Three neighbors met at the park after a strong afternoon wind had knocked leaves and small branches onto the walking path. Mr. Lewis had brought a broom, Ana had brought a trash bag, and Devon had only come to walk around the park. When Devon saw them cleaning, he slowed down and said, “I didn’t know anyone was doing this today.” Ana smiled and said, “It was not planned. Mr. Lewis just stepped up when he saw the mess.”

Mr. Lewis pointed toward the bench and said, “The path was getting hard to use, so I figured I’d pitch in.” Devon looked at the branches and said, “I can help for a few minutes.” Ana handed him a bag and said, “That would take a load off.” By the time they finished, the path was clear. Devon looked at the clean walkway and smiled because he understood the message behind their words.

SPEAK

Think about the phrases. Answer in complete sentences.

1. Ana said Mr. Lewis “stepped up.” What did Mr. Lewis do?

2. Mr. Lewis said he wanted to “pitch in.” What was he helping with?

3. Devon said, “I can help for a few minutes.” What did he decide to do?

4. Ana said, “That would take a load off.” How would Devon’s help affect them?

5. What part of the story shows that the work was useful?

6. Which phrase shows someone taking action without being asked?

7. Which phrase shows helping with a task?

8. Did Devon’s role change in the story? Use the reading to support your answer.

LISTEN

Listen to your teacher’s statement and question. Then answer in complete sentences.

Teacher recording:

“I think Devon’s attitude changed when he saw the others working. At first, he only planned to walk, but then he chose to help with the cleanup.”

1. What did the speaker say?

2. How do you respond to the speaker’s opinion?

3. Use the reading to support your response.

WRITE

Write 5–7 sentences.

Choose two phrases from the reading. Explain what each phrase means and how it connects to the park cleanup.

NOTES

step up

• What it means:
  To take responsibility or help when help is needed.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when someone takes action, especially without waiting for someone else.

• Why we use it:
  It sends a positive message about responsibility.

• Example:
  Mr. Lewis stepped up when he saw the path was messy.

pitch in

• What it means:
  To help with a task or group effort.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when people work together to finish something.

• Why we use it:
  It sounds friendly and natural in everyday teamwork.

• Example:
  Devon pitched in by helping with the branches.

take a load off

• What it means:
  To make someone’s work, stress, or responsibility lighter.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when help makes a situation easier.

• Why we use it:
  It shows appreciation for help.

• Example:
  Devon’s help took a load off Ana and Mr. Lewis.

hard to use

• What it means:
  Difficult to walk on, work with, or use correctly.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase for places, tools, machines, systems, or situations.

• Why we use it:
  It explains why a problem needs attention.

• Example:
  The path was hard to use because branches were on it.