Voca from Articles: October 2025

November 1, 2025

MATERIAL: Daily News Article

CATEGORY: Lifestyle/Entertainment

TITLE: Giant Northern California corn maze lets visitors enjoy getting lost

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

1. crown [kroun]

Additional Information: This verb literally means to put a crown on someone’s head, in an official ceremony that makes that person king or queen.

2. signage [SAHY-nij]

Additional Information: It may also mean all the signs that advertise a product, etc.

3. stalk [stawk]

Additional Information: A related word is stem.

4. mural [MYOOR–uhl]

Additional Information: An image of a mural: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/images/full/mural_noun_002_24258.jpg?version=6.0.59

5. wind [wahynd]

Additional Information: Its adjective form is winding (ex. We walked along the winding market streets.)

SYNONYMS

1. crown - award, honor, name

2. signage - signs, labels, boards

3. stalk - stem, shoot, branch

4. mural - wall art, painting, illustration

5. wind - twist, turn, curve

DEFINITION:

1. crown - to officially give someone or something a title, award, or special honor, often for winning or achieving something

2. signage - signs or boards that give information, directions, or warnings in a place

3. stalk - the long, thin part of a plant that supports a flower, leaf, or fruit

4. mural - a large picture that is painted or created directly on a wall, building, or another large surface

5. wind - to move in a way that turns many times instead of going straight

FREE CONVERSATION/DISCUSSION:

1. Have you ever been to a corn maze?

2. What do you think makes a maze fun?

3. Would you like to visit a giant corn maze?

4. Do you enjoy outdoor activities like this?

5. What would you do if you got lost in a maze?

6. Do you think signage is important in big places?

7. Where have you seen helpful signage before?

8. What kind of signs do you see in your school or town?

9. What does a corn stalk look like?

10. Have you ever seen a cornfield?

11. What other plants have long stalks?

12. Do you like looking at murals?

13. Have you seen a mural in your neighborhood?

14. What would you paint on a mural?

15. Why do people create murals?

16. What does it mean to crown someone?

17. Have you ever won a prize or award?

18. Who would you crown as your hero?

19. What kind of crown would you design?

20. Do you like walking on winding paths?

21. What places have winding roads or paths?

22. Is it easy or hard to follow a winding trail?

23. What would you name a corn maze?

24. Would you go to a maze during the day or at night?

25. What would you bring to a corn maze?

26. Do you think mazes are good for families?

27. What other fun places do you want to visit?

28. How do signs help people in public places?

29. What’s your favorite outdoor adventure?

30. Would you like to design your own maze?

October 31, 2025

MATERIAL: Daily News Article

CATEGORY: Business

TITLE: DoorDash closes on $3.9 billion buyout of Deliveroo in the UK

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

1. acquisition [ak-wuh–ZISH–uhn]

Additional Information: This word is commonly used in a business context.

2. circulate [SUR-kyuh-leyt]

Additional Information: Some antonyms of this word are keep and hide.

3. account for [uh–KOUNT fawr]

Additional Information: The phrasal verb may also mean “to explain the reason for something.”

4. surge [surj]

Additional Information: An antonym of this word is decline.

5. shut down [shuht doun]

Additional Information: A variation of this form is shut (something) down.

SYNONYMS:

1. acquisition - purchase, takeover, buyout

2. circulate - spread, pass, share

3. account for - explain, represent, justify

4. surge - rise, jump, grow

5. shut down - close, stop, discontinue

DEFINITION:

1. acquisition - the act of one company buying or taking control of another company

2. circulate - to move or spread from one person or place to another

3. account for - to form part of a total or amount

4. surge - to suddenly increase or move forward with strong force

5. shut down - to stop a business or a system from operating

FREE CONVERSATION/DISCUSSION:

1. What is DoorDash known for?

2. Have you ever used DoorDash or Deliveroo?

3. What does it mean when one company buys another?

4. Why do companies make acquisitions?

5. What are some benefits of acquisitions?

6. What challenges might come with a business buyout?

7. How do you think this deal will affect UK customers?

8. What is a business merger?

9. What other food delivery apps do you know?

10. How do food delivery services help people?

11. What are some risks of expanding a business?

12. What does it mean when news circulates quickly?

13. How do companies spread news about their products?

14. What are ways to keep information private?

15. What does it mean to account for something in business?

16. What are examples of things that account for a country’s economy?

17. What causes a surge in demand for food delivery?

18. Can you think of a time when demand surged in your area?

19. What happens when a company shuts down?

20. Why might a company decide to shut down?

21. What are signs that a business is growing?

22. What are signs that a business is struggling?

23. How does technology help food delivery companies?

24. What are some popular food items ordered online?

25. How do you feel about companies expanding into other countries?

26. What are the pros and cons of global business deals?

27. What do you think will happen to Deliveroo’s brand after the buyout?

28. How do business decisions affect employees?

29. What advice would you give to a company planning an acquisition?

30. What questions would you ask if you were a customer of Deliveroo?

October 30, 2025

MATERIAL: Daily News Article

CATEGORY: Top Stories

TITLE: Brazil’s lower house approves an increase in tax exemptions for low-income people

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

1. exemption [ig-ZEMP-shuhn]

Additional Information: Its verb form is exempt.

2. unanimously [yoo-NAN–uh-muhs-lee]

Additional Information: Its adjective form is unanimous.

3. a step forward [uh step FAWR-werd]

Additional Information: The antonym of this idiom is a step backward.

4. imbalance [im-BAL–uhns]

Additional Information: A noun can be added before imbalance to specify its kind.

5. proportionately [pruh–POR-shuhn-uht-lee]

Additional Information: An alternative form of this adverb is proportionally.

SYNONYMS:

1. exemption - permission, waiver, relief

2. unanimously - together, collectively, in agreement

3. a step forward - improvement, progress, advancement

4. imbalance - inequality, unfairness, unevenness

5. proportionately - equally, fairly, correspondingly

DEFINITION:

1. exemption - an official permission not to do or pay something that one would normally have to do or pay

2. unanimously - in a way that is agreed on by everyone involved

3. a step forward - an action, change, or development that improves a situation

4. imbalance - a situation in which two or more things are not equal or fair to each other

5. proportionately - in a way that changes in size, amount, or degree according to changes in something else

FREE CONVERSATION/DISCUSSION:

1. What does a tax exemption mean?

2. Why might low-income people need tax exemptions?

3. How can tax exemptions help families?

4. What does it mean when a decision is made unanimously?

5. Have you ever seen a group agree unanimously on something?

6. What is an example of a step forward in your community?

7. Can you think of a step forward in education?

8. What is the opposite of a step forward?

9. What kinds of imbalance exist in society?

10. How can governments reduce imbalance?

11. What is a power imbalance?

12. What is a trade imbalance?

13. What does proportionately mean in simple terms?

14. Can you give an example of something that grows proportionately?

15. Why is fairness important in government decisions?

16. How do tax policies affect daily life?

17. What are some benefits of helping low-income groups?

18. What challenges do low-income families face?

19. How can laws support equality?

20. What does it mean to be exempt from something?

21. Have you ever been exempt from a rule or payment?

22. What is a unanimous vote?

23. Why is agreement important in decision-making?

24. What are some recent steps forward in your country?

25. How do you feel about changes in tax laws?

26. What would you do to improve fairness in your town?

27. What does it mean when something is not balanced?

28. How can we make things more balanced in schools?

29. What does it mean to treat people proportionately?

30. Why is it important to understand government decisions?

October 29, 2025

MATERIAL: Daily News Article

CATEGORY: Technology/Innovations

TITLE: Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius, creates fully electric river transport system

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

1. accolade [AK-uh-leyd]

Additional Information: Some related words are praise and approval.

2. fleet [fleet]

Additional Information: This noun is often followed by the preposition of + plural noun (ex. a fleet of ships, a fleet of buses).

3. ferry [FER-ee]

Additional Information: The noun ferry means “a boat or ship that takes people or things across water.”

4. hull [huhl]

Additional Information: Image of a ship’s hull: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ship%27s_hull_visible.jpg

5. iconic [ahy-KOH-nik]

Additional Information: An antonym of this word is ordinary.

SYNONYMS

1. accolade - award, honor, praise

2. fleet - group, collection, convoy

3. ferry - transport, carry, shuttle

4. hull - frame, shell, body

5. iconic - famous, well-known, symbolic

DEFINITION:

1. accolade - a special award or honor given to someone for doing something very good

2. fleet - a group of vehicles, ships, planes, or other forms of transport that are owned or controlled by a person, company, or government

3. ferry - to carry people or things across water from one place to another, usually using a boat or a ship

4. hull - the main outer body or outside frame of a ship or boat that keeps it floating

5. iconic - very famous or easily recognized, and seen as a symbol of something important, special, or popular

FREE CONVERSATION/DISCUSSION:

1. What do you think about electric boats being used in cities?

2. Have you ever ridden a ferry before?

3. Why do you think Vilnius chose to use electric transport on its river?

4. What are the benefits of electric transport systems?

5. Do you think other cities should follow Vilnius’s example?

6. What does the word “fleet” mean to you?

7. Can you name other types of transport that use electricity?

8. What makes a landmark or object “iconic”?

9. What are some iconic places in your country?

10. How does a boat’s hull help it float?

11. What are some challenges of using electric boats?

12. What kind of accolade would you give to Vilnius for this innovation?

13. Do you think electric transport is good for the environment?

14. What other innovations have you heard about recently?

15. Would you like to ride an electric river ferry?

16. How do you think tourists will react to this new system?

17. What is the difference between a ferry and a regular boat?

18. What does a fleet of buses look like in your town?

19. What kind of transport do you use most often?

20. What are some ways to make transport more eco-friendly?

21. What do you think is the future of river transport?

22. Have you ever seen a damaged hull on a boat?

23. What kind of accolade would you give to someone who helps the environment?

24. What makes a city innovative?

25. Can you think of other cities with electric transport systems?

26. What are some iconic inventions from your country?

27. How do you think electric boats are powered?

28. What materials are used to build a boat’s hull?

29. What would you name an electric ferry if you designed one?

30. What kind of transport would you like to see improved in your area?

October 28, 2025

MATERIAL: Daily News Article

CATEGORY: Science/Environment

TITLE: Uganda celebrates rhino conservation success

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

1. sanctuary [SANGK-choo-er-ee]

Additional Information: The word may also be used in a figurative sense (ex. The library became a sanctuary for students who needed a quiet place to study).

2. thrive [thrahyv]

Additional Information: The past participle of this verb has two variations: throve and thriven.

3. reserve [ri-ZURV]

Additional Information: The word may also mean “something kept for future use” (ex. The company has a cash reserve to pay for unexpected costs).

4. rejuvenate [ri-JOO-vuh-neyt]

Additional Information: The verb also means “to make someone feel younger or fresher.”

5. poaching [POH-ching]

Additional Information: Illegal hunters often poach animals for their skin, horns, or meat.

DEFINITION:

1. sanctuary - a special natural area where animals are protected

2. thrive - to grow, develop, or become successful and strong

3. reserve - an area of land where animals, plants, or natural things are protected by the government or an organization

4. rejuvenate - to improve something so it becomes modern, effective, and successful

5. poaching - the illegal catching or killing of wild animals, usually to sell them or their body parts

SYNONYMS:

1. sanctuary - refuge, shelter, haven

2. thrive - grow, succeed, flourish

3. reserve - park, preserve, protected area

4. rejuvenate - refresh, renew, restore

5. poaching - illegal hunting, wildlife crime

FREE CONVERSATION/DISCUSSION:

1. What animals are protected in wildlife sanctuaries?

2. Why do you think sanctuaries are important?

3. Have you ever visited a nature reserve?

4. What can people do to help animals thrive?

5. Why is poaching harmful to the environment?

6. What are some ways to stop poaching?

7. How do you think Uganda helped the rhinos?

8. What does it mean to rejuvenate a forest or park?

9. Can cities also be sanctuaries for animals?

10. What animals are endangered in your country?

11. Why do some animals need protection?

12. How can schools help teach about conservation?

13. What would you do if you saw someone hurting an animal?

14. Do you think zoos are like sanctuaries? Why or why not?

15. What is your favorite wild animal and why?

16. How do animals help the environment?

17. What would happen if rhinos disappeared?

18. What are some dangers animals face in the wild?

19. How can technology help protect wildlife?

20. What do you think a rhino sanctuary looks like?

21. How do animals thrive in protected areas?

22. What is the difference between a zoo and a reserve?

23. Why do people poach animals?

24. What laws should protect endangered animals?

25. How can tourists help or hurt wildlife?

26. What would you do to rejuvenate a damaged forest?

27. Why is it important to protect nature?

28. What can children do to help save animals?

29. Do you think every country should have wildlife reserves?

30. How do you feel when you see animals in the wild?

October 27, 2025

MATERIAL: Daily News Article

CATEGORY: Lifestyle/Entertainment

TITLE: Foraging revival: How wild food enthusiasts are reconnecting with nature

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

1. aperitif [uh-peh-ruh–TEEF]

Additional Information: An alcoholic drink served after a meal is called a digestif.

2. overshadow [oh-ver-SHAD-oh]

Additional Information: It is often used in the passive form.

3. forager [FAWR-i-jer]

Additional Information: Its verb form is forage (ex. He only forages for plants that are safe to eat).

4. novice [NAH-vis]

Additional Information: A related word is beginner.

5. mindful [MAHYND-fuhl]

Additional Information: It is usually followed by the preposition of.

SYNONYMS

1. aperitif - drink, cocktail, beverage

2. overshadow - outshine, dominate, eclipse

3. forager - gatherer, collector, searcher

4. novice - beginner, newcomer, learner

5. mindful - careful, aware, thoughtful

DEFINITION:

1. aperitif - an alcoholic drink that is drunk before a meal

2. overshadow - to make something seem less important or impressive because something else is better

3. forager - a person who looks for and collects food, plants, or other useful things in nature

4. novice - a person who is new to an activity, job, or skill and doesn’t have much experience yet

5. mindful - being careful and aware of something; thinking carefully about something and not forgetting it

FREE CONVERSATION/DISCUSSION:

1. Have you ever tried foraging for wild food?

2. What kinds of plants or fruits grow naturally in your area?

3. Do you think foraging is safe for beginners?

4. What are some benefits of reconnecting with nature?

5. Why do you think foraging is becoming popular again?

6. Would you join a foraging group or workshop?

7. What skills do you need to be a good forager?

8. How can people learn which wild plants are safe to eat?

9. What are some risks of foraging in the wild?

10. Do you think foraging can help people save money?

11. How does foraging help the environment?

12. What is the difference between a forager and a farmer?

13. Can foraging be a fun activity for families?

14. What tools or equipment do foragers usually carry?

15. Have you ever tasted food made from foraged ingredients?

16. What does being mindful mean to you?

17. How can mindfulness help people enjoy nature more?

18. Do you think modern life has overshadowed traditional skills like foraging?

19. What are some other traditional skills people are reviving today?

20. How can novices stay safe while exploring nature?

21. What are some good beginner tips for foraging?

22. Do you think schools should teach students about wild plants and nature?

23. What are some common misconceptions about foraging?

24. How do you feel when you spend time in nature?

25. What are some ways to be more mindful in daily life?

26. What’s the difference between an aperitif and a digestif?

27. Have you ever been offered an aperitif before a meal?

28. What kind of drinks do you think go well with outdoor meals?

29. Do you know any local traditions related to wild food?

30. How can people share their foraging knowledge with others?

October 26, 2025

MATERIAL: Daily News Article

CATEGORY: Business

TITLE: Build-A-Bear continues to rack up market gains, despite tariffs and teetering mall traffic

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

1. roil [roil]

Additional Information: A related word is disturb.

2. reap [reep]

Additional Information: This verb is often followed by the nouns benefit and reward.

3. make a beeline for [meyk uh BEE-lahyn fawr]

Additional Information: This idiom usually follows the form make a beeline for (something).

4. anticipated [an-TIS–uh-pey-tid]

Additional Information: The verb form of this word is anticipate (ex. People anticipate that the president will make the announcement at noon).

5. headwind [HED-wind]

Additional Information: Headwind literally means “a wind that blows against you when you’re moving forward.”

SYNONYMS

1. roil - upset, disturb, shake

2. reap - gain, collect, receive

3. make a beeline for - rush, go straight, hurry

4. anticipated - expected, predicted, awaited

5. headwind - obstacle, challenge, difficulty

DEFINITION:

1. roil - to make someone or something upset, interrupted, or not work normally or as planned

2. reap - to get something as a result of what you have done

3. make a beeline for - to go directly and quickly toward someone or something, without stopping or changing direction

4. anticipated - expected or looked forward to in advance, often with excitement or preparation

5. headwind - a problem or challenge that makes progress more difficult

FREE CONVERSATION/DISCUSSION:

1. Have you ever visited a Build-A-Bear store?

2. What do you think makes Build-A-Bear popular with customers?

3. How do tariffs affect businesses like Build-A-Bear?

4. Why might mall traffic be decreasing these days?

5. What are some ways companies can adapt to fewer mall visitors?

6. What does it mean when a company “racks up market gains”?

7. Can you think of other businesses that have grown despite economic challenges?

8. What are some common headwinds businesses face today?

9. How can companies overcome financial headwinds?

10. What does it mean to reap rewards in business?

11. Have you ever made a beeline for a sale or product?

12. Why do people make a beeline for certain items during sales?

13. What are some anticipated trends in retail for next year?

14. How do companies prepare for anticipated changes in the market?

15. What role does customer experience play in business success?

16. How can Build-A-Bear keep attracting customers despite mall challenges?

17. What are some creative ways to increase foot traffic in malls?

18. How do tariffs influence product pricing?

19. What are the benefits of building a strong brand like Build-A-Bear?

20. What does it mean when a market is “roiled”?

21. How can businesses stay calm during economic roils?

22. What are some rewards companies reap from good customer service?

23. Why is anticipation important in business planning?

24. What are some examples of headwinds in your local economy?

25. How do you think Build-A-Bear stays resilient?

26. What kind of products do you think help Build-A-Bear succeed?

27. How do online sales help businesses facing mall traffic issues?

28. What are some ways to make a shopping experience more exciting?

29. How do you personally respond to anticipated product launches?

30. What lessons can small businesses learn from Build-A-Bear’s success?

October 25, 2025

MATERIAL: Daily News Article

CATEGORY: Sports

TITLE: Tony Hawk’s legendary skateboard just sold for a record-breaking $1.15 million

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

1. careen [kuh-REEN]

Additional Information: It is mainly used in American English.

2. indelible [in-DEL-uh-buhl]

Additional Information: A related word is permanent.

3. trailblazer [TREYL-bley-zer]

Additional Information: This noun may also mean “a person who marks or prepares a trail through a forest or field for other people to follow.”

4. flex [fleks]

Additional Information: It can be used as a verb (ex. He flexed his fancy holiday on social media by posting a photo).

5. exorbitantly [eg-ZOR-buh-tuhnt-lee]

Additional Information: A related word is extremely.

SYNONYMS

1. careen - rush, swerve, lurch

2. indelible - lasting, unforgettable, permanent

3. trailblazer - pioneer, pathfinder, innovator

4. flex - show off, display, boast

5. exorbitantly - overly, extremely, excessively

DEFINITION:

1. careen - to go forward quickly without control

2. indelible - can’t be removed or forgotten

3. trailblazer - the first person to discover, create, or do something new, showing others that it is possible

4. flex - something a person owns, does, or shows that they are proud of, usually to impress others

5. exorbitantly - in a way that is much more than normal or reasonable, especially for a price or cost

FREE CONVERSATION/DISCUSSION:

1. Have you ever ridden a skateboard before?

2. What do you know about Tony Hawk?

3. Why do you think Tony Hawk’s skateboard sold for so much money?

4. Would you spend a lot of money on a famous person’s item? Why or why not?

5. What makes something valuable to collectors?

6. Do you think skateboarding is a sport or a hobby?

7. Have you ever watched a skateboarding competition?

8. What skills do you need to be a good skateboarder?

9. Who is a trailblazer in a sport you like?

10. What’s something you’ve done that made you feel proud?

11. Can you think of a moment in your life that left an indelible memory?

12. What’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?

13. Do you think it’s okay to spend exorbitantly on hobbies?

14. What’s a “flex” you’ve seen on social media?

15. What’s a “flex” you’ve done yourself?

16. Do you think skateboarding should be in the Olympics? Why or why not?

17. What’s a sport that’s popular in your country?

18. Have you ever tried something new and felt like a trailblazer?

19. What’s a sport that looks fun but dangerous?

20. What’s the difference between a hobby and a sport?

21. Do you think collecting items is a good investment?

22. What’s something you would never sell, even for a lot of money?

23. What do you think makes a person a legend in sports?

24. How do athletes inspire young people?

25. What’s a sport you’d like to learn someday?

26. Do you think social media changes how people show their achievements?

27. What’s a memory from your childhood that is indelible?

28. Have you ever seen someone careen down a hill or road?

29. What’s the most exciting sports moment you’ve ever seen?

30. If you could meet any athlete, who would it be and why?

October 24, 2025

MATERIAL: Daily News Article

CATEGORY: Top Stories

TITLE: YouTube to start bringing back creators banned for COVID-19 and election misinformation

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

1. subpoena [suh-PEE-nuh]

Additional Information: This word is always used in a legal context.

2. discourse [DIS-kawrs]

Additional Information: A related noun is communication.

3. cascade [kas-KEYD]

Additional Information: The word also means “a large amount of something that flows or hangs down” (ex. A cascade of water flowed over the edge of the cliff).

4. crack down [krak doun]

Additional Information: Its noun form is crackdown (ex. The government started a crackdown on illegal street vendors).

5. unlawfully [un-LAH-fuhl-ee]

Additional Information: This word is often used in a formal context.

SYNONYMS:

1. subpoena - order, summons

2. discourse - talk, discussion

3. cascade - flood, series

4. crack down - punish, stop

5. unlawfully - illegally, wrongly

DEFINITION:

1. subpoena - an official legal document that orders someone to appear in court or to provide information

2. discourse - spoken or written discussion, usually about a serious subject

3. cascade - a large number of things that happen quickly, one after another

4. crack down - to take strong action to stop people from doing something bad or illegal

5. unlawfully - in a way that is not allowed by law

FREE CONVERSATION/DISCUSSION:

1. What is YouTube changing about its policy?

2. Why were some creators banned from YouTube?

3. What is misinformation?

4. Why is COVID-19 misinformation harmful?

5. What are examples of election misinformation?

6. Should creators who spread misinformation be allowed back?

7. How can platforms prevent the spread of false information?

8. What is a fair way to handle online rule-breaking?

9. Have you ever seen misinformation online?

10. How do you check if something is true?

11. What does a subpoena do?

12. Have you ever heard the word subpoena before?

13. What does discourse mean in a classroom?

14. Why is open discourse important in society?

15. What is a cascade of events?

16. Can one mistake cause a cascade of problems?

17. What does it mean to crack down on something?

18. What are some things governments crack down on?

19. What does unlawfully mean?

20. What is the opposite of unlawfully?

21. Why do you think YouTube changed its rules?

22. Should platforms forgive past mistakes?

23. How can creators be more responsible online?

24. What are the risks of allowing banned creators to return?

25. How can viewers protect themselves from misinformation?

26. What rules should social media platforms have?

27. Does freedom of speech include misinformation?

28. How can schools teach students to spot false information?

29. What role does the government play in online content?

30. Should there be global rules for online platforms?

October 23, 2025

MATERIAL: Daily News Article

CATEGORY: Education/Family

TITLE: Districts around the US are mulling school closures as student enrollment falls

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

1. plummet [PLUHM-it]

Additional Information: Some related words are collapse and crash.

2. hole [hohl]

Additional Information: It is used in a figurative context.

3. gut-wrenching [GUHT-ren-ching]

Additional Information: It is used in an informal context.

4. outcry [OUT-krahy]

Additional Information: This noun is often followed by the prepositions over, against, or from.

5. think tank [THINGK-tangk]

Additional Information: In American English, it is also called a think factory.

SYNONYMS

1. plummet - drop, fall, crash

2. hole - gap, space, emptiness

3. gut-wrenching - painful, upsetting, heartbreaking

4. outcry - protest, objection, complaint

5. think tank - research group, expert panel, advisory team

DEFINITION:

1. plummet [pluh-MET] - to decrease or drop very quickly and suddenly in amount or value

2. hole [HOHL] - a situation in which someone or something is gone or missing

3. gut-wrenching [GUHT-ren-ching] - causing great emotional pain or making someone feel worried or anxious

4. outcry [OUT-krahy] - a loud public protest or anger in which many people strongly disagree with something

5. think tank [THINGK-tangk] - an organization or a group of experts who study a topic, give ideas, advice, or solutions for problems

FREE CONVERSATION/DISCUSSION:

1. What do you think causes student enrollment to fall in some districts?

2. Have you ever experienced a school closure in your area?

3. How do school closures affect families and communities?

4. What are some possible solutions to declining student numbers?

5. Why might families move away from certain school districts?

6. How can schools attract more students?

7. What emotions might parents feel when a school closes?

8. What does a “hole” in a community mean to you?

9. How can communities fill the gap left by a closed school?

10. What are some gut-wrenching decisions schools have to make?

11. Have you ever felt a strong outcry about a local issue?

12. What role do think tanks play in education decisions?

13. Should school closures be decided by local communities or experts?

14. What are the pros and cons of closing a school?

15. How can schools repurpose buildings after closure?

16. What impact do school closures have on teachers?

17. How do students feel when their school shuts down?

18. What alternatives can districts offer to affected families?

19. How can technology help schools with low enrollment?

20. What can governments do to support struggling schools?

21. Should schools merge instead of closing?

22. How does a school’s closure affect nearby businesses?

23. What are signs that a school might be at risk of closing?

24. How can parents get involved in school decisions?

25. What are some ways to prevent enrollment from plummeting?

26. How do school closures affect transportation for students?

27. What happens to school staff when a school closes?

28. Can community programs help fill the hole left by a school?

29. What are some creative uses for closed school buildings?

30. How do you think students can be supported during transitions?