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Welcome to issue 4 of Know Your World Extra. Scroll to the bottom of the page for additional activities for your students.

Background Information About Issue 4
Hot Topics-Natalie in Wonderland
Before Reading: Actress Natalie Portman stars in Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, which is in theaters November 16. The movie is about an eccentric (and 243 years old!) man (Dustin Hoffman) who leaves is magical toy store to a shy girl (Portman). The article features a Q&A with Portman.
Tap Prior Knowledge: Ask students what other movies they've seen Portman in. Who is their favorite actor or actress? What is their favorite movie? What is their favorite toy? If they could have a magical toy, what would it be?
Background Information:
-Natalie Portman was born in Israel.
-Portman has starred as Queen Padme Amidala  in the new Star Wars trilogy.
-She was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the movie Closer.
-Dustin Hoffman has won Oscars for his roles in Kramer vs. Kramer and Rainman.
-Jason Bateman (from tv's Arrested Development) also stars in Mr. Magorium.
-Walden Media and Mandate Pictures have partnered with Toys for Tots to set a Guinness World Record® for the largest toy drive. The challenge will require collecting more than 12,000 pounds of toys between November 6-13th.  Kids can drop off a new, unwrapped toy at any of the various locations across the country.  For more information, visit http://www.magorium.com/toydrive/.

Feature-He's Got Drive!
Before Reading: Brad Coleman, 19, is NASCAR's youngest driver. He started his career at 14. Coleman practices racing every day, either out on the race track or on a simulator.
Tap Prior Knowledge: What is your favorite sport? Who is your favorite athlete? What do you know about race cars?
Background Information:
-Coleman began racing at 14.
-At 16, Coleman set a world record for racing.
-Coleman was discovered at a Go-Kart track.
-Car racing is one of the most popular sports in the country, second only to football.
-All drivers must wear the HANS Device (head and neck restraint system) during races. This device protects their necks from going forward in the event of a crash.

Debate It!-Touch About Touching
Before Reading: A school in Virginia has instituted a no-touching policy for students, which includes high-fives and hugs. Officials claim this will stop fights and prevent some uncomfortable situations; however, many believe that as humans, we need physical contact.
Tap Prior Knowledge: Why do you think a school would have a no-touching policy? What are some good reasons that it might be necessary to touch someone at school?
Background Information:
-The no-touching policy was enacted in the Joyce Kilmer Middle School in Vienna, Virginia.

Readers' Theater-Double Trouble
Before Reading: The Readers' Theater is an adaptation Robert Louis Stevenson's novel The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This classic work explores the duality of man's nature. Dr. Jekyll, a good man, wishes to explore his dark urges. So he creates a potion that splits his personality, and becomes the murderous Mr. Hyde.
Tap Prior Knowledge: Why do you think Mr. Hyde is ugly? Why do you think Dr. Jekyll wants to do evil things? Why do you think Dr. Jekyll invents the potion?
Background Information:
-The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde was first published in 1886.
-The story explores split personalities and good vs. evil.
-There have been many movies of this story.
-Robert Louis Stevenson also wrote Treasure Island.

Reality Check-QUIT SHOUTING!
Before Reading: There are certain 'netiquette,' or Internet etiquette, guidelines that should be followed. This Reality Check teaches some of the standards, such as not capitalizing all text in e-mails or posts (capitalized text implies shouting) and making sure to do a spell check before sending or posting something online.
Tap Prior Knowledge: Why is it important to be nice when posting online? Is it OK to use abbreviations online? What are some abbreviations you use in e-mails and IMs? What are some rules people should follow when surfing the Internet?
Background Information:
-Netiquette rules vary and should just be considered as guidelines.
-Popular  guidelines are don't forward spam and don't capitalize all text in e-mails.
-Some common Internet abbreviations are: lol (laugh out loud), brb (be right back), and ttyl (talk to you later).

What's So Funny
In issue 4, we showed you some winners of our What's So Funny page, which featured a space boy and his rocket ship. Here are more of our favorite entries:

• "Mom, I'm going back home." Heather, Verona, VA
• "I'm going out, but I'll be back for dinner." Olla O., Dublin, OH 
• "I'm too big, I'll get stuck." Louis R., Henderson, NV
• "I hope this fish smells gets out of my helmet." Josh P., Seymour, MS
• "I am so sad that my girlfriend kicked me out of space!" Frances P., McIntosh, NM
• "I hope my calculations are correct and the moon really is made of cheese!" Marley H., Copeland, KS
• "Not quite the Buzz Lightyear I expected." Jason G., Copeland, KS
• "How will I use the bathroom in this suit?" Nik L., Copeland, KS

Check back next month for new What's So Funny entries!

Extra Activities
Our teacher's guide offers activities to enhance the articles in the issue. Click here and here for additional activities. Don't forget the answers!

Download the Write-a-Rap contest entry form here.

Your opinions matter! Is there something you want to see on the Web site? Do you have any questions or comments about the issue? E-mail us at kyw@weeklyreader.com. We want to hear from your students too. In every issue, we'll publish letters to the editor.