Where do you feel a sense of belonging? In this lesson, students will learn about the various aspects of a community and possible improvements that could be made. This lesson features a video that discusses the city of Memphis, its history, and how it has shaped communities. Students will learn and practice verb patterns and vocabulary relating to this topic. The lesson includes plenty of engaging discussion activities and worksheets that have been developed for adult and teenage learners.

Lesson Objectives

Grammar: Students will focus on mastering verb patterns which are crucial for expressing actions and intentions clearly. They will practice these structures in various sentences, learning to articulate community-related actions and suggestions effectively.

Listening: Students will enhance their listening skills by engaging with a video about Memphis and its community dynamics. They will concentrate on understanding the personal stories and historical insights provided, which highlight the community's evolution and current challenges.

Speaking: Through discussions, students wil use the language and concepts learned to debate improvements and express their views on community development.

Vocabulary: The lesson will introduce and practice vocabulary related to community life. These terms will be vital for discussing community issues and solutions, enabling students to articulate ideas about community development and engagement effectively.

Cultural Awareness: Students will explore how historical and socio-economic factors influence community behavior and attitudes. They will discuss the impact of past events on current community dynamics, enhancing their understanding of how communities evolve.

Homework: Students will engage with exercises that include filling in blanks with correct words, choosing the right answers about verb patterns, and correcting mistakes in example sentences. These tasks aim to reinforce the vocabulary and grammar discussed during the lesson, ensuring students can accurately use the new language in the context of community discussions.

Video

People grow up in different neighborhoods and in various ways. Trauma that is developed from times of adversity is carried down through generations and affects everyone who comes after it. Watch this video about the city of Memphis and learn the history of this area and how it has shaped its people and communities.

Video Transcript

Vocabulary and Pronunciation

epicenter [noun]: the place that has the highest level of activity; the central point of something

sanitation worker [noun]: a person whose job is to empty people's trash cans and take the garbage away

upbringing [noun]: the treatment and instruction received by a child from its parents throughout its childhood

bullfrog [noun]: a giant North American frog making a loud, deep, rough noise

nickel [noun]: a coin worth five cents

trauma [noun]: long-lasting and severe emotional shock and pain caused by a highly upsetting experience

entrepreneur [noun]: someone attempting to make a profit by starting a company/business or by operating alone in the world of business, especially when there is some risk involved

adversity [noun]: a difficult or unlucky situation or event

locavore [noun]: someone who only buys locally produced goods from local businesses

sustainable [adjective]: able to be maintained or continued

principle [noun]: a moral rule or standard of good behavior

the projects  [noun]: a group of houses or apartments, usually provided by the government for families with low incomes

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