Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. a toddler
    • ex. My cousin is a toddler who is just learning to speak short words and walk on his own.
  2. daunting
    • ex. Moving to a new country without knowing the language can be a daunting and scary task.
  3. a playpen
    • ex. The mother placed her baby safely inside the playpen with soft toys so he could play without wandering off.
  4. a carry-on
    • ex. I put my passport and other important things in a carry-on for the flight.
  5. interactive
    • ex. The zoo offers an interactive tour in which visitors can feed the animals.

Article

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

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Traveling with a baby or toddler can be daunting, but parents can take steps to make trips safer and easier. Before booking a place to stay, parents should check if it offers a baby bed, high chair, or playpen. They should also ask about baby gates if the place has stairs, a balcony, or a pool.

Flying with young children can also be difficult. Children under two can sit on a parent’s legs, but the Federal Aviation Administration recommends using a safety seat. Parents can bring breast milk, baby milk, and baby food through airport security because these items are not limited by the usual liquid rules. Be sure to inform airport officials if you have these things in your carry-on. Parents should also pack extra diapers, wet tissues, extra clothes, and snacks.

Parents should plan fun activities for children during the trip. Small toys and games can help keep them busy on a plane. When going sightseeing, try interactive activities, such as drawing in a museum or finding animals in paintings. These activities can help children enjoy new places while learning about other cultures.

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

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Planning One’s Trip

  • The article notes that parents should check for items like baby beds before planning a trip. When you plan a trip, do you usually call or email the place you will stay before you arrive to ask for special things you need? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • What are the most essential items you always pack when you travel far away? Discuss.
  • The article suggests that parents should plan fun activities for children during a trip. When you travel, whether alone or with family, which is better: making a plan of activities for every day, or choosing what to do as you go? Why? Discuss.

Traveling with Family

  • According to the article, traveling with a baby or toddler can be daunting for parents. In your experience, is it easy or difficult to travel with your whole family, especially when young children are included? Discuss.
  • How do you usually react when you share public travel spaces, like planes or restaurants, with crying babies or toddlers? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, what is the best place to travel to for a family vacation, especially when traveling with young children? Discuss.