December Week One

This week's conversation topic was inspired by a recent book I read called A Libertarian Walks Into a Bear: A Utopian Plot to Liberate an American Small Town. Talking about this story from Grafton, New Hampshire led our conversation to small town life, utopias and politics, and of course, BEARS.

Listening:
Learners can try an activity from from Randall's Listening Lab about outdoor safety when it concerns wildlife or for something a little more challenging, The Myth of the Scandinavian Utopia.

For original version listening, try your hand at Libertarian Summer Camp from NPR or about Why People Move to NH as Part of the Free State Movement.

Reading:
Learners can try a short reading activity about American Black Bears that includes reading and vocabulary work.

For original version, you can read the article that first tipped me off to the Grafton saga, The Town that Went Feral or some texts about bears: Bear Talk or an article that dispels common myths about bears.

Writing:
This week, I would like you to write a story about a conflict in a small town. You can make it up or draw on your own knowledge or experiences.  What are the different sides fighting for? Is there a solution to the problem?

Best,
Kelly