| Level: |
Topic: |
Speakers: |
Length: |
| easy |
family activities |
man – young girl |
00:39 |
Pre-Listening Exercise
If you are a child, where do you want your mother or father to take you on their day off (e.g., amusement park, zoo, swimming pool, a park, etc.)?
Speak Up, Take a Stand! Instructions for Getting the Conversation Started
These statements are designed to get everyone thinking, moving, and talking! The goal is to explore ideas, share opinions, and get ready for the next part of the lesson.
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In a face-to-face classroom: Read each statement aloud. If you agree, move to one side of the room; if you disagree, move to the other. Talk with your group—why do you feel that way? Then, pair students with members of the other group and have students explain their reasons. Rotate partners for more practice.
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In an online classroom: Use polls, emojis, or the chat box in your online platform to show your opinion. Then, join the conversation as a group or in breakout rooms. What do others think? Do you agree or disagree with them?
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For independent learners: Read each statement and think about your opinion. Then say your answer out loud and explain your reason, as if you’re talking to a classmate. This helps you get ready to speak and join real conversations in English. Consider recording your ideas and self-assess your progress.
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- It’s always better to go outside for fun and not stay inside.
- Watching TV together is a good family activity.
- Going on a picnic is always fun, no matter the weather.
- Playing video games together is a great family bonding activity.
- It’s better to plan a fun family activity ahead of time than do it without planning.
- Everyone in the family should do the same activity, even if they don’t like it.
- Playing sports together is the best way to have fun as a family.
- Cooking a meal together is a fun family activity.
- Family fun time should always be on weekends.
Idioms
“soft-hearted” = gentle, kind
“He might not seem very understanding, but you’ll see he’s soft-hearted once you get to know him.”
“run in the family” = physical or personality traits that are similar
“All their kids are very athletic; it seems to run in the family.”
Listening Exercise
A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.
Vocabulary Practice
Try this activity to practice the vocabulary from the conversation:
Post-Listening Exercise
Family entertainment can be a way to improve family relationships. Share your thoughts and experiences on the following topics with a partner:
- What things did you do together with your family when you were growing up?
- Do you still do any of these things today?
Online Investigation
Families sometimes visit an amusement park like Disneyland or something smaller for fun. Choose a country or place you want to visit and answer these questions using the Internet:
- What is the name of the amusement park?
- Where is it located?
- What are the hours?
- How much does a ticket cost to get in?
- Are there any discounts for children or seniors?
- What are the main attractions of the park?