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In the beautiful Surrey Hills, thereβs a special project happening at Pondtail Farm that helps young people improve their mental health. This project, called the Care Farm initiative, lets participants take part in different farm activities like herding cows and building animal pens. Katie Daw, who coordinates the program for the Surrey Hills Society, explains that the goal is to boost the confidence and well-being of young people while helping to reduce their anxiety.
Many young people involved in the program have noticed big improvements in their mental health. For example, a 17-year-old named Ronnie said that working on the farm feels “like heaven on earth.” Katie Daw mentioned that participants are sleeping better, eating more, and feeling more motivated to go outside, which can be tough for those dealing with mental health issues. The Care Farm project is open to anyone who is struggling, giving them a chance to do meaningful work on a farm.
The hands-on experience at the Care Farm has changed lives for many participants. Ronnie shared that being around nature and animals has really lifted her spirits. Similarly, 16-year-old Peter feels calm on the farm and says it helps him escape from daily stress. Nellie Budd, who works at Pondtail Farm, has seen noticeable changes in the young people, especially in how confident they are around animals. Some who were scared to approach animals at first have become comfortable and engaged.
The Care Farm project not only helps the young participants but also their families. The skills and experiences gained at the farm can inspire them to think about careers in agriculture. For instance, 14-year-old Thea got into an agricultural college to study horticulture, thanks to the confidence she gained from the Care Farm initiative. Another participant, 17-year-old Bethany, loves spending time with the farm animals, showing how the program encourages outdoor activities and a connection with nature. This project has received important support, including funding of Β£65,900, and it shows how engaging with nature can greatly benefit young people’s mental health while building a sense of community.
Original news source: Helping on the farm reaps mental health benefits (BBC)
π§ Listen:
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Normal
Fast
π Vocabulary:
| 1 | initiative | A plan or program that is started to solve a problem or improve a situation |
| 2 | participants | People who take part in an activity or event |
| 3 | anxiety | A feeling of worry or nervousness |
| 4 | motivated | Having a strong reason or desire to do something |
| 5 | meaningful | Having a purpose or significance |
| 6 | spirits | A person’s mood or emotional state |
| 7 | noticeable | Easy to see or recognize |
| 8 | engaged | Involved or interested in something |
| 9 | agriculture | The practice of farming, including growing crops and raising animals |
| 10 | horticulture | The science or art of growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers |
| 11 | funding | Money provided for a specific purpose |
| 12 | boost | To increase or improve something |
| 13 | confidence | A feeling of self-assurance or trust in one’s abilities |
| 14 | well-being | The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy |
| 15 | community | A group of people living in the same area or having a shared interest |
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– CHARADES
Instructions: Students will act out different farm activities mentioned in the article (e.g., herding cows, building animal pens) without speaking, while the rest of the class guesses what they are. This will help them practice vocabulary related to the article while having fun.
– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Students will be divided into small groups and will discuss the importance of mental health initiatives like the Care Farm project. Each group will present their thoughts to the class, highlighting the benefits of such programs for young people. This activity encourages speaking and sharing personal opinions.
– SKETCH IT
Instructions: Students will draw a scene depicting one of the activities from the Care Farm initiative, such as working with animals or gardening. Once finished, they will share their drawings with the class and explain why they chose that particular scene, reinforcing vocabulary and comprehension of the article.
– PASSTHE STORY
Instructions: In a circle, one student will start by summarizing a part of the article in one sentence. The next student will add another sentence to build on the story. This continues until everyone has contributed. This activity enhances summarizing skills and collaborative storytelling.
– MIND MAP
Instructions: Students will create a mind map on a large piece of paper, with “Care Farm Initiative” at the center. They will brainstorm and write down all the benefits and activities related to the project that they can remember from the article. This visual activity aids in comprehension and vocabulary retention.
π€ Comprehension Questions:
1. What is the main purpose of the Care Farm initiative at Pondtail Farm?
2. How do participants like Ronnie and Peter describe their experiences on the farm?
3. In what ways has the Care Farm project positively impacted the mental health of the young people involved?
4. What specific skills or experiences have participants gained that could influence their future careers?
5. How has Nellie Budd observed changes in the young people regarding their confidence around animals?
6. Why is the Care Farm project considered beneficial not only for the participants but also for their families?
7. What kind of activities do participants engage in at the Care Farm?
8. How much funding has the Care Farm project received, and why is this support important?
Go to answers β©
π§βοΈ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
In the beautiful Surrey Hills, thereβs a special project happening at Pondtail Farm that helps young people improve their mental (1)______. This project, called the Care Farm initiative, lets (2)______ take part in different farm activities like herding cows and building animal pens. Katie Daw, who coordinates the program for the Surrey Hills (3)______, explains that the goal is to boost the confidence and well-being of young people while helping to reduce their anxiety.
Many young people involved in the program have (4)______ big improvements in their mental health. For example, a 17-year-old named Ronnie said that working on the farm feels “like heaven on earth.” Katie Daw mentioned that participants are sleeping better, (5)______ more, and (6)______ more (7)______ to go outside, which can be tough for those dealing with mental health issues. The Care Farm project is open to anyone who is struggling, giving them a chance to do meaningful work on a farm.
The hands-on (8)______ at the Care Farm has changed lives for many participants. Ronnie shared that being around nature and animals has really lifted her spirits. Similarly, 16-year-old (9)______ feels calm on the farm and says it helps him escape from daily stress. Nellie Budd, who works at Pondtail Farm, has seen noticeable changes in the young people, especially in how confident they are around animals. Some who were scared to approach animals at first have become comfortable and (10)______.
The Care Farm (11)______ not only helps the young participants but also their families. The skills and experiences (12)______ at the farm can inspire them to think about careers in agriculture. For instance, 14-year-old Thea got into an agricultural college to study (13)______, thanks to the confidence she gained from the Care Farm initiative. Another participant, 17-year-old Bethany, (14)______ spending time with the farm animals, showing how the program encourages outdoor activities and a connection with (15)______. This project has received important (16)______, including funding of Β£65,900, and it shows how engaging with nature can greatly benefit young people’s mental health while building a sense of community.
Go to answers β©
π¬ Discussion Questions:
Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.
1. What is your opinion about programs that connect young people with nature? Do you think they are helpful?
2. How would you feel if you had the chance to work on a farm for a week?
3. Do you like spending time outdoors? Why or why not?
4. What is a meaningful experience youβve had that helped improve your mood or mental health?
5. Do you think animals can help people feel better when they’re sad or anxious? Why?
6. How would you feel if you had to take care of animals every day?
7. What is a hobby you have that helps you relax or escape from stress?
8. Do you believe that working with your hands, like farming or gardening, can be good for mental health? Why or why not?
9. Have you ever tried any activities that made you feel more confident? What were they?
10. What is a way you think young people can support each other when dealing with mental health issues?
11. How would you feel if you had to face your fears, like being scared of animals, in order to improve your confidence?
12. Do you think schools should offer more programs that involve outdoor activities? Why or why not?
13. What is a job or career you would like to explore, and how do you think your experiences might help you get there?
14. How would you feel about participating in a community project that helps others?
15. Do you think itβs important for young people to connect with nature? Why or why not?
Individual Activities
ππ Vocabulary Meanings:
Match each word to its meaning.
Words:
1. initiative
2. participants
3. anxiety
4. motivated
5. meaningful
6. spirits
7. noticeable
8. engaged
9. agriculture
10. horticulture
11. funding
12. boost
13. confidence
14. well-being
15. community
Meanings:
(A) Having a purpose or significance
(B) A person’s mood or emotional state
(C) A group of people living in the same area or having a shared interest
(D) Having a strong reason or desire to do something
(E) A feeling of self-assurance or trust in one’s abilities
(F) Money provided for a specific purpose
(G) Involved or interested in something
(H) Easy to see or recognize
(I) A feeling of worry or nervousness
(J) A plan or program that is started to solve a problem or improve a situation
(K) To increase or improve something
(L) The practice of farming, including growing crops and raising animals
(M) The science or art of growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers
(N) People who take part in an activity or event
(O) The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy
Go to answers β©
π‘ Multiple Choice Questions:
1. What is the main purpose of the Care Farm initiative?
(a) To teach farming techniques
(b) To provide free food to families
(c) To create a tourist attraction
(d) To improve the mental health of young people
2. Who coordinates the Care Farm program for the Surrey Hills Society?
(a) Ronnie
(b) Nellie Budd
(c) Peter
(d) Katie Daw
3. What type of activities do participants engage in at the Care Farm?
(a) Herding cows and building animal pens
(b) Cooking and cleaning
(c) Gardening and painting
(d) Studying and writing
4. How has working on the farm affected Ronnie’s mental health?
(a) She prefers to stay indoors
(b) She has become more anxious
(c) She feels itβs “like heaven on earth”
(d) She dislikes being around animals
5. What positive changes have participants noticed since joining the Care Farm?
(a) Less interest in outdoor activities
(b) Better sleep and increased motivation to go outside
(c) More time spent on social media
(d) Decreased appetite for healthy food
6. What impact has the Care Farm project had on participants’ families?
(a) It causes them to worry more about their children
(b) It has no effect on families
(c) It inspires them to consider careers in agriculture
(d) It makes them spend less time together
7. What did Thea achieve as a result of her experience at the Care Farm?
(a) She decided to leave school
(b) She got into an agricultural college to study horticulture
(c) She started a business
(d) She moved to a different country
8. How much funding has the Care Farm project received?
(a) Β£65,900
(b) Β£50,000
(c) Β£75,000
(d) Β£100,000
Go to answers β©
π΅οΈ True or False Questions:
1. The program is exclusively for those not struggling with mental health issues.
2. Katie Daw organizes the Care Farm program for the Surrey Hills Society.
3. The skills learned at the Care Farm can discourage young people from considering careers in agriculture.
4. Participants in the program have reported feeling more confident and less anxious.
5. Many young people involved in the project have experienced better sleep and increased motivation to spend time outdoors.
6. The project has received funding of Β£65,900 to support its activities and goals.
7. Participants like Ronnie and Peter have found that being around nature and animals helps them feel more anxious and sadder.
8. The Care Farm initiative at Pondtail Farm helps young people improve their mental health through farm activities.
Go to answers β©
π Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
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Writing Questions:
Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
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1. What activities do participants take part in at the Care Farm initiative?
2. How has the Care Farm project helped improve the mental health of young people?
3. What changes have some participants experienced in their daily lives since joining the program?
4. In what ways does the Care Farm project benefit not only the participants but also their families?
5. Why is the support and funding for the Care Farm initiative important for its success?
β Answers
π€β Comprehension Question Answers:
1. What is the main purpose of the Care Farm initiative at Pondtail Farm?
The main purpose of the Care Farm initiative is to help young people improve their mental health by boosting their confidence and well-being while reducing anxiety.
2. How do participants like Ronnie and Peter describe their experiences on the farm?
Participants like Ronnie describe their experiences on the farm as feeling “like heaven on earth,” while Peter feels calm and finds it helps him escape from daily stress.
3. In what ways has the Care Farm project positively impacted the mental health of the young people involved?
The project has led to participants sleeping better, eating more, feeling more motivated to go outside, and generally noticing big improvements in their mental health.
4. What specific skills or experiences have participants gained that could influence their future careers?
Participants have gained skills and experiences in agriculture, such as working with animals and learning about horticulture, which can inspire them to consider careers in this field.
5. How has Nellie Budd observed changes in the young people regarding their confidence around animals?
Nellie Budd has seen noticeable changes in the young people’s confidence around animals, with some who were initially scared becoming comfortable and engaged with them.
6. Why is the Care Farm project considered beneficial not only for the participants but also for their families?
The project is beneficial for families because the skills and experiences gained can inspire young people to pursue careers in agriculture, which can positively impact their future.
7. What kind of activities do participants engage in at the Care Farm?
Participants engage in various farm activities, including herding cows and building animal pens.
8. How much funding has the Care Farm project received, and why is this support important?
The Care Farm project has received funding of Β£65,900, which is important because it helps support the initiative and its efforts to improve young people’s mental health through engagement with nature.
Go back to questions β§
π§βοΈβ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:
(1) health
(2) participants
(3) Society
(4) noticed
(5) eating
(6) feeling
(7) motivated
(8) experience
(9) Peter
(10) engaged
(11) project
(12) gained
(13) horticulture
(14) loves
(15) nature
(16) support
Go back to questions β§
ππβ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:
1. initiative
Answer: (J) A plan or program that is started to solve a problem or improve a situation
2. participants
Answer: (N) People who take part in an activity or event
3. anxiety
Answer: (I) A feeling of worry or nervousness
4. motivated
Answer: (D) Having a strong reason or desire to do something
5. meaningful
Answer: (A) Having a purpose or significance
6. spirits
Answer: (B) A person’s mood or emotional state
7. noticeable
Answer: (H) Easy to see or recognize
8. engaged
Answer: (G) Involved or interested in something
9. agriculture
Answer: (L) The practice of farming, including growing crops and raising animals
10. horticulture
Answer: (M) The science or art of growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers
11. funding
Answer: (F) Money provided for a specific purpose
12. boost
Answer: (K) To increase or improve something
13. confidence
Answer: (E) A feeling of self-assurance or trust in one’s abilities
14. well-being
Answer: (O) The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy
15. community
Answer: (C) A group of people living in the same area or having a shared interest
Go back to questions β§
π‘β Multiple Choice Answers:
1. What is the main purpose of the Care Farm initiative?
Answer: (d) To improve the mental health of young people
2. Who coordinates the Care Farm program for the Surrey Hills Society?
Answer: (d) Katie Daw
3. What type of activities do participants engage in at the Care Farm?
Answer: (a) Herding cows and building animal pens
4. How has working on the farm affected Ronnie’s mental health?
Answer: (c) She feels itβs “like heaven on earth”
5. What positive changes have participants noticed since joining the Care Farm?
Answer: (b) Better sleep and increased motivation to go outside
6. What impact has the Care Farm project had on participants’ families?
Answer: (c) It inspires them to consider careers in agriculture
7. What did Thea achieve as a result of her experience at the Care Farm?
Answer: (b) She got into an agricultural college to study horticulture
8. How much funding has the Care Farm project received?
Answer: (a) Β£65,900
Go back to questions β§
π΅οΈβ True or False Answers:
1. The program is exclusively for those not struggling with mental health issues. (Answer: False)
2. Katie Daw organizes the Care Farm program for the Surrey Hills Society. (Answer: False)
3. The skills learned at the Care Farm can discourage young people from considering careers in agriculture. (Answer: False)
4. Participants in the program have reported feeling more confident and less anxious. (Answer: True)
5. Many young people involved in the project have experienced better sleep and increased motivation to spend time outdoors. (Answer: True)
6. The project has received funding of Β£65,900 to support its activities and goals. (Answer: True)
7. Participants like Ronnie and Peter have found that being around nature and animals helps them feel more anxious and sadder. (Answer: False)
8. The Care Farm initiative at Pondtail Farm helps young people improve their mental health through farm activities. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions β§
