Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. calming
    • ex. Many people find knitting to be a calming hobby after a long, stressful day at work.
  2. a detox
    • ex. Morning yoga is like a daily detox for her. It helps her clear her mind before her busy day begins.
  3. healing
    • ex. Anna found that spending quiet mornings in nature had a deeply healing effect.
  4. a headmaster
    • ex. Our school’s headmaster gave a speech to welcome the new students.
  5. fragrance
    • ex. The candle has a pleasant fragrance of vanilla and cinnamon.

Article

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

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The Japanese art of arranging flowers, known as ikebana, is still popular more than 500 years after it began. Today, both experienced artists and beginners enjoy it as a creative and calming activity. Ikebana is not simply about making flowers look beautiful. People carefully watch how flowers and plants grow and think about their shapes, colors, and feel.

Hiroyuki Okada started learning ikebana about seven years ago. He now teaches at Ikenobo, the oldest of the three major ikebana schools. He says the art is a detox, with purifying and healing effects. Senko Ikenobo, the school’s next headmaster, says ikebana is about the relationship between the person and nature. Research also suggests that flowers and their fragrance can make people happier.

People of all ages can learn ikebana, from young children to people over 100 years old. It can also help people who have busy lives or care for family members. Some learners say it gives them a feeling of peace, similar to yoga or meditation. For many people, ikebana is a simple way to enjoy nature, be creative, and find time for themselves.

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

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Ikebana

  • Given the chance, would you like to learn ikebana? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, what is the importance of ikebana? Discuss.
  • If you could create your own flower arrangement, what flowers and colors would you choose? Why? Discuss.

Detox and Healing

  • Do you have any activities that you consider a form of detox? Discuss.
  • Do you think spending time in nature can help people feel better? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Why is it important for us to do some healing activities? Discuss.