this time. He was... Read more
The Prince, Love, and the Clock
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By O. Henry ReadOasis Step 3 (Part 1) Prince Michael sat on his favorite bench in the park. The September night was nice and cool. It made him feel more alive. The benches were not filled. Most people are quick to stay home when the autumn weather becomes cool.... Read more
Music as Medicine
B2-Intermediate+BNC LevelsCEFR LevelsCoursesInvention Step 3AListen!Music Step 3AProtectedSciencesStep 3StoriesTop Picks 2
ReadOasis Step 3 (Part 1) You are watching TV. On the screen, you see the two strong hands of a man. In his left hand, he holds a book of matches. In his right hand, he holds a single match. With his right hand, he strikes the match on... Read more
ReadOasis Step 3 Creative Commons Photo by William Warby How can teachers help students read more and feel more like reading. Try the five minute drill! This activity helps readers avoid procrastination and kickstart their reading behavior. Readers act as if they are interested and motivated to read by... Read more
By Hans Christian Andersen ReadOasis Step 3 (Part 1) There was once a rich, happy family, who were all gathered together. The master, the servants, and friends of the family were full of joy. On this day a son was born, and mother and child were doing well. The... Read more
ReadOasis Step 1 Doctor Harlow made a game. On a box, he put a lock. To open the box, you had to open the lock. When the game was ready, Harlow didn't give it to children. He gave it to monkeys. Then he watched what happened. Within days, the... Read more
ReadOasis Step 3 The word renaissance means "rebirth." In history, the Renaissance refers to the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries in Europe. We call the period before this the Middle Ages. In the Renaissance, people changed the focus of their learning. They took serious interest in the cultural achievements... Read more
The Rabbit: A Traditional Story (Step 3)
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With special thanks to storyteller Hugh Lupton ReadOasis Step 3 In the southern territory of Oregon, near the majestic Lake of the Woods, young John Jones was wandering through the forest. As he wandered, he calmly breathed in the fresh air and gazed upon the grand, green trees. Then... Read more
The Smartest Dog in the World (Step 3)
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ReadOasis Step 3 Dr. John Pilley felt miserable. For many years, he worked with Yasha. He worked with Yasha as a scientist, but they were also best friends. As time passed, Yasha became very ill. Dr. Pilley tried to help Yasha, but Yasha didn't get better. Then it happened.... Read more
The following is a summary of a famous quote from Steve Jobs. Usually, people remember the part “Great artists steal.” But this is really about how to make “the best things.” It also shows how Steve Jobs blended the arts and sciences. Simple Version ReadOasis Step 1 It comes... Read more
Little Brothers of the Air (Step 1)
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ReadOasis Step 1 Many years ago, there was a man named Francis. He lived in a small town in Italy. Francis was kind and loving. He loved animals, especially birds. He called the birds his little brothers of the air. He wanted to protect them and take care of... Read more
By Robert Louis Stevenson ReadOasis Step 4 Through all the pleasant meadow-side The grass grew shoulder-high, Till the shining blades went far and wide And cut it down to dry. Those green and sweetly smelling crops They led in wagons home; And they piled them here in mountain tops... Read more
Dating Advice from the Rabbi (Step 2)
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A Joke Told by Marty Adickman ReadOasis Step 2 So it's Friday night in the synagogue, and during the course of the service, the rabbi standing at the pulpit is looking out over the back of the congregation. And in the very back he sees a young man who's... Read more
The Price of Oil and the Pace of Freedom
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Thomas Friedman of the New York Times says this. "As the price of oil goes up, the pace of freedom slows down." How can this be? In 1961, a Wall was built that divided Berlin. It separated East and West Germany. Over the years, hundreds of people tried to... Read more