B2 – Upper Intermediate
At Oberlin High School in Ohio, educators have launched a groundbreaking program designed to help adolescent boys open up about their feelings. Recognizing that many teen boys struggle to express their emotions—reportedly only 38 % feel comfortable discussing mental health with friends—this initiative creates a safe space for discussion and reflection.
Watch the video and read the article to learn more about this school program called “Men’s Work”.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/oberlin-ohio-high-school-unique-space-teen-boys-speak-openly-struggles
Vocabulary Questions:
- What is an “emotional roller coaster“? “I think boys, in particular, feel this emotional roller coaster, this push and pull, on the one hand, I’m hearing from media and news that I think men should be able to cry.” Use this expression in a sentence.
- Define “manosphere“. “The Men’s Work sessions are designed to discuss and challenge messaging from the “manosphere” that students like Santos Navarro, a senior at Oberlin High, are frequently exposed to online.” Make a sentence with this term.
- What does “to be drawn to someone/something” mean in this context? “It’s one reason that some young men are drawn to social influencers collectively known as the “manosphere,”” Create a sentence using this idiom.
Discussion Questions:
- What is your personal reaction to this initiative? Would you support a program like this in your school?
- According to the article/video, what are some of the benefits boys experience from participating?
- How can schools create a safe space for boys to share their feelings?
- How can emotional literacy help students in their academic and personal lives?
- What do you think young boys/men in your country struggle with?
- Share your insights on what you believe it means to be a modern man.
- What are your thoughts about “manosphere”?