Talking About Homework

In this lesson, moms will learn how to discuss school-related topics with their child, including talking about homework, explaining subjects like math, and offering support. This conversation focuses on practicing phrases and vocabulary that are useful for everyday school interactions.

Mom: “How was school today?”
Kid: “It was good! We learned about math and science.”
Mom: “That sounds interesting! Do you have any homework?”
Kid: “Yes, I have math homework and a reading assignment.”
Mom: “Let’s take a look at your math homework. What do you need help with?”
Kid: “I’m having trouble with division. It’s hard to understand.”
Mom: “Don’t worry, we can go over it together. Division is just splitting things into equal parts. Let me show you an example.”
Kid: “Okay, thanks, Mom! I think I get it now.”
Mom: “Great! Now, what about your reading assignment?”
Kid: “I need to read three chapters and answer some questions.”
Mom: “How many pages is that?”
Kid: “It’s a lot. Maybe around 20 pages.”
Mom: “That’s okay. How about we break it down? You can read 10 pages now, and the rest after dinner.”
Kid: “That sounds good. I’ll get started on the math first!”
Mom: “I’m proud of you for being so responsible with your homework. Keep up the good work!”

Vocabulary Highlight

  • Division [dɪˈvɪʒən] (noun) – The process of dividing something into parts.
  • Assignmentˈsaɪnmənt] (noun) – A task or work given to someone as part of their job or studies.
  • Break down [breɪk daʊn] (phrasal verb) – To separate something into smaller parts to make it easier to understand.

Grammar Tip

In the sentence “How was school today?”, the verb was is the past tense of is. It’s used to talk about something that happened earlier. When asking about something that happened in the past, you can use How was for singular subjects and How were for plural subjects.

  • Singular: Use was for one person or thing.
    Example: “How was your day?”
  • Plural: Use were for more than one person or thing.
    Example: “How were your friends?”
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VOCABULARY LIST

  • Responsible /rɪˈspɒnsəbl/ – (Adjective) Being in charge of something or someone and making sure it gets done.
    Example: “She’s very responsible when it comes to taking care of her little brother.”

    Equal /ˈiːkwəl/ – (Adjective) Being the same in size, amount, or value.
    Example: “Everyone should have an equal chance to speak during the meeting.”

    Division /dɪˈvɪʒən/ – (Noun) The process of dividing something into parts.
    Example: “We learned about division in math class today.”

    Assignmentˈsaɪnmənt/ – (Noun) A task or work given to someone as part of their job or studies.
    Example: “I have to finish my reading assignment by tomorrow.”

    Break down /breɪk daʊn/ – (Phrasal Verb) To separate something into smaller parts to make it easier to understand.
    Example: “Let’s break down the problem into smaller steps.”

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Fill in the Blanks

Story with Missing Words

School Day Conversation

Mom: “How was school today?”
Kid: “It was ! We learned about math and science.”
Mom: “That sounds ! Do you have any homework?”
Kid: “Yes, I have math homework and a reading .”
Mom: “Let’s take a look at your math homework. What do you need help with?”
Kid: “I’m having trouble with . It’s hard to understand.”
Mom: “Don’t worry, we can go over it together. Division is just splitting things into parts. Let me show you an example.”
Kid: “Okay, thanks, Mom! I think I get it now.”
Mom: “Great! Now, what about your reading ?”
Kid: “I need to read three and answer some questions.”
Mom: “How many pages is that?”
Kid: “It’s a lot. Maybe around pages.”
Mom: “That’s okay. How about we break it down? You can read pages now, and the rest after dinner.”
Kid: “That sounds good. I’ll get started on the math first!”
Mom: “I’m proud of you for being so with your homework. Keep up the good work!”