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In the picturesque Surrey Hills, a unique initiative is taking place at Pondtail Farm, where young people are engaging in various farm activities to improve their mental health. This project, known as the Care Farm initiative, allows participants to assist with tasks such as herding cows and constructing animal pens. Katie Daw, the Care Farm coordinator for the Surrey Hills Society, emphasizes that this program is designed to enhance the confidence and overall well-being of young individuals while simultaneously alleviating anxiety.
Participants in the program have reported significant improvements in their mental health. For instance, a 17-year-old named Ronnie expressed that working on the farm feels “like heaven on earth.” Ms. Daw noted that many young people involved in the project are experiencing better sleep patterns, improved appetite, and a renewed desire to leave their homes, which can be a challenge for those struggling with mental health issues. The Care Farm project is open to anyone facing mental health difficulties, providing them with an opportunity to engage in meaningful work on a farm.
The hands-on experience offered by the Care Farm project has proven to be transformative for many participants. Ronnie shared that being surrounded by nature and animals has significantly uplifted her mood. Similarly, 16-year-old Peter found peace on the farm, stating that it allows him to escape from everyday stressors. Nellie Budd, a representative from Pondtail Farm, has observed noticeable changes in the young people, particularly in their confidence levels around animals. She recounted how some participants who were initially hesitant to approach animals have since become comfortable and engaged.
The positive impact of the Care Farm project extends beyond the individual participants; it also benefits their families and caregivers. The experiences gained at the farm can inspire young people to explore potential career paths in agriculture. For example, 14-year-old Thea has gained admission to an agricultural college to study horticulture, attributing her newfound confidence to the Care Farm initiative. Another participant, 17-year-old Bethany, enjoys spending time with the farm animals, highlighting the program’s role in encouraging outdoor activity and connection with nature.
This pilot scheme has received substantial support, including a funding award of Β£65,900 from the Mental Health Investment Fund and the Surrey Hills Farming in Protected Landscapes program. The Care Farm project exemplifies how engaging with nature and animals can provide significant mental health benefits for young people, fostering a sense of community and personal growth. As the initiative continues to develop, it holds the potential to make a lasting difference in the lives of many young individuals facing mental health challenges.
Original news source: Helping on the farm reaps mental health benefits (BBC)
π§ Listen:
Slow
Normal
Fast
π Vocabulary:
| 1 | initiative | A new plan or process to achieve something or solve a problem |
| 2 | coordinator | A person responsible for organizing and managing a project or event |
| 3 | alleviate | To make something less severe or intense |
| 4 | appetite | A natural desire to satisfy a bodily need, especially for food |
| 5 | transformative | Causing a marked change in someone or something |
| 6 | stressors | Factors that cause stress or tension |
| 7 | hesitant | Unsure or slow in acting or speaking |
| 8 | horticulture | The art or practice of garden cultivation and management |
| 9 | substantial | Of considerable importance, size, or worth |
| 10 | exemplifies | Serves as a typical example of something |
| 11 | fostering | Encouraging the development or growth of something |
| 12 | potential | Having or showing the capacity to develop into something in the future |
| 13 | scheme | A systematic plan or arrangement for a particular purpose |
| 14 | funding | Financial support provided for a particular purpose |
| 15 | community | A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common |
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– CHARADES
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Each group will take turns acting out different activities related to the Care Farm initiative (e.g., herding cows, planting seeds, feeding animals) without speaking. The other groups will guess what the activity is. This will help reinforce vocabulary related to farming and mental health.
– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Create a set of statements based on the article (e.g., “Engaging with nature can improve mental health”). Students will move around the classroom and ask their classmates if they agree or disagree with each statement, tallying the results. Afterward, they will discuss the results as a class, encouraging expression of opinions and justifications.
– MIND MAP
Instructions: In pairs, students will create a mind map that visualizes the key concepts from the article, including the benefits of the Care Farm initiative, the activities involved, and the impact on participants. They will then present their mind maps to the class, fostering discussion and collaboration.
– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: Ask students to come up with catchy headlines for the article that capture its essence and main themes. They can work individually or in small groups. After creating their headlines, they will share them with the class, encouraging creativity and summarization skills.
– PAS THE STORY
Instructions: Start with a brief summary of the article and then pass a ball around the classroom. The student holding the ball must add one sentence to continue the story based on the Care Farm initiative. This activity encourages creativity, listening skills, and collaborative storytelling while staying on topic.
π€ Comprehension Questions:
1. What activities do participants engage in at Pondtail Farm as part of the Care Farm initiative?
2. How does Katie Daw describe the goals of the Care Farm program for young individuals?
3. What specific improvements in mental health have participants reported since joining the program?
4. In what ways has being on the farm positively affected Ronnie’s mood and mental health?
5. How has the Care Farm project influenced the confidence levels of participants around animals, according to Nellie Budd?
6. What potential career opportunities have emerged for participants as a result of their experiences at the farm?
7. What funding support has the Care Farm initiative received to help it continue its operations?
8. How does the Care Farm project contribute to fostering a sense of community among young people facing mental health challenges?
Go to answers β©
π§βοΈ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
In the picturesque Surrey Hills, a unique initiative is taking place at Pondtail Farm, where young (1)______ are engaging in (2)______ farm (3)______ to improve their mental health. This project, known as the Care Farm initiative, allows (4)______ to assist with tasks such as herding cows and constructing animal pens. Katie Daw, the Care Farm coordinator for the Surrey Hills Society, emphasizes that this program is designed to enhance the confidence and overall well-being of young individuals while simultaneously alleviating anxiety.
Participants in the program have reported significant improvements in their mental health. For instance, a 17-year-old named Ronnie expressed that working on the farm feels “like heaven on earth.” Ms. Daw noted that many (5)______ people involved in the project are experiencing better sleep patterns, improved appetite, and a renewed desire to (6)______ their homes, which can be a challenge for those struggling with mental health issues. The Care Farm project is open to anyone facing mental health difficulties, providing them with an (7)______ to engage in meaningful work on a farm.
The hands-on experience offered by the Care Farm project has proven to be transformative for many participants. Ronnie shared that being surrounded by nature and animals has significantly uplifted her mood. Similarly, 16-year-old Peter found peace on the farm, stating that it allows him to (8)______ from everyday stressors. Nellie Budd, a representative from Pondtail Farm, has observed noticeable changes in the young people, particularly in their confidence levels around animals. She (9)______ how some participants who were initially hesitant to approach animals have since become comfortable and engaged.
The positive impact of the Care Farm project extends beyond the (10)______ participants; it also benefits their families and caregivers. The experiences gained at the farm can inspire young people to explore potential (11)______ paths in agriculture. For example, 14-year-old Thea has gained admission to an agricultural (12)______ to study horticulture, attributing her newfound confidence to the Care Farm initiative. Another participant, 17-year-old Bethany, enjoys spending time with the farm animals, (13)______ the program’s role in encouraging outdoor activity and connection with nature.
This pilot scheme has received substantial support, including a funding award of Β£65,900 from the Mental Health (14)______ Fund and the Surrey Hills Farming in Protected Landscapes program. The Care Farm project exemplifies how engaging with nature and animals can provide significant (15)______ health benefits for young people, fostering a sense of community and personal growth. As the (16)______ continues to develop, it holds the potential to make a lasting difference in the lives of many young individuals facing mental health challenges.
Go to answers β©
π¬ Discussion Questions:
Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.
1. What is a unique experience you have had that positively impacted your mental health?
2. How would you feel if you had the opportunity to work on a farm as part of a mental health initiative?
3. Do you think spending time in nature can significantly improve mental health? Why or why not?
4. What is a common activity you engage in that helps alleviate your stress or anxiety?
5. How do you believe animals can influence our emotional well-being?
6. Do you like the idea of hands-on learning experiences, such as working on a farm? Why or why not?
7. How would you feel if you were initially hesitant about something but later found it to be beneficial, like the participants in the Care Farm project?
8. Do you think programs like the Care Farm initiative should be more widely available? Why or why not?
9. What is a way that you connect with nature, and how does it make you feel?
10. How important is it for young people to have opportunities to explore different career paths, such as agriculture?
11. Do you believe that community support plays a crucial role in improving mental health? Why or why not?
12. What is a significant change you have experienced in your life that has positively affected your confidence?
13. How would you feel if you were able to help others improve their mental health through shared activities?
14. Do you think outdoor activities should be incorporated into mental health treatment plans? Why or why not?
15. What is a personal goal you have that could be inspired by experiences similar to those of the participants in the Care Farm project?
Individual Activities
ππ Vocabulary Meanings:
Match each word to its meaning.
Words:
1. initiative
2. coordinator
3. alleviate
4. appetite
5. transformative
6. stressors
7. hesitant
8. horticulture
9. substantial
10. exemplifies
11. fostering
12. potential
13. scheme
14. funding
15. community
Meanings:
(A) A new plan or process to achieve something or solve a problem
(B) Factors that cause stress or tension
(C) A person responsible for organizing and managing a project or event
(D) A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common
(E) Having or showing the capacity to develop into something in the future
(F) Encouraging the development or growth of something
(G) The art or practice of garden cultivation and management
(H) A systematic plan or arrangement for a particular purpose
(I) Unsure or slow in acting or speaking
(J) Serves as a typical example of something
(K) A natural desire to satisfy a bodily need, especially for food
(L) To make something less severe or intense
(M) Of considerable importance, size, or worth
(N) Causing a marked change in someone or something
(O) Financial support provided for a particular purpose
Go to answers β©
π‘ Multiple Choice Questions:
1. What is the name of the initiative taking place at Pondtail Farm?
(a) Farm Therapy Program
(b) Mental Health Farming Project
(c) Care Farm initiative
(d) Youth Agriculture Initiative
2. Who is the Care Farm coordinator for the Surrey Hills Society?
(a) Nellie Budd
(b) Ronnie
(c) Peter
(d) Katie Daw
3. What type of improvements have participants in the program reported?
(a) Significant improvements in their mental health
(b) Decreased physical activity
(c) Increased anxiety levels
(d) Less interest in outdoor activities
4. What did Ronnie describe working on the farm as?
(a) “A stressful experience”
(b) “Like heaven on earth”
(c) “A waste of time”
(d) “An overwhelming task”
5. What has Nellie Budd observed in the young people participating in the program?
(a) Increased fear of animals
(b) Decreased interest in farm activities
(c) A reluctance to engage with nature
(d) Noticeable changes in their confidence levels around animals
6. What career path has 14-year-old Thea pursued after participating in the Care Farm initiative?
(a) Veterinary medicine
(b) Horticulture
(c) Animal training
(d) Environmental science
7. How much funding has the Care Farm project received from the Mental Health Investment Fund?
(a) Β£50,000
(b) Β£75,000
(c) Β£65,900
(d) Β£100,000
8. What is one of the main benefits of the Care Farm project mentioned in the article?
(a) Fostering a sense of community and personal growth
(b) Increasing competition among participants
(c) Providing only temporary relief from stress
(d) Focusing solely on academic achievements
Go to answers β©
π΅οΈ True or False Questions:
1. Participants have expressed that being surrounded by technology and buildings has negatively impacted their mood.
2. Katie Daw is the Care Farm coordinator for the Surrey Hills Society of Artists.
3. The Care Farm initiative at Pondtail Farm is aimed at improving the mental health of young people through farm activities.
4. The initiative has not received funding support from the Mental Health Investment Fund and the Surrey Hills Farming in Protected Landscapes program.
5. The Care Farm project has the potential to discourage young people from exploring career paths in agriculture.
6. Many participants have reported significant improvements in their mental health, including better sleep patterns and improved appetite.
7. The Care Farm project is open to anyone facing mental health difficulties.
8. Participants in the program engage in tasks such as herding cows and constructing animal pens.
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 engage in at the Care Farm initiative to improve their mental health?
2. How has the Care Farm project impacted the mental health of young individuals according to the participants?
3. In what ways does the Care Farm initiative benefit not only the participants but also their families and caregivers?
4. What funding support has the Care Farm project received, and why is this significant for its continuation?
5. How does the experience at the Care Farm influence participants’ future career aspirations, as seen in the case of Thea?
β Answers
π€β Comprehension Question Answers:
1. What activities do participants engage in at Pondtail Farm as part of the Care Farm initiative?
Participants engage in various farm activities such as herding cows and constructing animal pens.
2. How does Katie Daw describe the goals of the Care Farm program for young individuals?
Katie Daw describes the goals of the Care Farm program as enhancing the confidence and overall well-being of young individuals while alleviating anxiety.
3. What specific improvements in mental health have participants reported since joining the program?
Participants have reported improvements in sleep patterns, appetite, and a renewed desire to leave their homes.
4. In what ways has being on the farm positively affected Ronnie’s mood and mental health?
Ronnie shared that being surrounded by nature and animals has significantly uplifted her mood, making her feel “like heaven on earth.”
5. How has the Care Farm project influenced the confidence levels of participants around animals, according to Nellie Budd?
Nellie Budd observed that participants who were initially hesitant to approach animals have since become comfortable and engaged, showing noticeable changes in their confidence levels.
6. What potential career opportunities have emerged for participants as a result of their experiences at the farm?
Participants have been inspired to explore potential career paths in agriculture, with one participant, Thea, gaining admission to an agricultural college to study horticulture.
7. What funding support has the Care Farm initiative received to help it continue its operations?
The Care Farm initiative has received a funding award of Β£65,900 from the Mental Health Investment Fund and the Surrey Hills Farming in Protected Landscapes program.
8. How does the Care Farm project contribute to fostering a sense of community among young people facing mental health challenges?
The Care Farm project fosters a sense of community by providing young people with opportunities to engage in meaningful work on the farm, encouraging connection with nature and each other, which can lead to personal growth and support.
Go back to questions β§
π§βοΈβ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:
(1) people
(2) various
(3) activities
(4) participants
(5) young
(6) leave
(7) opportunity
(8) escape
(9) recounted
(10) individual
(11) career
(12) college
(13) highlighting
(14) Investment
(15) mental
(16) initiative
Go back to questions β§
ππβ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:
1. initiative
Answer: (A) A new plan or process to achieve something or solve a problem
2. coordinator
Answer: (C) A person responsible for organizing and managing a project or event
3. alleviate
Answer: (L) To make something less severe or intense
4. appetite
Answer: (K) A natural desire to satisfy a bodily need, especially for food
5. transformative
Answer: (N) Causing a marked change in someone or something
6. stressors
Answer: (B) Factors that cause stress or tension
7. hesitant
Answer: (I) Unsure or slow in acting or speaking
8. horticulture
Answer: (G) The art or practice of garden cultivation and management
9. substantial
Answer: (M) Of considerable importance, size, or worth
10. exemplifies
Answer: (J) Serves as a typical example of something
11. fostering
Answer: (F) Encouraging the development or growth of something
12. potential
Answer: (E) Having or showing the capacity to develop into something in the future
13. scheme
Answer: (H) A systematic plan or arrangement for a particular purpose
14. funding
Answer: (O) Financial support provided for a particular purpose
15. community
Answer: (D) A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common
Go back to questions β§
π‘β Multiple Choice Answers:
1. What is the name of the initiative taking place at Pondtail Farm?
Answer: (c) Care Farm initiative
2. Who is the Care Farm coordinator for the Surrey Hills Society?
Answer: (d) Katie Daw
3. What type of improvements have participants in the program reported?
Answer: (a) Significant improvements in their mental health
4. What did Ronnie describe working on the farm as?
Answer: (b) “Like heaven on earth”
5. What has Nellie Budd observed in the young people participating in the program?
Answer: (d) Noticeable changes in their confidence levels around animals
6. What career path has 14-year-old Thea pursued after participating in the Care Farm initiative?
Answer: (b) Horticulture
7. How much funding has the Care Farm project received from the Mental Health Investment Fund?
Answer: (c) Β£65,900
8. What is one of the main benefits of the Care Farm project mentioned in the article?
Answer: (a) Fostering a sense of community and personal growth
Go back to questions β§
π΅οΈβ True or False Answers:
1. Participants have expressed that being surrounded by technology and buildings has negatively impacted their mood. (Answer: False)
2. Katie Daw is the Care Farm coordinator for the Surrey Hills Society of Artists. (Answer: False)
3. The Care Farm initiative at Pondtail Farm is aimed at improving the mental health of young people through farm activities. (Answer: True)
4. The initiative has not received funding support from the Mental Health Investment Fund and the Surrey Hills Farming in Protected Landscapes program. (Answer: False)
5. The Care Farm project has the potential to discourage young people from exploring career paths in agriculture. (Answer: False)
6. Many participants have reported significant improvements in their mental health, including better sleep patterns and improved appetite. (Answer: True)
7. The Care Farm project is open to anyone facing mental health difficulties. (Answer: True)
8. Participants in the program engage in tasks such as herding cows and constructing animal pens. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions β§
