Lesson 19: Exploring Nature - Plants and Insects

I. LET'S CHECK IT OUT! 🔬

LET-S CHECK IT OUT

Describe what you see in the picture.

What do you think this child is pointing at, and how do you think he feel about it?

II. LET'S UNLOCK WORDS AND PHRASES 🎯

cactus

[ 'kak-tuhs ]

noun

- a type of plant that has thick, fleshy stems and spines, adapted to arid environments

The cactus in her living room only needs to be watered once a month.

swallowtail

[ 'swol-oh-teyl ]

noun

- a type of butterfly known for its distinctive tail-like extensions on its hindwings

The garden was filled with colorful swallowtails fluttering around the flowers.

moth

[ mawth ]

noun

- an insect related to the butterfly, typically having a stout body and hairlike antennae

She found a moth resting on the windowsill.

wasp

[ wosp ]

noun

- a stinging insect related to bees, often having a slender body and a narrow waist

He got stung by a wasp while working in the garden.

honeybee

[ 'huhn-ee-bee ]

noun

- a bee that collects nectar and pollen, produces honey, and lives in a colony

The honeybee buzzed from flower to flower, gathering nectar.

cricket

[ 'krik-it ]

noun

- an insect known for its chirping sound, usually found in grasslands

They could hear the sound of a cricket chirping outside their window.

flea

[ flee ]

noun

- a small, wingless, parasitic insect that feeds on the blood of mammals and birds

The dog was scratching itself because of a flea infestation.

tick

[ tik ]

noun

- a very small creature like a spider that lives on and sucks the blood of other animals

She found a tick on her dog after their walk in the woods.

cockroach

[ 'kok-rohch ]

noun

- a flat, brown or black insect sometimes found in the home

They called an exterminator after finding a cockroach in the kitchen.

cabbage white

[ 'kab-ij wahyt ]

noun

- a common white butterfly whose larvae feed on cabbages and other cruciferous plants

The cabbage white butterflies were fluttering around the vegetable garden.

III. LISTEN AND REPEAT 📢 1.

10.

IV. DIALOGUE PRACTICE! 🎧

Situation:

Alex seeks advice from Emma, who is a garden center staff member, about pests in their garden.

Icon_7

Alex

Hi, Emma! I need some advice on dealing with pests in my garden.

Icon_2

Emma

Sure, Alex. I can help with that. What kind of plants do you have?

Icon_7

Alex

I have lilies, narcissus, iris, camellias, and some holly bushes.

Icon_2

Emma

Great, those are beautiful plants. Are you having trouble with any specific insects?

Icon_7

Alex

Yes, I’ve noticed a lot of honeybees, wasps, and dragonflies around my plants. Also, I think there are some termites near the holly bushes.

Icon_2

Emma

Honeybees and dragonflies are usually beneficial, but wasps and termites can be problematic. Have you seen any spiders, ladybugs, or praying mantises? They can help control the pests.

Icon_7

Alex

I’ve seen a few spiders and ladybugs. What about cicadas and grasshoppers? Are they harmful?

Icon_2

Emma

Cicadas and grasshoppers can sometimes damage plants, but they’re not as harmful as fleas, ticks, cockroaches, or termites. Keeping your garden healthy and diverse can help manage these insects naturally.

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

1. What types of plants does Alex have in their garden?

2. Which insects did Alex mention noticing around their plants?

3. Which insects did Emma suggest could help control pests?

V. LET'S CHAT! 💬

Instruction: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate questions or responses based on the context.

Icon_3

Customer

Do you have any camellia plants in stock?

Icon_5

Staff

Icon_3

Customer

I found a wasp nest near my garden, what should I do?

Icon_5

Staff

Icon_3

Customer

Are holly bushes good for creating a privacy screen?

Icon_5

Staff

Icon_3

Customer

I think I have termites in my garden, can you help?

Icon_5

Staff

Icon_3

Customer

How can I protect my vegetables from cabbage white butterflies?

Icon_5

Staff

VI. ROLE PLAYING! 🎬 0. ROLE PLAYING

Situation:

A customer visits a garden center seeking comprehensive advice on managing their garden, including selecting plants and dealing with pests.

Instruction:

One person will be the customer, and the other will be the staff member. Use the learned vocabulary in the conversation.

AS A STAFF MEMBER	AS A CUSTOMER
Greet the customer and offer assistance.	Ask for recommendations on suitable plants for your garden, mentioning specific plants like camellias, lilies, narcissus, iris, and holly.
Provide recommendations on a variety of plants suitable for the customer’s garden, highlighting the benefits of camellias, lilies, narcissus, iris, and holly.	Inquire about the benefits and any special care requirements for these plants.
Explain any special care or conditions these plants might need.	Express concerns about pests such as wasps, termites, and cabbage whites.
Offer advice on dealing with pests like wasps, termites, and cabbage whites.	Ask for natural and effective pest control methods.
Recommend natural pest control methods such as using row covers, organic insecticides, or professional pest control services.	Inquire about beneficial insects that can help control pests, such as ladybugs, spiders, and praying mantises.
Highlight the importance of beneficial insects like ladybugs, spiders, and praying mantises in controlling pests.	Ask how to attract these beneficial insects to your garden.
Suggest ways to attract beneficial insects, such as planting diverse flora and avoiding harmful pesticides.	Thank the staff for their assistance.
Thank the customer for visiting and offer further assistance if needed.

LET'S KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING 💭

How can beneficial insects help control pests in a garden?
What are some ways to naturally attract beneficial insects to your garden?
Why is it important to have a variety of plants in your garden?
What should you do if you find harmful insects like termites in your garden?