In Minnesota, a deer found itself stranded on a frozen lake, prompting concerned neighbors to call the local fire department for help. The firefighters and rescue team came to the deer’s aid, crawling on all fours to reach the distressed animal. This heartwarming act of bravery was captured on video and has since gained attention online.

The video shows the firefighters carefully making their way across the icy surface of the lake, inching closer to the deer. They move slowly and cautiously, aware of the fragile ice beneath them. Finally, they reach the deer and gently guide it back to safety.

This incident serves as a reminder of the compassion and dedication of our local heroes. Despite the risks involved, these firefighters were determined to rescue the deer and ensure its well-being. Their selflessness and willingness to go above and beyond their duty is truly admirable.

The video has resonated with viewers around the world, highlighting the importance of empathy and kindness towards all living creatures. It is a testament to the power of human compassion and the impact that a small act of kindness can have.

In a time when negative news often dominates headlines, stories like this remind us of the goodness that exists in the world. It is a heartwarming example of how ordinary people can make a difference and inspire others to do the same.

Original news source: Firefighters crawl to rescue deer stuck on frozen lake (BBC)

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Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– Charades
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Each group will take turns acting out different scenes from the article using only gestures and body language. The other groups will try to guess what scene they are portraying. Encourage students to use creative and expressive movements to convey the emotions and actions of the firefighters and the deer.

– News Summary
Instructions: Have each student write a short summary of the article, highlighting the key points and main events. Then, pair students up and have them share their summaries with their partner. After listening to their partner’s summary, students can discuss any differences or similarities in their interpretations of the article.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Assign each group a different perspective to take on (e.g. firefighters, local residents, the deer, online viewers). Give the groups a few minutes to discuss and brainstorm their opinions on the actions of the firefighters and the impact of the video. Then, have each group present their opinions to the class and facilitate a class discussion comparing and contrasting the different perspectives.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Create a list of key vocabulary words from the article (e.g. stranded, distressed, compassion, empathy). Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Give each group a set of vocabulary words and have them take turns drawing pictures to represent each word. The other groups will then try to guess the word based on the drawing. This activity will not only reinforce vocabulary, but also encourage creativity and visual thinking.

– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Divide the class into two groups – one representing the firefighters and the other representing the local residents. Have each group brainstorm a list of pros and cons for their respective roles in the rescue operation. Then, have the groups present their lists to the class and engage in a debate, discussing the different perspectives and weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks of the actions taken. This activity will encourage critical thinking and the ability to see multiple sides of a situation.

Comprehension Questions:

1. What prompted the neighbors to call the local fire department for help?
2. How did the firefighters reach the deer on the frozen lake?
3. Why were the firefighters moving slowly and cautiously?
4. What did the firefighters do once they reached the deer?
5. What does this incident serve as a reminder of?
6. What has the video gained since it was captured?
7. What does the video highlight the importance of?
8. What does this story remind us of in a time when negative news often dominates headlines?
Go to answers ⇩

Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

In Minnesota, a deer found itself stranded on a (1)______ lake, prompting (2)______ neighbors to call the local fire department for help. The firefighters and rescue team came to the deer’s aid, crawling on all fours to reach the distressed animal. This (3)______ act of bravery was captured on video and has since gained (4)______ online.

The video (5)______ the firefighters carefully (6)______ their way across the icy surface of the lake, inching closer to the deer. They move slowly and cautiously, aware of the fragile ice beneath them. Finally, they reach the deer and gently guide it back to safety.

This incident (7)______ as a reminder of the (8)______ and dedication of our local heroes. Despite the risks involved, these firefighters were (9)______ to (10)______ the deer and (11)______ its well-being. Their selflessness and willingness to go above and beyond their duty is truly admirable.

The video has resonated with viewers around the world, highlighting the (12)______ of empathy and kindness towards all living creatures. It is a testament to the power of human compassion and the impact that a small act of kindness can have.

In a time when negative news often dominates (13)______, (14)______ like this remind us of the goodness that exists in the world. It is a heartwarming example of how ordinary people can make a (15)______ and (16)______ others to do the same.
Go to answers ⇩

Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion of the firefighters’ actions in rescuing the deer?
2. How would you feel if you were stranded on a frozen lake and someone came to rescue you?
3. Do you think it is important for people to show compassion towards animals? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever witnessed or been involved in a rescue mission? If so, can you share your experience?
5. How do you think the firefighters felt after successfully rescuing the deer?
6. What is a small act of kindness that you have done recently? How did it make you feel?
7. Do you think acts of kindness towards animals are more or less important than acts of kindness towards humans? Why?
8. How do you think the deer felt during the rescue? Why?
9. Have you ever felt inspired by someone’s actions? If so, can you describe the situation and how it affected you?
10. Do you think the firefighters’ actions will inspire others to show kindness towards animals? Why or why not?
11. How do you think the video of the rescue has impacted people’s perception of firefighters and rescue workers?
12. What other professions do you think require compassion and selflessness? Why?
13. How do you think the deer’s life would have been different if no one had come to rescue it?
14. Do you think it is important for news outlets to share stories of kindness and compassion? Why or why not?
15. How can we encourage more acts of kindness and compassion in our communities?

Individual Activities

Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. Minnesota
2. deer
3. stranded
4. lake
5. firefighters
6. rescue
7. compassion
8. video

Meanings:
(a) The act of saving someone or something
(b) A feeling of sympathy and understanding
(c) Stuck or unable to move
(d) An animal that was in need of help
(e) The state where the incident took place
(f) A recording of the incident that was shared online
(g) People who came to the deer’s aid
(h) A body of water that is frozen over
Go to answers ⇩

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What prompted concerned neighbors to call the local fire department?
(a) A stranded deer on a frozen lake
(b) A house fire
(c) A car accident
(d) A medical emergency

2. How did the firefighters reach the stranded deer?
(a) Using a boat
(b) Crawling on all fours
(c) Using a helicopter
(d) Walking on the ice

3. How did the firefighters move across the icy surface of the lake?
(a) Slowly and cautiously
(b) Quickly and confidently
(c) Running and jumping
(d) Sliding on their stomachs

4. What did the firefighters do once they reached the deer?
(a) Took a photo with it
(b) Gently guided it back to safety
(c) Left it on the ice
(d) Called animal control

5. What does the article say about the firefighters’ determination to rescue the deer?
(a) They were hesitant and unsure
(b) They were forced to rescue the deer
(c) They decided not to rescue the deer
(d) They were determined despite the risks involved

6. What does the video highlight the importance of?
(a) Ignoring the needs of animals
(b) Only helping humans in need
(c) Empathy and kindness towards all living creatures
(d) Avoiding risky situations

7. What does the article say about the impact of a small act of kindness?
(a) It has no impact at all
(b) It is not important in the grand scheme of things
(c) It is only important if it is a big act of kindness
(d) It can make a difference and inspire others

8. What does the article say about stories like this in a time of negative news?
(a) They are not important
(b) They are overshadowed by negative news
(c) They remind us of the goodness that exists in the world
(d) They have no impact on people’s perception of the world

Go to answers ⇩

True or False Questions:

1. The video has resonated with viewers worldwide, emphasizing the importance of empathy and kindness towards all living creatures.
2. The deer was forcefully pushed back to danger by the firefighters.
3. The incident showcases the indifference and laziness of local heroes.
4. The firefighters ignored the distressed deer and continued on their way.
5. This heartwarming act of kindness serves as a reminder of the goodness that exists in the world and inspires others to make a difference.
6. Firefighters and a rescue team in Minnesota were called to help a stranded deer on a frozen lake.
7. The firefighters rushed recklessly across the fragile ice to reach the deer.
8. The rescue was captured on video and has gained attention online.
Go to answers ⇩

Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. How did the firefighters and rescue team help the stranded deer?
2. What precautions did the firefighters take while rescuing the deer?
3. Why is this act of bravery considered heartwarming?
4. What does the video highlight about the importance of empathy and kindness?
5. How does this story contrast with the negative news that often dominates headlines?

Answers

Comprehension Question Answers:

1. The neighbors called the local fire department for help because a deer was stranded on a frozen lake.
2. The firefighters reached the deer on the frozen lake by crawling on all fours.
3. The firefighters were moving slowly and cautiously because they were aware of the fragile ice beneath them.
4. Once they reached the deer, the firefighters gently guided it back to safety.
5. This incident serves as a reminder of the compassion and dedication of our local heroes.
6. The video has gained attention online since it was captured.
7. The video highlights the importance of empathy and kindness towards all living creatures.
8. This story reminds us of the goodness that exists in the world in a time when negative news often dominates headlines.
Go back to questions ⇧

Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) frozen
(2) concerned
(3) heartwarming
(4) attention
(5) shows
(6) making
(7) serves
(8) compassion
(9) determined
(10) rescue
(11) ensure
(12) importance
(13) headlines
(14) stories
(15) difference
(16) inspire
Go back to questions ⇧

Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. Minnesota
Answer: (e) The state where the incident took place

2. deer
Answer: (d) An animal that was in need of help

3. stranded
Answer: (c) Stuck or unable to move

4. lake
Answer: (h) A body of water that is frozen over

5. firefighters
Answer: (g) People who came to the deer’s aid

6. rescue
Answer: (a) The act of saving someone or something

7. compassion
Answer: (b) A feeling of sympathy and understanding

8. video
Answer: (f) A recording of the incident that was shared online
Go back to questions ⇧

Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What prompted concerned neighbors to call the local fire department?
Answer: (a) A stranded deer on a frozen lake

2. How did the firefighters reach the stranded deer?
Answer: (b) Crawling on all fours

3. How did the firefighters move across the icy surface of the lake?
Answer: (a) Slowly and cautiously

4. What did the firefighters do once they reached the deer?
Answer: (b) Gently guided it back to safety

5. What does the article say about the firefighters’ determination to rescue the deer?
Answer: (d) They were determined despite the risks involved

6. What does the video highlight the importance of?
Answer: (c) Empathy and kindness towards all living creatures

7. What does the article say about the impact of a small act of kindness?
Answer: (d) It can make a difference and inspire others

8. What does the article say about stories like this in a time of negative news?
Answer: (c) They remind us of the goodness that exists in the world
Go back to questions ⇧

True or False Answers:

1. The video has resonated with viewers worldwide, emphasizing the importance of empathy and kindness towards all living creatures. (Answer: True)
2. The deer was forcefully pushed back to danger by the firefighters. (Answer: False)
3. The incident showcases the indifference and laziness of local heroes. (Answer: False)
4. The firefighters ignored the distressed deer and continued on their way. (Answer: False)
5. This heartwarming act of kindness serves as a reminder of the goodness that exists in the world and inspires others to make a difference. (Answer: True)
6. Firefighters and a rescue team in Minnesota were called to help a stranded deer on a frozen lake. (Answer: True)
7. The firefighters rushed recklessly across the fragile ice to reach the deer. (Answer: False)
8. The rescue was captured on video and has gained attention online. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧