“Conversation Starter Lesson Series: Upper-Intermediate” is designed for intermediate-level ESL learners who want to improve their fluency and confidence in speaking English.
Each lesson includes an engaging reading material with audio, vocabulary and expressions, comprehension questions, and discussion questions to be used for one to one class, group class, or self-study for both online and offline classes.
Unit 3: Health and Wellness
Story 03: The Benefits of Children Playing Youth Sports
Key Lesson Vocabulary & Expressions: Look over and review before proceeding.
- Grit
- Adversity
- Resilience
- Chronic diseases
- Outlet
- Lifelong
- Cardiovascular health
- Self-expression
- Team captain
- Community
Read or Listen to the following passage:
Youth sports can provide numerous benefits to children, both physically and mentally. Participating in sports can help children develop important skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication. Additionally, regular physical activity can improve overall health and well-being.
One of the primary benefits of youth sports is the opportunity to develop social skills. Children learn to work together as a team, communicate effectively, and build friendships with their teammates. This can lead to improved self-confidence and self-esteem, as well as a sense of belonging and community.
Another benefit of youth sports is physical fitness. Regular physical activity can help children develop strong bones and muscles, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce the risk of obesity and other chronic diseases. Additionally, physical activity has been shown to improve mental health and well-being, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Youth sports can also provide children with opportunities for leadership and personal growth. By taking on roles such as team captain or organizing team events, children can develop important leadership skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Additionally, overcoming challenges and pushing through adversity can help children develop resilience and grit.
Playing youth sports can also be a fun and enjoyable experience for children. Participating in sports can provide an outlet for creativity and self-expression, as well as a sense of accomplishment and pride in one’s abilities. Finally, youth sports can help children develop healthy habits and an appreciation for lifelong physical activity.
In conclusion, youth sports provide numerous benefits to children, including social development, physical fitness, leadership opportunities, personal growth, and enjoyment. By participating in youth sports, children can develop important skills that will serve them throughout their lives, while also improving their overall health and well-being.
Comprehension Questions:
- What are some of the social benefits of children playing youth sports?
- How can youth sports improve physical health?
- What are some opportunities for personal growth that children can experience through youth sports?
- How can playing youth sports be enjoyable for children?
- What are some of the benefits of developing healthy habits through youth sports?
Conversations Starters:
- Did you play any organized sports when you were a child?
- Do you think team sports are important for developing grit and resilience? Why or why not?
- Have you ever faced adversity while playing a sport? How did you overcome it?
- In your opinion, what are some of the key benefits of youth sports?
- How has participating in team sports helped you develop as a person?
- How important do you think it is to have an outlet for self-expression while playing sports?
- What qualities do you think are necessary to be a good team captain? Have you ever been a team captain?
- Do you think that community involvement and support can enhance the experience of playing youth sports? Why or why not?
- How can youth sports help prevent chronic diseases in later life?
- In your opinion, what are some lifelong lessons that can be learned from playing team sports?nism?
