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Home » Programs » Crossroads Cafe » Helping Hands...

Crossroads Cafe

Helping Hands (#122)

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In this episode Jamal and his infant daughter accompany Jamal's wife to her business conference in another town. He resents the amount of time his wife is spending with business associates as he baby-sits. They finally come to an understanding. While Jamal is away problems arise at the Cafe that need a repairman to solve. Frank, an unemployed mechanic forced to living on the streets, begs a meal from Brashov and offers his assistance in return. Brashov hires Frank during Jamal's absence. Jess and everyone at the Cafe help Frank get back on his feet. "Culture Clips" looks at the plight of the homeless and the financial pressures that face many families today. The "Word Play" segment demonstrates how to ask and give permission.

Education Record Rights: Fixed expiration date - Sep 01, 2010.

Program Description: This English language learner (ELL) series blends comedy and drama to teach English to speakers of other languages. The stories feature characters whose lives intersect at Crossroad Café, a neighborhood restaurant, where together they experience the struggles, conflicts, joys and victories of everyday life.

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  • Trading Places (#113)

    The cafe employees switch jobs for a day with mixed results, while Jess and his wife try to cope with their role reversal caused by Jess's retirement. The Word Play segment helps your students learn how to express their ability to do something. Culture Clips discusses the responsibilities that couples share in family life.

  • Life Goes On (#114)

    Brashov is in the hospital with a heart attack and the employees try to run the cafe while he is recovering. Word Play discusses how to describe something. For example: The hospital food is bad. Culture Clips helps your students understand the hospital environment.

  • Breaking Away (#115)

    Henry and his Caucasian girlfriend are forced to deal with the reactions of their parents while Brashov must deal with the opening of a laundromat next door. Word Play discusses likes and dislikes and comes into use when Brashov expresses his opinion of the laundromat. Culture Clips focuses on intercultural relationships and why parents sometimes worry about them.

  • The Bottom Line (#116)

    Crossroads Cafe needs a new stove, but the bank won't lend Brashov money. So the cafe tries to attract more business to impress the bank enough to approve the loan. Word Play shows your students how to report information. Culture Clips ties the subject of aging into the show when Jess brings his seniors' group into the cafe in order to help attract more customers.

  • United We Stand (#117)

    When her apartment landlord refuses to make repairs, Rosa and the other tenants fight back. Word Play shows your students how to make complaints, describe the problem, and ask for help. Culture Clips explains the tenant/landlord rights and responsibilities.

  • Opportunity Knocks (#118)

    Jamal is offered a job that would use his engineering skills, but then his integrity is put to the test when he is asked to approve a building that he knows is unsafe. Word Play explains how to compare people, places, or things. The Culture Clips segment informs your students about worker safety and benefits and what is allowed by law.

  • The People's Choice (#119)

    Brashov and Jess are fed up with the city government, so Jess decides to run for city council. In Word Play, your students see how Jess makes promises to the voters. The segment on Culture Clips discusses the government and the election process.

  • Outside Looking In (#120)

    Rosa wants to learn about art, music, and food in order to fit in better in 'high society' and the young son of the cafe's landlord learns how to act like a child. Word Play shows your students ways to give advice by using 'should' and 'had better.' Culture Clips reviews the different ways that people raise children.

  • Walls and Bridges (#121)

    Rosa comes to the aid of a student whose father wants her to quit school while Brashov struggles with his citizenship exam. Word Play shows your students how to ask for and offer help. Culture Clips discusses ways to get help in becoming a citizen of the United States.

  • Helping Hands (#122)

    The cafe employees help get a homeless man back on his feet by helping him find a job. How to ask for and give permission is highlighted by Word Play. Culture Clips discusses financial difficulties people may have and offers solutions that might help.

  • The Gift (#123)

    Mr. Brashov is convinced that everyone has forgotten his birthday, unaware that they are planning a surprise party for him. Word Play shows your students how to extend invitations to people and how to answer invitations 'yes' or 'no'. Culture Clips explains what taxes are in the United States and how the collected money is used.

  • All's Well That Ends Well (#124)

    Katherine has many problems the day before her wedding. Word Play helps your students understand how to talk about something that will happen in the future. Culture Clips shows the different ways cultures celebrate special events, like a wedding.

Past Episodes

These episodes of Crossroads Cafe aired in the last few months on Iowa Public Television.

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