“Conversation Starter Lesson Series: Upper-Intermediate” is designed for intermediate-level ESL learners who want to improve their fluency and confidence in speaking English.
Each lesson includes an engaging reading material with audio, vocabulary and expressions, comprehension questions, and discussion questions to be used for one to one class, group class, or self-study for both online and offline classes.
Unit 4: Relationships and Communication
Story 01: The Keys to Raising Successful Children
Key Lesson Vocabulary & Expressions: Look over and review before proceeding.
- financial stability
- implement
- nurturing environment
- growth mindset
- perseverance
- meaningful relationships
- accountable
- validating
- crucial
- accountable
Read or Listen to the following passage:
Raising successful children is a priority for many parents. While success can have various meanings, it generally includes financial stability, happiness, fulfilling relationships, and a sense of purpose. To help children achieve these goals, parents can implement several practices.
Firstly, parents need to create a nurturing and supportive environment. This environment should provide safety, security, and love while also encouraging and validating children’s feelings. Parents should spend quality time with their children and reinforce positive behavior to build their confidence and self-esteem.
Secondly, parents should teach their children how to set realistic goals, break them down into smaller, achievable tasks, and track their progress. By setting achievable goals and learning to work towards them, children can develop a growth mindset that is critical to success.
Thirdly, children need to learn the value of hard work and persistence. Parents should demonstrate that hard work pays off by working hard themselves, setting an example of perseverance, and celebrating their child’s efforts and achievements.
Fourthly, developing social skills is essential for success. Parents should provide opportunities for their children to interact with others, learn to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and collaborate with their peers. These skills will help children develop meaningful relationships, which are crucial for success.
Finally, parents must teach their children to be responsible and accountable for their actions. They should set clear expectations and consequences for their behavior and hold them accountable for their choices.
Comprehension Questions:
- What are the goals of raising successful children?
- What should parents do to create a nurturing environment?
- What skills are critical to developing a growth mindset?
- Why is it important for children to learn social skills?
- How can parents teach children to be responsible and accountable?
Conversations Starters:
- In your opinion, how important is financial stability when it comes to raising a family? What are some of the benefits and challenges associated with financial stability in parenting?
- How do you create a nurturing environment for your children or loved ones? What are some practical strategies that you use to promote growth and development in your family?
- What is your experience with fostering a growth mindset in your children or in yourself? What are some of the benefits and challenges of cultivating a growth mindset?
- How do you model and teach perseverance to your children or loved ones? How do you help them navigate challenges and setbacks in their lives?
- What are some strategies that you use to build meaningful relationships with your family members, friends, or romantic partners? What do you think is the key to developing deep and meaningful connections with others?
- How do you hold yourself accountable as a parent or caregiver? What are some of the ways that you take responsibility for your actions and decisions?
- How would you describe your parents’ parenting style?
- What were some good tips or suggestions your parents gave you growing up?
- How have parenting and raising children changed over the years?
- How do you reinforce positive behavior in your children or loved ones? What are some of the ways that you can praise and reward positive behavior to encourage it to continue?
