English for Parents: Speak with Your Child’s Teacher | Vocabulary, Questions, Tips

Summary

In this video, Rebecca from engVid provides practical tips for parents preparing for a parent-teacher interview or conference. She emphasizes the importance of communicating with your child beforehand to understand their experiences at school, preparing questions in advance, and sharing concerns with the teacher. Rebecca also explains common phrasal verbs and expressions used in parent-teacher meetings, such as 'keep up', 'clam up', 'sink in', and 'join in'. The lesson aims to help parents feel confident and involved in their child's education, fostering a positive partnership with teachers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Talk to your child before the parent-teacher conference to gather information about how they’re feeling in school and if they’re facing any challenges.
• 😀 Prepare questions in advance to help you feel confident, especially if you're unsure of the vocabulary or grammar in English.
• 😀 Don’t hesitate to share your concerns with the teacher about your child's progress and well-being.
• 😀 Begin the meeting politely by thanking the teacher for their support and acknowledging your child's positive experiences in the class.
• 😀 If you don’t understand something the teacher says, politely ask for clarification, such as 'Could you please repeat that?' or 'Could you explain that further?'
• 😀 Show your willingness to help your child by asking, 'What can I do to help Johnny in math?' This shows you're a supportive parent.
• 😀 Teachers often use phrasal verbs to describe a child’s performance, such as 'keeping up with' (staying at the same level), 'falling behind' (not keeping up), and 'clamming up' (becoming silent).
• 😀 If your child is nervous or doesn't know the answer, they might 'clam up' or 'tense up,' meaning they become silent or stressed.
• 😀 Phrasal verbs like 'catch on' (to understand) and 'sink in' (to really grasp something) are commonly used by teachers to explain a child’s learning process.
• 😀 Teachers appreciate when parents actively participate in their child's education and show concern for both academic and social challenges.
• 😀 Remember that parent-teacher meetings are a partnership. Your involvement and care for your child's success make a big difference in their learning experience.

Q & A

Why is it important for parents to talk to their child before a parent-teacher interview?

Talking to your child before a parent-teacher interview helps you gather information about how they feel in school, whether they have any difficulties, or if anything is bothering them. This enables you to participate more effectively in the conference and better understand the child's needs.

What should parents do if they don't understand something during the parent-teacher conference?

If a parent doesn't understand something, they should politely ask the teacher to clarify. They can use phrases like, 'Could you please repeat that?' or 'Could you explain what that means?' to ensure they understand what is being discussed.

Why is it helpful for parents to prepare questions in advance for a parent-teacher conference?

Preparing questions in advance allows parents to look up any unfamiliar vocabulary or terminology. This helps them communicate more clearly during the meeting and show the teacher that they care and are actively involved in their child's education.

What is the significance of sharing concerns with the teacher during the conference?

Sharing concerns with the teacher is important because it helps the teacher understand the child's challenges and feelings outside the classroom. This open communication fosters a partnership between the parent and teacher to support the child’s success.

What does it mean when a teacher says a student is 'keeping up' with the rest of the class?

When a teacher says a student is 'keeping up,' it means the student is performing at the same level as their peers and is not falling behind in terms of academic progress or participation.

What does the phrasal verb 'clam up' mean in the context of a student in class?

To 'clam up' means that the student becomes silent, often due to nervousness or fear, especially when asked to answer a question in class. It's a common reaction when students feel under pressure.

What is the difference between 'catch on' and 'sink in' in a classroom context?

'Catch on' means to begin to understand something, while 'sink in' refers to a deeper, more thorough understanding. For example, a student might 'catch on' to a concept initially but need time for it to 'sink in' before fully grasping it.

What does it mean when a teacher says a student is 'coping with all the changes'?

If a teacher says a student is 'coping with all the changes,' it means the student is successfully managing or dealing with new challenges, such as adapting to new routines, subjects, or social environments.

What is the meaning of the phrase 'left out' when discussing a student's social experience?

'Left out' means that the student is not included in group activities, leading to feelings of exclusion or isolation. If a teacher says a student is not 'left out,' it means the student is socially integrated and involved with their peers.

Why is it important for parents to express appreciation to the teacher during the conference?

Expressing appreciation helps create a positive, collaborative relationship between the parent and teacher. It shows gratitude for the teacher’s efforts in supporting the student’s learning and wellbeing, which can foster mutual respect and understanding.