Initial Academic Performance Discussion
Parents meet with the teacher to discuss the child's overall academic standing, strengths, and areas needing improvement at the beginning or middle of the term.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
progress
Means the improvement or development in learning or work. In parent-teacher talks, use it to ask about a child's school performance, like 'How is her progress this term?'
bright
Describes someone who is intelligent and quick to learn. Teachers often use this positively for students, e.g., 'Emma is a bright student.' It's a compliment in educational settings.
engaged
Means actively involved or interested in something. In class, it refers to participating well, like 'very engaged in class discussions.' Useful for describing student behavior.
grasps
Means understands or learns something quickly. Use it for academic skills, e.g., 'She grasps new concepts quickly.' Common in feedback on learning speed.
rushes
Means does something too quickly without care. In school, it can lead to mistakes, like 'rushes through her work.' Parents can use this to discuss habits at home.
double-check
Means to check something again to make sure it's correct. Practical advice in studying, e.g., 'double-check her answers.' Helps avoid errors in math or homework.
excels
Means does very well or is outstanding in something. Teachers use it for strengths, like 'She excels in creative writing.' Good for positive feedback.
feedback
Means comments or advice given after reviewing work. In meetings, say 'This feedback is really helpful' to show appreciation. Essential in educational discussions.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Thanks for fitting us in.
This is a polite way to thank someone for making time in their schedule. Use it at the start of meetings. 'Fitting in' means squeezing into a busy day; it's common in professional talks to show gratitude.
We wanted to discuss Emma's progress this term.
A clear way to state the purpose of the meeting. 'Wanted to discuss' is polite for introducing topics. Useful for parents to focus on academic updates; 'this term' specifies the time period.
That's great to hear.
Expresses happiness about positive news. Simple response to good feedback. Use it in conversations to show agreement and positivity; no special grammar, just natural spoken English.
How is she doing with the core subjects, especially math?
Asks about performance in main school subjects. 'How is she doing' is a common phrase for checking status; 'core subjects' means essential ones like math. Practical for specific inquiries.
Any suggestions on how we can help her with that?
Seeks advice politely. 'Any suggestions' invites ideas; 'how we can help' shows parental involvement. Use in discussions to collaborate on improvements; question form encourages response.
Encouraging her to double-check her answers before submitting.
Gives practical advice using gerund 'encouraging' as subject. Useful for study tips; explains a method to avoid mistakes. In context, it's part of a larger suggestion sentence.
So, for math, it's more about attention to detail rather than understanding the concepts?
Confirms understanding with a question. 'More about... rather than...' compares focuses; tag question '对吗?' implied. Helps clarify points in talks; useful for verification.
This feedback is really helpful.
Thanks for advice received. 'This feedback' refers to comments; 'really helpful' emphasizes value. End meetings positively; simple structure for expressing appreciation.