First Discussion Starters

First Discussion Starters includes conversation activities that teachers and students have loved in the best-selling Discussion Starters and More DiscussionStarters, this time for lower-level ESL/EFL students. First Discussion Starters contains: *a variety of tasks and exercises based on real situations from all over the world serious discussion topics such as censorship, prison conditions, and cloning *topics that are lighter in nature such as lotteries, pets, and travel *activities that require students to work together in pairs or small groups to reach a conclusion about a topic *several kinds of oral fluency activities such as problem-solving tasks, court cases, "finish the story," "put the story together," and small group presentations *links to related websites for each unit

Thirty-two lively topics to stimulate classroom discussion for advanced ESL students

Like its predecessor, each unit in More Discussion Starters contains exercises that provide speaking interaction about a central topic or idea, and most require students to work together in pairs or small groups to reach a conclusion about a topic. Though most of the topics in the text are serious (corporal punishment, abortion, and gun control), many others deal with lighter topics (humor and culture). The activities, tasks, and topics chosen for this book are real situations from all over the world. Most of the units in this book introduce a problem or controversial topic at the beginning of the unit. This is then followed by a series of exercises designed to prepare all of the students so that they can express their ideas at the next class meeting. A unit usually includes several kinds of oral fluency activities, such as problem-solving tasks, court cases, "finish the story," role plays, "put the story together," small group discussions, and oral presentations.

A picture book edition of the bestselling board book about gender, offering adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way. Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism against injustice, this topic-driven board book offers clear, concrete language and beautiful imagery that young children can grasp and adults can leverage for further discussion. While young children are avid observers and questioners of their world, adults often shut down or postpone conversations on complicated topics because it's hard to know where to begin. Research shows that talking about issues like race and gender from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice. This second book in the series begins the conversation on gender, with a supportive approach that considers both the child and the adult. Stunning art accompanies the simple and interactive text, and the backmatter offers additional resources and ideas for extending this discussion.

“Dust off those what-ifs and get ready to glow on.”—Book Perfume “This is exactly the book I needed right now.”—Looking on the Sunnyside “Filled with inspiring quotes and strategies.”—New York Journal of Books Packed with fun ideas and solid, practical strategies for reconnecting with your creativity and making the rest of your life the best of your life. Ditch all those worries about getting older and embrace what can be the most vibrant and empowering chapter of your life. Equal parts creativity guide, mood boost, midlife manifesto, self-help salve, and breath of fresh air. 100% witty, wise and generous Claire Cook, who shares everything she’s learned on her own journey that might help you in yours. Filled with great stories and insider tips. If you’re a forty-to-forever woman who’s interested in making your life glow on, don’t miss this inspiring and motivating book. "Whether you’re a writer, artist, or crafter in need of a boost, or someone who (incorrectly!) tells yourself you’re not creative (you are!), this book is a much-needed balm to the soul."—Book Perfume “It's a how-to 'Cook-book' filled with wonderful ideas to help you locate that spark and use that new-found innate creativity to keep yourself busy, productive—and happy—during difficult times like pandemic shutdowns and post-shutdowns.”—Pamela Kramer “From one reader to another, you can never go wrong reading one of Claire Cook's books.”—Vicky G. “Life Glows On gave me the encouragement I needed when I desperately needed it. I don't usually read nonfiction, but the great stories make this book feel as if you're reading a novel.”—Donna H. “[Cook’s] poignancy and sassy humor resonate with readers; her theme of reinvention uplifts and inspires.” —Savannah Magazine “A beach tote couldn’t ask for more.”—Kirkus “Claire Cook has an original voice, sparkling style, and a window into family life that will make you laugh and cry.”—Adriana Trigiani “Charming, engagingly quirky, and full of fun, Claire Cook just gets it.”—Meg Cabot “Claire Cook is wicked good.”—Jacquelyn Mitchard “Cook’s humor and narrative execution are impeccable.”—Publishers Weekly “Cook has a light, fun voice and always infuses her stories with great wit and heart.” –Cape Cod Times “Cook’s penchant for hitting the emotional sore spot and combining it with humor hits the mark.”—New York Journal of Books “It is never too late to find your place in the world.”—San Francisco Book Review

Teenagers and older children on the autistic spectrum are, like the rest of us, surrounded by complex social codes and rules that govern everyday interaction. Interpreting these and reading social cues such as sarcasm, idioms and body language often presents a real challenge, but this book of realistic and thought-provoking stories can help. Designed with both parent and child in mind, every story outlines a real-life situation that young people on the spectrum are likely to encounter. Each of these is followed with questions such as 'what else might he have done?', 'how do you think she felt?' and 'why do you think they were upset?', along with practical tips for parents on how to facilitate constructive discussions. As children consider these questions with adults, they begin to put themselves into someone else's shoes and are encouraged to think about how their actions and behaviour may affect those around them, gaining invaluable skills and understanding that will be transferable to everyday life situations. Packed with 60 stories exploring real-life situations, this book will be an essential tool for parents, caregivers, teachers, and anyone else wishing to enable young people on the autistic spectrum to improve their social skills.

Your spouse is a unique person, filled with amazing insights, thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Communication is key to really knowing and fully loving that person. Bestselling author and marriage counselor Gary Chapman has developed this handy tabletop resource to get you and your spouse talking. With 101 probing questions, couples will find their relationship enhanced, their intimacy deepened, and their romance ignited. 101 Conversation Starters for Couples is the perfect companion to the bestselling book, The 5 Love Languages®. It also makes an excellent Valentines Day, wedding, and anniversary gift. It helps you and your spouse get the conversation flowing.

Based on the research that race, gender, consent, and body positivity should be discussed with toddlers on up, this read-aloud board book series offers adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way. Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism against injustice, this topic-driven board book offers clear, concrete language and beautiful imagery that young children can grasp and adults can leverage for further discussion. While young children are avid observers and questioners of their world, adults often shut down or postpone conversations on complicated topics because it's hard to know where to begin. Research shows that talking about issues like race and gender from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice. This first book in the series begins the conversation on race, with a supportive approach that considers both the child and the adult. Stunning art accompanies the simple and interactive text, and the backmatter offers additional resources and ideas for extending this discussion.

Illustrated book showing that there are few degrees of separation between mathematics and topics that provoke interesting conversations.

Never have an awkward silence again thanks to The Little Book of Conversation Starters! This compilation of 375 family-friendly questions will launch any conversation from boring to spectacular. Finding common ground in a family with young kids, teens, and parents can be tricky. Follow these handy questions and prompts and you’ll be chatting in no time! With these intriguing questions, you never know what new passions, quirks, ideas, and funny stories may be revealed. Improve your family’s communication and get to know others, and yourself, better. Easy to use during a long car ride, family dinner, vacation, or as a fun game on a rainy day. Settle down and see where the conversation takes you! Spark interaction and interesting dialogue with these creative and thought-provoking questions. Entertain, amuse, bond, and celebrate family together with the Little Book of Conversation Starters!