Lesson plan: Staying at home
What is life like for you at the moment in quarantine? What is your routine? What do you miss? What do you enjoy?
- Watch this video to find out what it is like for Italians. Is it similar or different to your own?
Match the two halves of the sentences.
| It felt like a small vacation | every day. |
| That’s something | was have an online virtual birthday. |
| I’m going to work | silver linings |
| I think that this is the most scary thing | taking my daughter to the park. |
| I just hope that | I would never do before. |
| I heard many saying | we are able to see some of the numbers drop. |
| A really fun thing that we did this week | what am I going to do without my hairdresser. |
| What I miss is | about this disease. |
| There is a sense | at the beginning. |
| There are some | of camraderie |
Use these expressions to create sentences that are true for you.
2. What tips would you have for people staying at home?
What do you think the following tips refer to. Why do you think they might be important?:
Enjoy it, Stay connected, Get outdoors, Don’t bulk buy, Support each other, Stay informed, Don’t panic
Match these tips with the paragraphs:
_____________________ I know that is easier said than done when it’s all we hear about in the news but it is important for our mental wellbeing and those around us such as children and older relatives, that we stay calm. Follow the health guidelines at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19 about washing hands (we are all going to hate the Happy Birthday song after this) and social distancing. And remember if you are ill, stay at home. Visit www.gov.uk for the latest updates and advice.
____________________ There is no need to stock up on essential items because the supermarkets are not going to close and the supply chain is operating as normal. It might not seem like that when you walk into a shop at the moment and the shelves are empty but that is half the problem. It has a ripple effect because more and more people start to panic buy leading to more shortages. Remember people on low incomes often live week to week so they can’t stock up on essential items and people who care for the elderly and vulnerable need things like hand sanitiser to help keep themselves and the person they care for safe and healthy.
_______________________As well as the government and NHS websites, keep an eye on regional and national news sources for all the latest coronavirus developments as well as support measures being put in place, such as help for people and businesses facing financial difficulty as a result of the pandemic. It’s also worth looking at local business websites and social media for changes in the way they operate. For example, some eateries are offering a delivery service to people self-isolating or social distancing.
________________________We might have to keep our distance physically but the wonders of modern technology means we can be as connected as ever. Take advantage of social media, messaging and video chat facilities to stay in touch with friends and family, even those in self-isolation, or go old school and pick up the phone and have a good old chat. You don’t have to miss out on your regular activities either because you can meet with your book club virtually and do exercises classes online.
___________________________Look out for your neighbours, especially those who are elderly and live alone. And reach for help if you are in need of support. Keep an eye on community pages on social media where people are offering to help those in self-isolation by picking up groceries. There are also tutors offering online learning for children out of school. Small businesses also need our support in what will be a difficult time financially as footfall continues to decrease, so buy local from independents whenever you can. Some of them have online shops so you don’t even have to leave the house.
_________________________Social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t go outside. You can still go to the park or enjoy a walk in the woods, just keep a good distance away from other people. Even if you are self-isolating you can still enjoy your garden and what better time to start tidying up those borders and putting in bedding plants. You could even try your hand at planting your own veggies so you have fewer trips to the shops.
____________________________This might sound crazy when we are all worrying about getting sick and paying the bills but self-care is more important than ever during these unprecedented times. So make sure you put time aside from home working and keeping the kids entertained to do something enjoyable, just for you – whether its read a book, have a bath or listen to music. Make the most of family time too by getting out the board games and jigsaws or turn your sitting room into a dance floor. Just because the world is a strange place right now, doesn’t mean we can’t laugh and have fun.
Which tips to you think are relevant for your own life?
3. Answer the following questions.
- Can you describe the situation in your country right now?
- How are you feeling?
- How has COVID-19 affected your life?
- What are some precautions you’ve been taking?
- What is your daily life like now? How have you been spending time?
- How has your work or school routine changed?
- Have you learnt any new skills with the extra time you have?
- What is the first thing you’ll do once the social distancing period is over?
- Any messages of support or tips for everyone out there?
Watch this video, question by question. What are the people’s answers Are any similar to yours?
4. How has your life been at home? What has been difficult about it? Anything you’ve enjoyed?
Watch this video from chris hadfield. What are the four tips he gives?
Watch again. What details can you find for each tip?
Do you think this advice can be related to your own situation?
5. What do the following graphs say about the way people are spending their quarantine?
