Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. a sibling
    • ex. His younger sibling started school this year.
  2. balance
    • ex. He tried to balance the box on his head.
  3. a disability
    • ex. The school provides support for students with disabilities.
  4. a donor
    • ex. The donors gave money to help children in need.
  5. executive
    • ex. The company executive met with the workers to discuss the company’s plans for next year.

Article

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

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In some US schools, young children are learning how to ride bicycles in school gyms and playgrounds as part of their physical education classes. All Kids Bike, a program from an education foundation, has brought bike lessons to nearly 2,000 elementary schools. The program helps children who may not have an adult or older sibling available to teach them.

At Terra Vista Elementary School in California, kindergarten students use helmets and balance bikes without pedals. The eight-lesson program starts by helping children feel comfortable on a bike. Then, they learn to balance bikes with pedals. Teachers say the lessons help children follow directions, share space and equipment, and enjoy physical activity. Some schools also teach road safety and offer support for children with disabilities.

Schools can receive help paying for the bikes and teaching materials through donors. In Rancho Cucamonga, the city gave $45,000 (about ¥7.1 million) to provide the program to five schools. Lisa Weyer, executive director of the Strider Education Foundation, said bike riding can give children a sense of freedom and independence. Teachers also hope the lessons encourage children to spend less time on screens and stay active.

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

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Children Riding Bikes

  • Would you encourage young children to learn how to ride a bike? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • According to Lisa Weyer, bike riding can give children a sense of freedom and independence. How important is it for children to learn independence? Discuss.
  • Besides learning how to ride a bike, what other parts of riding a bike should children learn (ex. safety and road signs)? Discuss.

Programs for Children

  • In some US schools, children are learning how to ride bicycles in school gyms and playgrounds as part of their physical education classes. Do you think this is a good idea? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • All Kids Bike is a program that brings bike lessons to elementary school. Do you have a similar program that teaches children how to ride a bike in your country? Discuss.
  • Teachers hope the lessons encourage children to spend less time on screens and stay active. Why do you think this is important for children nowadays? Discuss.