中级课程» 第4 单元» 第13 课时» 活动中心
1 Introduction & Vocabulary — Let's Watch 
Viviana: Come on, mom.
Marta: You can't stay out that late. Your curfew's ten o'clock.
Viviana: But it's Kim's birthday. Everyone is staying until midnight.
Marta: I said no.
Viviana: Why not, mom?
Marta: Because I said so and I'm your mother.
Viviana: Excuse me? Well, I'm going to Kim's party and I'm going to come home at midnight because I'm your
daughter.
Marta: Listen to me, Viviana de la Luce!
Wizard: Freeze!
You know, it's difficult to be a good parent. It takes patience, love and dedication.
In today's episode you will learn how important it is for parents and children to communicate.
You will also learn about adjectives. Adjectives are words that describe things or people.
For example, this is Marta. She is a parent. Right now she is an angry parent. She is not a calm parent.
Angry and calm are both adjectives. Easy isn't it?
This is going to be a good lesson. Hey, good is also an adjective.
But now, let's get back to the story.
2 curfew
a rule that people must be inside or indoors by a certain time, usually at night
3 midnight
12:00 at night or 12:00 A.M.
4 patience
the ability to wait calmly; staying quiet, not complaining
5 let
to give permission; to allow
6 mistake
not right; not correct; wrong
7 discipline
self-control in behavior; to control or punish children
8 counselor
a person who guides or helps students when they have problems or need advice
9 dating
going out or often meeting with a person that you like romantically
10 ride
to travel in a vehicle as a passenger; another person drives the vehicle
11 Story Start Up — Getting Ready
Viviana's mother, Marta, won't let her stay at a party until midnight because her curfew is 10 P.M. Viviana's
father agrees that she should be home by 10. Both parents think she is too young to be around boys and start
dating.
Marta must go to work to pay the bills. When she gets home she doesn't always have enough patience or time to
talk to her daughter. Viviana says her parents think she is still a child. But, Marta thinks Viviana needs more
discipline.
While you watch the video, listen for the answer to this question:
Where does Marta want to send Viviana?
12 Story Start Up — Let's watch!
Wizard: And action!
Marta: You're too young. I have too many things to worry about. The last thing I want is to worry about you
staying out late. The answer is no. And that's final.
Viviana: But mom!
Marta: Now get ready for school! Your father will be here any minute and I'm almost late to work.
Viviana: Hi, Dad.
Dad: What's the matter? Did you skip breakfast?
Viviana: No. Mom just doesn't get it.
Dad: Oh, I know that very well.
Viviana: I can go to Kim's birthday party, right?
Dad: Sure.
Viviana: And come home around midnight?
Dad: Midnight!
Viviana: What's the big deal?
Dad: No, no, no, no, no. I am not going to allow my daughter to stay out until midnight.
Viviana: Why not?
Dad: There are boys at this party, right?
Viviana: Yeah.
Dad: Well, you are not ready to be with boys.
Viviana: How do you know?
Dad: Oh, I know. You are not going to Kim's party because I say so and I am your father.
Viviana: Oh great. Now I can't even go to the party.
Viviana: My parents just won't let me.
Kim: Why not?
Viviana: They both still think I'm 12 years old. They say I'm too young.
Kim: Too young? Hello! You're 17.
Viviana: My mom thinks I'll start dating. Then I'll leave school and have a baby like she did.
Kim: But your mom knows that you learned from her mistakes, doesn't she?
Viviana: No, she doesn't. We don't talk much or spend much time together anymore.
Kim: But she knows you're not going to leave school. I mean, you're a smart girl. You're Miss
I-Never-Have-Any-Problems in school. Have you ever even been to the counselor's office?
Viviana: No.
Teacher: Viviana?
Viviana: Yes?
Teacher: You need to go to the counselor's office.
Kim: I guess there's a first time for everything. What did you do?
Viviana: I don't know.
Mr. Flores: Marta, sweetheart. You're a little late.
Marta: No. I am never late, Cornelio.
Mr. Flores: Honey. I told you before. You don't have to take the bus. I am happy to drive you to work.
Marta: No, thank you, Cornelio.
Mr. Flores: Please, baby. Don't call me Cornelio. We're a big happy family. Call me Corny.
Marta: Well, Corny, thank you for the offer, but I prefer taking the bus. And please, don't call me baby.
Mr. Flores: Oh, you're a difficult woman, Martita. I like that.
Marta: I'm a hard working woman. That's different.
Mr. Flores: Just remember, one day you will want a ride from me.
Marta: Just remember that I will never want a ride from you.
Mr. Flores: We'll see about that.
Dora: He asked you to call him Corny?
Marta: I don't think he knows what that means in English.
Dora: Hey, Marta, what's the matter?
Marta: I'm just so busy with work, bills, and now I'm having problems with Viviana.
Dora: Problems with Viviana? But she's a great student and a really nice kid.
Marta: That's the problem. She's not a kid anymore. And she never listens to me.
Dora: The same with my Juan Carlos. That's the problem with kids in this country. They don't listen to their
parents.
Marta: I know. Viviana needs more discipline.
Dora: Send Viviana back to Mexico if she gives you trouble. I'm going to send Juan Carlos back to Mexico if
he gives me problems.
Marta: I've been thinking about sending her to her grandmother. I'll miss her. But maybe it's best.
Dora: Yes, for her own good.
13 gifted
to have talent or special abilities; a program at school for students who have talent
14 deserve
to earn something because of your actions or abilities; to be worthy
15 permission
being allowed to do something; consent to do something
16 picked
chosen or selected for something, often for something special
17 disrespectful
to be rude; to behave with no courtesy or politeness
18 volunteer
to work for free to help others, to work for no pay to be helpful to the community
19 disobey
to act against someone's rules or orders; to do what you are told not to do
20 favor
something you do for someone else; something you do to help someone
21 miserable
very unhappy or sad, a terrible or horrible feeling
22 agree
to have the same idea or opinion as someone; to accept what a person thinks or says
23 fired
dismissed or terminated from a job
24 Life Skills — Getting Ready
Viviana is worried she's in trouble because she has to go to the counselor's office. She gets a pleasant surprise
when Mr. Marcus says he wants her to join the gifted program. She will take special classes for smart students.
She is excited, but doesn't think her parents will give her permission to join the program.
Her father thinks it's a terrible idea, but Viviana hopes her mother will agree with her that it's a great program.
When Marta hears the counselor wants to speak to her, she can only think Viviana is in trouble. They both lose
their patience and begin to argue. Viviana walks out and slams the door in Marta's face. This is proof for Marta
that Viviana is too disrespectful and she must do something.
Marta asks her friend, Dora, to tell the boss she will not be at work because she has to go to Viviana's school.
The next day she goes to the school office.
While you watch the video, listen for the answer to this question:
What does Marta think Viviana will learn if she goes to stay with her grandmother in Mexico?
25 Life Skills — Let's Watch
Mr. Marcus: Yeah, you know if we get that dance group, it's going to be a great festival. Yeah. Hold on. Come
in.
Viviana: You wanted to see me?
Mr. Marcus: Yes, Viviana. Please have a seat.
Yeah, so you take care of that, okay? Okay, bye.
Viviana: Am I in trouble?
Mr. Marcus: Trouble? No, you're not in trouble. Just the opposite. I want you to join our gifted program.
Viviana: Gifted program? But isn't that for really smart people?
Mr. Marcus: That's why I'm asking you.
Viviana: Really?
Mr. Marcus: Absolutely. You deserve it. Are you interested?
Viviana: I am! But, do I need my parents' permission?
Mr. Marcus: Yes, you do.
Viviana: I don't know. My mom is really mad at me right now. I don't think she'll give me permission.
Mr. Marcus: But won't she be happy to hear you're a good student? I'll tell you what. Let me handle it. Just tell
her I want to talk to her, okay?
Viviana: Okay.
Mr. Marcus: Okay.
Viviana: Thanks, Mr. Marcus.
Mr. Marcus: Congratulations.
Viviana: Thank you.
Viviana: Dad, I have great news.
Dad: Your mom buying you a new car?
Viviana: No, Dad. I'm going to be in the gifted program!
Dad: In what program?
Viviana: You know, it's for students who get really good grades or have special talents.
Dad: You mean, special classes.
Viviana: It's a great opportunity, Dad. It will help me get into college later.
Dad: I don't think so, Viviana. Your friends will make fun of you if you join that program. It's a terrible idea.
Viviana: Well I think it's a great idea. I know mom will agree with me.
Dad: We'll see about that.
Viviana: Hey, Mom.
Marta: Hi, Viviana. How was school?
Viviana: Good, mom. My counselor,
Mr. Marcus, called me in today. He wants to talk to you.
Marta: Wants to talk to me? What did you do?
Viviana: What do you mean what did I do?
Marta: You did something.
Viviana: I was picked to be in a special gifted program, mom. Why do you always think I did something wrong?
Why can't you think I did something right for a change?
Marta: Don't disrespect your mother! Viviana! Viviana! That's it. That's it!
Marta: Hello?
Dora: Hola, Marta. What are you doing?
Marta: Dora. Viviana's in big trouble.
Dora: Oh no, really?
Marta: Yes. I think I'll have to send her to Mexico. I need to ask you for a favor.
Dora: Sure, what is it?
Marta: Please tell Mr. Cook I won't be there tomorrow because I need to go to Viviana's school.
Dora: No problem.
Marta: Thank you.
Dora: Bye.
Woman: Here you go.
Marta: Excuse me. I want to take my daughter out of school. What office do I go to?
Woman: The attendance counter is right over there.
Marta: Thank you.
Mr. Marcus: Ms. Cardona?
Marta: Hm?
Mr. Marcus: Oh, it's good to see you. But it wasn't necessary for you to come here. We could have talked over
the phone.
Marta: I didn't come here to talk to you, Mr. Marcus. I came to take my daughter out of school.
Mr. Marcus: What? Why?
Marta: Mr. Marcus. Living in the United States has made her disrespectful. I'm sending her back to Mexico to
stay with her grandmother. That way she'll learn to respect me.
Mr. Marcus: Ms. Cardona, I don't believe Viviana is disrespectful. She's a very smart and independent young
woman. She likes to do things her own way but --
Marta: Exactly. I can't allow that.
Mr. Marcus: Ms. Cardona, I understand how you feel. Please. Viviana is one of eight students we want for our
gifted program. This is a fantastic opportunity for her. Please! Don't take her out of school. Give your daughter
that chance.
Wizard: And freeze!
26 Life Skills — Reading
Parenting
Parenting takes time, patience, and dedication. Good parents spend time with their children and they set good
examples. Modeling good behavior is more effective than telling children what to do. Use discipline to teach
children, not to punish them. When you see your children do good things, tell them you are proud. Teenage
years require special care. Listen to your teenager when she talks to you. Respond with humor and stories about
your experiences.
Good parents are involved in their children's education:
Communicate with other parents at your children's school for support or advice.
Talk to your children's teachers and counselors about your children's interests and goals.
Visit your children's school and participate in school events.
Good parenting is not easy, but raising happy children is one of life's best gifts.
27 Grammar — Let's Watch
Wizard: Wow. Do you think Marta will send Viviana back to Mexico or will she allow her daughter to go into
the gifted program? Aachoo! We'll find out soon. But first, let's do today's lesson.
Adjectives describe nouns, for example, my mother is a beautiful and smart woman. Hehehe.
Here are some other examples. Watch and listen.
Kim: She knows you're not going to leave school. I mean, you're a smart girl.
Cornelio: Oh, you're a difficult woman, Martita.
Marta: I'm a hardworking woman.
Dora: She's a great student and a really nice kid.
Wizard: Good job.
28 Making Choices — Let's Watch (A)
Wizard: Now let's get back to our exciting story. Exciting is an adjective and story is a noun. And action!
Marta: Mr. Marcus, I appreciate your concern for my daughter. Maybe she is a gifted student but she's also a
disrespectful daughter. I'm sending Viviana back to Mexico.
Marta: Excuse me.
Woman: May I help you?
Viviana: Mom! Mom! How can you check me out of school?
Marta: I've had enough. You disrespect me. You disobey me. That's it! I'm sending you back to Mexico.
Vamanos.
Viviana: Back to Mexico? Fine. If you don't want to see me again, I promise you won't ever see me again!
Marta: Viviana! Viviana! Oh, my gosh she drives me crazy.
Police Officer: I'm so sorry, Ms. Cardona. We've looked everywhere, but we can't find your daughter.
Marta: God. It's been more than a week.
Police Officer: We'll keep trying but I can't promise anything.
Marta: Oh, Viviana, please come back. I'm so sorry. [Crying]
Wizard: This is not a good situation. Viviana is gone and Marta is miserable.
29 Making Choices — Getting Ready (B)
Marta agrees to go to Mr. Marcus' office and hear about the gifted program. He explains the program's
activities and the kinds of classes Viviana will take.
When Mr. Marcus talks about how this will help with college, Marta is surprised to hear that Viviana may go to
college.
When Marta goes back to work she has another surprise, but this one is bad.
While you watch the video, listen for the answer to this question:
What classes and activities will Viviana be participating in with the gifted program?
30 Making Choices — Let's Watch (B)
Wizard: Let's give Marta another chance, okay? And action!
Marta: So, Mr. Marcus, what exactly is this gifted program all about?
Mr. Marcus: Great. Step into my office and I'll tell you all about it.
Marta: Okay.
Mr. Marcus: She will take advanced courses and get work experience.
Marta: Work experience?
Mr. Marcus: Yes, that's right. She'll learn about important topics of the work environment. That's my class.
She'll even help the community like volunteer at the library, bring food to the homeless and even teach people
to read and write.
Viviana: Wow!, I'd love to help teach people to read and write.
Marta: That is nice.
Mr. Marcus: This helps our students when they go to college.
Marta: College? College, Viviana?
Mr. Marcus: Viviana is a very bright young woman. You should be very proud.
Marta: I am so sorry, Viviana. I had no idea.
Viviana: I'm sorry, too. We need to talk more.
Marta: You're right. I've just been so busy with my own things. I forgot what's really important. I promise from
now on we will talk, a lot.
Viviana: And since we're talking, can I go to Kim's party and stay until midnight?
Marta: Don't push it.
Mr. Marcus: I'm telling you.
Viviana: Okay, mom.
Mr. Flores: Marta, Marta. You don't need to put that on, you know.
Marta: Why not?
Mr. Flores: Because you're fired!
31 Review and Assessment — Let's Watch
Wizard: Fired?! Oh! Can this be true?
We'll find out in our next episode.
In the meantime, remember, good parents always talk with their children.
I'm going to try this special remedy my mother gave me.
