Learning Objectives:
- Students will be able to listen to and understand a story about a visit to the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh.
- Students will be able to identify key vocabulary related to architecture, royalty, and Cambodian culture.
- Students will be able to demonstrate comprehension by answering questions and summarizing the story.
- Students will be able to express their opinions and feelings about the Royal Palace.
Materials:
- Audio recording of the story “A Visit to the Royal Palace” (see script below).
- Optional: Images or video clips of the Royal Palace to aid visualization.
- Worksheet or whiteboard for comprehension questions and vocabulary review.
Audio:
Script:
Hello everyone! Last week, my class went on a field trip to the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. It was an amazing experience, and I learned so much about Cambodian history and culture.
As we approached the palace, I was struck by its grandeur. The intricate gold-tipped roofs, the ornate spires, and the colorful murals decorating the walls were simply breathtaking. We entered through a grand gate guarded by two stone lions, symbols of strength and power.
Our guide led us through the various buildings within the palace complex. We visited the Throne Hall, where the king holds official ceremonies and audiences. The hall was adorned with elaborate decorations and a magnificent throne under a golden canopy.
We also visited the Silver Pagoda, so named for its floor covered in over 5,000 silver tiles. Inside, we saw a stunning collection of Buddhist statues and artifacts, including a life-size gold Buddha encrusted with diamonds.
As we strolled through the manicured gardens, our guide explained the significance of different trees and plants in Khmer culture. We saw fragrant jasmine, sacred banyan trees, and vibrant lotus flowers.
The visit to the Royal Palace was truly an unforgettable experience. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and traditions of Cambodia. I felt a sense of pride in our country’s history and culture, and I was inspired by the beauty and craftsmanship of the palace complex.
Vocabulary:
- grandeur (noun): splendor and impressiveness, especially of appearance or style.
- spire (noun): a tapering conical or pyramidal structure on the top of a building, typically a church tower.
- mural (noun): a painting or other work of art executed directly on a wall.
- ornate (adjective): made in an intricate shape or decorated with complex patterns.
- canopy (noun): an ornamental cloth covering hung or held up over something, especially a throne or bed.
- encrusted (adjective): covered or decorated with a hard surface layer.
Tasks:
- Answer the Questions:
- Where did the class go on their field trip?
- What were some of the features of the Royal Palace that impressed the narrator?
- What buildings did they visit inside the palace complex?
- What did they see in the Silver Pagoda?
- How did the narrator feel after visiting the Royal Palace?
- Vocabulary Matching: Match the vocabulary words with their definitions. (Provide a list of definitions for students to match to the words.)
- Summarizing: In your own words, summarize the story about the visit to the Royal Palace.
- Express Your Opinion:
- Would you like to visit the Royal Palace? Why or why not?
- What other historical or cultural sites would you like to visit in Cambodia?
- How can we help preserve these important places for future generations?
Answer Key: (Provide answers to the comprehension questions and vocabulary matching for teacher reference.)
Outro:
The Royal Palace is a symbol of Cambodia’s rich history and culture. It offers a glimpse into the lives of Cambodian royalty and the country’s artistic heritage. By learning about and appreciating these cultural treasures, we can help preserve them for future generations to enjoy.
