Useful Vocabulary
Instructions: Go through the vocabulary below with your students. Next, ask them to use this vocabulary in the conversation section below.
Useful Phrasal Verbs
- Hand down: To pass on something, such as traditions, values, or possessions, from one generation to the next.
Example: “She handed down her grandmother’s jewelry to her daughter.”
- Look after: To take care of someone, especially children, by providing for their needs and ensuring their well-being.
Example: “Can you look after the kids while I go to the store?”
- To check in on: visit, call, or write someone in order to find out how they’re doing
Example Sentence: “She makes it a point to check in on her elderly parents every day.”
- Bring up: To raise and care for children, providing them with education, guidance, and support.
Example Sentence: “She brought up her children to be respectful and independent.”
- To take after someone: to resemble or to inherit qualities, characteristics, or traits from a family member, typically a parent or close relative.
Example Sentence: “Lisa really takes after her mother – they have the same curly hair and love for music.”
Useful Idioms
- Crack the whip – To assert authority and demand strict obedience or performance.
Example Sentence: “The manager cracked the whip to ensure the team met their deadlines.”
Useful Vocabulary Words
- Upbringing
- Nurturing
- Role model
- Responsibility
- Boundaries
- Discipline
- Heirloom
ESL Conversation Questions
1. What are some essential qualities of a good parent?
2. What is the best thing about your mother/father?
3. What challenges do parents face today that didn’t exist 100 years ago?
4. How has technology impacted parenting in recent years?
5. How has the role of fathers in parenting changed in recent years?
6. Should parents have the right to spank their children as a form of discipline?
7. What are some valuable traditions or customs that have been handed down in your family?
8. Have you ever received an heirloom or an item that was handed down from a family member? Can you describe it?
9. In your culture, is it common for grandparents to look after their grandchildren? How do you feel about this practice?
10. Have you ever had to look after a younger sibling or a family member? What was the experience like for you?
11. How often do you check in on your friends or family members? What methods do you use to do so?
12. Who do you take after the most in your family? In what ways?
13. Do you believe that children naturally take after their parents in terms of personality traits? Why or why not?
14. How would you describe your upbringing? What values or beliefs were emphasized in your family?
15. How do you think your upbringing has shaped who you are today?
16. Who is a role model that you admire and why?
17. What qualities do you think make someone a good role model?
18. Do you think it’s important for children to have positive role models? Why or why not?
20. At what age do you think children should start taking on responsibilities? Why?
21. Do you think chores and household tasks help children develop a sense of responsibility? Why or why not?
22. How can children be encouraged to take responsibility for their schoolwork and homework?
23. Why are boundaries important for children’s well-being and development?
24. How can parents effectively establish and communicate boundaries with their children?
25. What are some common challenges parents face when setting boundaries for their children?
26. What are some potential consequences of not having clear boundaries for children?
27. What are some important values and principles you would like to instill in your children?
28. How do you think parenting styles vary across different cultures or societies?
29. What are some effective ways to establish open communication with children?
30. What are some ways that parents can promote healthy self-esteem and confidence in their children?