Innholdsfortegnelse for 260 i The Week Junior

DEXTER THE POLICE DOG A Labrador called Dexter has been made the first “wellbeing dog” by the Metropolitan Police. Dexter failed his sniffer-dog training but now has the task of bringing a smile to people’s faces. Studies suggest that being around pets makes humans feel happy. REDISCOVERING A RARE PLANT After more than 100 years of being out of sight, a rare pink plant called grass-poly has been found growing by a pond on a farm in Norfolk, England. It was discovered during work to restore the pond earlier this year, and has now been confirmed as the grass-poly species, one of the rarest plants in the UK. LIZ BONNIN Broadcaster and biologist Liz Bonnin has been elected to be the Wildlife Trusts ’ first female president. The Wildlife Trusts…

In 1996, footballer Gareth Southgate missed a penalty for England, in a shoot-out defeat at the European Championships. It was a bitterly painful moment. Yet in 2018, 22 years later, Southgate managed an England team that won a penalty shoot-out and enjoyed the country’s best World Cup since 1990. Now, Southgate is sharing what he’s learned in his book, Anything Is Possible: Be Brave, Be Kind and Follow Your Dreams. Southgate hopes that the new book will make young readers realise that they’re not the only ones who worry about making mistakes – adults do too. “There’s lots of things I’ve been through that they might think people in high-profile roles don’t experience,” he tells The Week Junior, “but they’re not the only ones feeling these things.” As a manager,…

Giant pandas More than 100,000 people cast votes to name a panda cub born in August at the Smithsonian National Zoo in the US capital, Washington D.C. The public chose a Mandarin Chinese name, Xiao Qi Ji, which means “Little Miracle”. At 22, the cub’s mother is the oldest panda mum in US history. Single-use bottles Researchers at the University of Southampton say throwaway glass bottles are worse for the environment than plastic ones. Having assessed the life-cycle of various drink containers, they said that people need to move away from single-use cans, cartons and bottles altogether.…

The History of Everything (in 32 Pages) by Anna Claybourne. Illustrated by Jan Van Der Veken (Laurence King) Travel through time and space to learn how the world has evolved. Beginning with the Big Bang, this easy-to-read visual guide to “everything” will take you on a journey from the creation of the stars to the first plants and animals, early civilisations and beyond. Timelines of Everyone (Dorling Kindersley) Following on from Timelines of Everything, this new book focuses on impressive people – activists, artists, explorers, humanitarians, inventors, kings and queens, scientists and writers from all around the world. There are 150 visual timelines to explore, full of interesting details and surprising facts about all sorts of people, including William Shakespeare and TV star Oprah Winfrey. Britannica All New Children’s Encyclopedia…

The Polar Express Apple TV, DVD, Google Play, PlayStation Store, Prime Video, Sky Store An ambitious film adaptation of a book that wasn’t very famous at the time, The Polar Express has become a much-loved family favourite. It was one of the first films to use “motion capture”, where actors are filmed and then their character’s look is animated over the top of them. It often looks a bit weird because it was such new technology. Tom Hanks plays five different roles – can you spot them all? AWESOME AUTHOR Chris Van Allsburg wrote the book on which this film is based. He also wrote the book that inspired the film Jumanji.…

1996 The first Pokémon games were released in Japan for Nintendo’s Game Boy. At this time, they were called “Pocket Monsters: Red” and “Pocket Monsters: Green” – the name was shortened to Pokémon later. Red and Blue versions came to the UK in 1999. 2014 A clever programmer created a way for users of the video-streaming service Twitch to play the very first Pokémon game together, by typing commands into the chat section. “Twitch Plays Pokémon” attracted more than 1.1 million gamers. 2016 Pokémon Go launched for smartphones, letting people catch the monsters in the streets where they lived. It was tested in Japan and then released around the world.…

What you need Olaf Falafel is a children’s author, illustrator, dad of two daughters and a comedian. During the first lockdown he created an online Art Club (tinyurl. com/TWJ-olafart). Each episode was filled with jokes, useful tips, animations and facts about his favourite artists, including René Magritte. Over to you, Olaf... “A lot of my comedy is surreal, which means weird and unusual. I think the best jokes are strange ones. For example:‘What’s green and has four wheels?’ ‘Grass (I was lying about the wheels!)’. I like strange art too, and one of the most surreal artists is the Belgian, René Magritte. His work is full of things that you wouldn’t expect to see. As it’s coming up to Christmas I thought I’d show you…

Name: Kate “I feel using filters and editing tools on images posted on social media can be more harmful to mental health than people think. When an image is artificially enhanced it creates an unrealistic standard that young people may feel pressure to conform to. Some adults think it is obvious when a change has been made, however I think for people my age and younger this might not be the case. An MP has suggested that these images are labelled, telling you it’s been edited and these people aren’t in fact as perfect as they seem. Jameela Jamil is a big advocate of this, as are others. Looks don’t matter, it’s about who you are and what you do. What do you think about this? ” What have you…

“This is me making a Christmas pudding on Stir Up Sunday, using the recipe from The Week Junior. Usually my Grandpa makes the pudding but I decided to have a go at this one and I can’t wait to try it!” Megan “This is me with my cat, Topsy, on a relaxing Sunday morning.” Sam “I made some string art pictures during lockdown. My first one was a picture of my pet chicken Twiglet and a shooting star.” Georgia…

The US election, held last month, was between Donald Trump and Joe Biden – both men in their 70s. Biden, who won the election, will be the oldest leader in the country’s history. In some cultures, older people are considered to be wise. Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge and experience to make good decisions. In theory, the older a person is, the more knowledge and experience they should have. However, some people say 78 is too old to lead a nation and that a younger leader might do a better job. Recent research shows that two of the countries dealing best with the coronavirus are Finland, led by 35-year-old Sanna Marin, and New Zealand, led by Jacinda Ardern, who is 40. So what do you think? Does a…

Andrew Rolfe Zookeeper, ZSL Whipsnade Zoo Most of our day is spent feeding, cleaning enclosures and talking to visitors but when we have spare time we design activities, called enrichment, to keep our animals active. This could be a ball filled with meat for our tigers, or a box with healthy snacks for our primates. Such toys help animals practise their natural skills, like digging and hunting. Enjoy unlimited visits to ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos, plus a host of other benefits with ZSL Membership. Find out more at zsl.org/membership/zsl-membership…

Dyson is one of the UK’s most famous inventors, best known for creating a new style of vacuum cleaner that doesn’t need a bag to collect dust. In 1978, he had the initial idea for cyclonic separation – a process that combines the power of gravity with rapid spinning to extract dust from the air – but it took him 15 years to make his product a reality. Since then, Dyson has become one of the richest people in the world, and often puts money into new technologies. The James Dyson Foundation encourages people to take up engineering and to accept mistakes as part of the process of invention.…

The Good Bear by Sarah Lean. Illustrated by Fiona Woodcock (Simon & Schuster Children’s Books) Thea is looking forward to spending the Christmas holidays with her dad. She’s going to tell him all about her plans to become a writer and maybe he’ll buy her the typewriter she’s been dreaming of. When she arrives in Norway, however, things aren’t quite as she’d hoped. For one thing she has to share her father with his new family. Everything changes, though, when Thea finds a bear in the woods who needs her help. Thea and Bear soon become friends but when people in the town hear that there’s a bear in the woods, there’s danger ahead. Can Thea prove that Bear isn’t dangerous and thereby save him? Beautifully written with lovely…

The Muppet Christmas Carol Gonzo narrates this version with many of the book’s original lines, and Kermit is cast as Bob Cratchit. It’s silly and funny but still retains the power of the original story. You can stream it on Disney+. The book The book itself is a novella (a short novel around 100 pages) and one of Dickens’ most famous works, so it is a good place to start. The characters come alive on the page as much as they do in any filmed version, and all the best lines are there. The Old Vic Streaming online is a stage adaptation from London’s Old Vic theatre. The production, now in its fourth year, will be filmed live in the theatre and shown from 12–24 December. Find out more at…

Godmothered From 4 December on Disney+ This comedy is about a fairy godmother in training whose mission is to prove that there is still a need for her chosen profession. She decides to help a 40-year-old woman, who had a wish ignored when she was much younger, and vows to fill her life with happiness again. Jamie: Keep Cooking at Christmas 8pm on 6 December, Channel 4 In this two-part series, famous TV chef Jamie Oliver and his family share top tips for a festive season, even if restrictions mean you can’t celebrate with everyone. From recipes and ideas for edible presents to reusing Christmas leftovers in a creative way, Oliver’s new show hopes to make the season special. The Nightwatchmen’s Nativity 6pm on 6 December, Sky Arts The Nativity…

Molly Thompson-Smith Thompson-Smith became the first British woman to win a medal at the Climbing European Championships. She took bronze in the final of the Lead category. Marcus Rashford The England and Manchester United footballer will be given the Panel Special Award as part of the BBC Sports Personality ceremony. This year he has raised awareness of child food poverty in the UK. He will receive the prize on 20 December. Sydney Thunder They beat Melbourne Stars to win the Women’s Big Bash League cricket final at North Sydney Oval in Australia. England players Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont were part of the team. St Helens Thanks to teenager Jack Welsby’s dramatic late try, St Helens beat Wigan Warriors 8-4 in rugby league’s Super League Grand Final.…

One of the most powerful remedies for times that feel a little gloomy, strange or frightening is music. Earlier this year, during the first UK lockdown, stories emerged of musicians in different countries playing or singing from their windows and balconies to cheer up themselves and their neighbours. There were rousing renditions of national anthems, raucous sing-alongs to favourite tunes and patients in hospitals being serenaded by loved ones. I was reminded of all this as I edited this week’s All About – on the famous composer Beethoven (find it on page 12). It’s remarkable that 250 years after his birth, his music still brings meaning and happiness to so many. How wonderful that the National Youth Orchestra played his Ode to Joy to NHS key workers back in April.…

If you’re between four and 14 years old and fancy spending your spare time at indoor city KidZania, apply to be its new mayor. You’ll get to open activities, lead city parades and set out new agendas. Plus, you’ll receive other perks, including a free birthday party, a B-KidZanian membership, mayoral robes and the chance to contribute to KidZania’s blogs and newsletters. To apply, answer this question:“What are the first three things you’d like to add to KidZania London if you become mayor, and why?” Send your entry to marketing@kidzania.co.uk. Entries can be in any form, from a video or letter to a piece of art. Enter before 18 December 2020 and visit kidzania.co.uk to discover more.…

Teacher’s name: Mrs Webb School: Colwall C of E Primary school, Herefordshire “Mrs Webb is amazing! The photo is from last week when she volunteered to get covered in over 14 litres of custard for Children in Need.” Rebecca If we pick your teacher as Teacher of the Week, we’ll sendyourschoolthreefreeissuesof The Week Junior. Send your nominations, along with a picture of your teacher and your school’s full name and address, to hello@theweekjunior.co.uk…

Canadian motorists have been told by officials in the province of Alberta not to let moose lick their cars. The moose in Jasper National Park like to lick the cars because the vehicles have salt on them. The salt is spread on the roads to stop ice forming during the colder months, and the salt then splashes onto vehicles. Moose need salt to stay healthy and usually get their fix from salty lakes in the area but they often find it easier to lick the salt from cars. The officials say they do not want the moose to get used to vehicles because the animals could cause dangerous car crashes. A male moose can weigh up to 600 kilograms.…

8 December 1542 Mary, Queen of Scots is born On 8 December 1542, Mary Stuart was born. She was the only child of King James V of Scotland and also the great-niece of King Henry VIII of England. Six days later, Mary’s father passed away, making her Queen of Scotland. Mary was sent to France to be raised by King Henry II and Catherine de Medici. In 1561, Mary left France for Scotland. She ruled Scotland for six years but was forced to give up her position as queen and was imprisoned for 19 years. Mary was executed for treason at the age of 44.…

Action for Children, a charity that helps protect and support children and young people, has launched a Secret Santa appeal. It is asking for donations so that it can provide children living in poverty with presents, food and support this Christmas. Poverty is when people do not have enough money to buy essential items like food and clothes, or to pay for a place to live. Action for Children’s appeal is needed because there are around 4.2 million children in the UK living in poverty. That is the same as nine children in every school class of 30. This year, the coronavirus outbreak has meant that lots of people have lost their jobs and have been unable to work, so are struggling to earn enough money. Christmas can be a…

● Joe Biden will be 78 years old when he officially becomes president of the United States of America on 20 January 2021. He will be the oldest leader in the country’s history. ● Presidential candidates must be at least 35 years old when they take office (become president) in the US. However, there is no upper age limit. ● At the age of 34, Sanna Marin became the world’s youngest serving prime minister when she was elected Finland’s leader in December 2019. ● In the UK, the average age of Members of Parliament is around 50 years old.…

Schools have until 5 January to apply for the Woodland Trust’s Free Tree scheme, ready for planting in spring 2021. The aim of the Trust’s Big Climate Fightback campaign is to get 50 million trees planted in the UK by 2025. “Trees are our strongest warriors in the battle against climate change,” says the Trust. They help to reverse the effects of climate change (long-term changes in weather patterns caused by human activity) by absorbing carbon dioxide, preventing flooding and keeping cities cool. The Trust has already sent out 600,000 trees to organisations around the UK, and there are another 600,000 available. The trees come in packs that contain a mix of native species such as wild cherry, dogwood and holly. To get involved, you can find out more at…

A barred owl called Barry has become the talk of New York after moving into the US city’s famous Central Park. With his tawny feathers, dark eyes and an ability to turn his head 270 degrees around, Barry had been attracting fans and photographers from all over the city. Barry stays awake in the day and apparently likes to perform to a crowd, whereas most owls are nocturnal and shy. ● LIFESPAN: Up to 23 years. ● HABITAT: Mixed forests with large trees. ● DIET: Small mammals such as mice, shrews and squirrels. ● FUN FACT: Barred owls sometimes binge on crayfish (a freshwater relative of lobsters) so much that their belly feathers turn pink.…

In 1792, Beethoven returned to Vienna to study with another great composer, Joseph Haydn, and then lived in Vienna for the rest of his life. Although his early music was all written for the piano, Beethoven started to learn more instruments, and by 1800 he had written his first symphony. A symphony is a long piece of music written for an orchestra, usually made up of three or four different sections known as movements. This marked the beginning of a new stage in Beethoven’s career, when he started to write music that was grander and more exciting than anything people had heard before.…

What is your favourite thing about winter? Snow. It doesn’t often snow here on the south coast of England but when it does it feels magical. New sounds underfoot, soft and clear light, the thrill of the cold while wrapped up warm, and it’s the most wonderful substance to build with and make patterns in. If you could travel to any country where would you go? Norway. All that snow for sledging, skiing and hiking, to see the fjords, the spectacular glaciers, mountains, cities, polar bears and reindeer, and for the chance of seeing the extraordinary northern lights. What is your favourite animal? I love all the glorious big cats. And elephants. And birds. I adore otters, especially giant otters. Dogs, of course. Whales. Horses. And bears, bears, bears. I…

It’s been four years since Pokémon Go came out for Apple and Android smartphones but it is still one of the most popular mobile games in the world. Sensor Tower, a company that analyses Apple and Google’s app stores, recently estimated that nearly 600 million people have installed the game since its launch in 2016. The game’s developers have been keeping themselves busy creating new features for the game, which have been announced this month under the banner of “GO Beyond”, ahead of next year’s 25th anniversary of the very first Pokémon games. Changes include a new seasons structure, matching winter, spring, summer and autumn in the real world. Different kinds of Pokémon will appear in each season, whether found in the wild, captured in gym raids or hatched from…

How can I join Action for Children’s virtual carol concert? Tickets for Starry Night on 8 December are £10 for a household. Book your place by visiting starry-night.co.uk. Donations can also be made to help Action for Children raise more funds, and there is a silent auction and prize draw to be entered. What can make a virtual concert even more fun? Perhaps you have an instrument, like a guitar or tambourine, to play during the singing. Impress the other households in your concert by setting the virtual background seen on your screen to something festive or by dressing up.…

The Charlie Watkins Foundation Every weekend leading up to Christmas, cousins Freddie Wilkinson, aged 24 and George Neville, 26, have been running the length of the Underground on London’s streets. In total that’s 381 Tube stations and 293 miles. “It’s been much tougher than expected,” George says, but “it’s amazing what the human body can do.” Freddie says “Friends joining in and reaching the finish line has been amazing.” The pair are raising money for the Charlie Watkins Foundation, which works to increase awareness around mental health issues in young people and students. Find out how you can donate at tinyurl.com/ TWJcharliewatkinsfoundation…

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Follow The Week Junior on PopJam@TheWeekJunior. You can download the PopJam app from the App Store or Google Play. Last week, we asked you if virtual events are as good as the real thing. You said... “Yes because you can still have a good time with people on a Zoom call.” “I don’t think virtual events are very good because you struggle to talk as much and it’s just not the same experience.” “Not in any way whatsoever.” “Of course not. I like to see my family in person.” Tell us what you think of this week’s issue and we’ll print some of the best comments here.…

1 Against which country did Diego Maradona score his first international goal? a) England b) Scotland c) Wales 2 True or false? Beavers have built a dam on Exmoor for the first time in 400 years. 3 What is the name of the elephant who has found a new home in Cambodia? 4 How old will Joe Biden be when he becomes US president in January? a) 58 b) 68 c) 78 5 True or false? Dave Prowse was the voice of Darth Vader. 6 What is the biggest species of penguin? 7 In which country was Ludwig van Beethoven born? a) Germany b) Austria c) Switzerland 8 True or false? James Dyson created 2,715 designs for his famous vacuum cleaner before finding the right one. 9 In which Russian…