Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. troubled
    • ex. He comes from a troubled family, but he is trying to make a better life.
  2. homelessness
    • ex. The city is working on a plan to reduce homelessness.
  3. immigrant
    • ex. The city has many immigrant families who moved there to find better jobs.
  4. donate
    • ex. Many people donated money to help the flood victims.
  5. childcare
    • ex. The company offers childcare services for employees with young children.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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In October, children in San Francisco’s troubled Tenderloin neighborhood enjoyed pizza, candy, and games at the area’s first-ever pumpkin patch festival. Despite issues like drug use and homelessness, the neighborhood is home to about 3,000 children, many from immigrant families.

Compass Family Services organized the event after parents suggested a Halloween trip to a pumpkin patch, said CEO Erica Kisch. Instead of traveling far, she brought the pumpkin patch to the neighborhood. Local businesses and community groups were happy to donate. “The kids of the Tenderloin deserve something like this in their own neighborhood,” said Kisch, dressed as a green dinosaur. Children from local schools and childcare programs joined with teachers and parents to enjoy a safe, fun day.

Families said the event brought happiness and hope to the community. Seven-year-old Laura Lugo proudly showed two bags of candy, while her mother shared that they had recently moved into an apartment with Compass’s help. Parent Lucy Vang said she was grateful her son could enjoy a fun, safe event in their own neighborhood.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Community Events

  • The article says the pumpkin patch festival brought joy and hope to families in the neighborhood. Do you think local events can make a community stronger? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • The pumpkin patch festival was suggested by parents and organized by a local group. If you could suggest an event for your community, what would it be (ex. a dinner party, a costume party)? Discuss.
  • According to the article, Tenderloin is a troubled neighborhood, but the event gave the kids from there a safe, fun day. Do you think community events can help reduce negative behavior or conflict in an area? Why or why not? Discuss.

Children and Community

  • In the article, children enjoyed a fun and safe event close to home. Why is it important for every neighborhood to have safe spaces for children to play? Discuss.
  • Describe your community (ex. it’s safe for kids, it’s immigrant-friendly). Discuss.
  • In your opinion, how can a community of local people and immigrants live well together? Discuss.