英文速読　中級-21

　　When we watch kittens and puppies playing, we realize that through play they are learning how to live. They learn various physical skills, such as how to jump over barriers without getting hurt. They also learn social interaction. For example, if a kitten bites his sister too hard, she will get angry and bite him back. These physical and social skills form part of the training that young animals need in order to grow up.
　Just as kittens and puppies learn about how to live through play, so do children. But in present-day Japan, especially in cities, there is not much space for children to play in. Children need to release their energy for their mental and physical health. They need space, especially outdoors, so that they can run, jump, and yell.
　Another point to consider is how much time children have to play. Some people say that four to five hours a day of playing outdoor with others is necessary, even for twelve-years-olds. It is very doubtful, however, whether any Japanese children get that much free time. Concerned about their future in an increasingly competitive society, parents generally tell their children to study more; very few would tell them to go out and play.
　What do these children do at home when they are not studying? They tend to spend their time by themselves. They play video games or watch TV, for instance. These activities do not teach them how to get along with others. This can only be learned through playing with other children. They need to play without being told what to do by adults in order to learn about leadership and group harmony on their own. Outdoor space is particularly suitable for this purpose. Children need a proper outdoor environment where they can freely spend their time playing with friends.　
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　303words

　　

　When we watch kittens and puppies playing, we realize /that through play they are learning /how to live. They learn various physical skills, such as how to jump over barriers /without getting hurt. They also learn social interaction. For example, if a kitten bites his sister too hard, she will get angry and bite him back. These physical and social skills form part of the training /that young animals need /in order to grow up.

　私たちが子猫や子犬が遊んでいるのを見ると、私たちは気づく、遊びを通して彼らは学んでいることに、生き方を。彼らは様々な身体的技能を身に着ける、障害物を飛び越える方法のような、怪我することなく。彼らはまた社会的交流も学ぶ。例えば、もし子猫がその姉妹を強く噛みすぎると姉妹は怒って噛み返すだろう。これらの身体的そして社会的な技能が訓練の一部を作る。それを若い動物は必要とする、成長するために。

　Just as kittens and puppies learn /about how to live /through play, so do children. But in present-day Japan, especially in cities, there is not much space /for children /to play in. Children need to release their energy /for their mental and physical health. They need space, especially outdoors, so that they can run, jump, and yell.

　ちょうど子猫や子犬が学ぶように、遊びを通して生き方を、子供たちも学ぶ。しかし今日の日本では、特に都市部において、多くの空間はない、子供たちが遊ぶための。子供たちは彼らのエネルギーを発散させる必要がある、精神的、身体的健康のために。彼らは空間を必要としている、特に外の空間を。彼らが走ったり、跳ねたり、叫んだりすることができるように。

　Another point to consider is how much time children have to play. Some people say /that four to five hours a day of playing outdoor /with others /is necessary, even for twelve-years-olds. It is very doubtful, however, whether any Japanese children get that much free time. Concerned about their future /in an increasingly competitive society, parents generally tell their children /to study more; very few would tell them /to go out and play.

　考慮すべきもう一つの点は、どれくらい多くの遊ぶ時間を持っているかという事だ。ある人は言う、1日に４，５時間外で他の子供と遊ぶことが必要だと、12歳の子供でさえ。しかし、それは非常に疑わしい、どの日本の子供もそれほど多くの自由時間を得ているかどうかは。子供たちの未来を心配して、ますます激しくなる競争社会において、親はたいてい子供たちに言う、もっと勉強するように、非常に少ない親は彼らに言うだろう、外に行って遊ぶように。

　　What do these children do at home /when they are not studying? They tend to spend their time /by themselves. They play video games or watch TV, for instance. These activities do not teach them /how to get along with others. This can only be learned /through playing with other children. They need to play /without being told /what to do /by adults /in order to learn about leadership and group harmony /on their own. Outdoor space is particularly suitable /for this purpose. Children need a proper outdoor environment /where they can freely spend their time playing with friends.　

　これらの子供尾たちは家で何をするのか、彼らが勉強していないとき。彼らは時間を過ごす傾向がある、一人で。彼らはテレビゲームをしたりテレビを見たりする、例えば。これらの活動は彼らに教えない、他人との付き合い方を。このようなことは学ばれる、ほかの子供と一緒に遊ぶことを通してだけ。子供たちは遊ぶことを必要とする、言われることなしに、何をすべきか、大人に、統率力やグループの調和について学ぶために、自分で。外の空間は特に適している、この目的に。子供たちは適切な外の環境を必要としている、そこで彼らは自由に費やすことができる、友達と遊ぶ彼らの時間を。