Welcome to Week 14 of the Weekly Four-Skill English Challenge!
This week, we will focus on understanding your child’s school day and learning the English vocabulary you need to communicate confidently with teachers and school staff in Canada.
Starting school in a new country can be an exciting experience for children and their parents. However, if English is not your first language, understanding school routines and asking questions about your child’s day can sometimes feel challenging. You may wonder what time classes begin, when your child has lunch, how long recess lasts, or how your child gets home after school. You may also need to ask about indoor recess, school bus schedules, dismissal procedures, or after-school programs.
Learning the right vocabulary and practising common questions can make these everyday conversations much easier. When you understand how the school day works, you can help your child prepare for school, organize lunches, plan transportation, and feel more comfortable with daily routines.
In Canada, school schedules and procedures can vary depending on the school, school board, and grade level. Some schools have designated lunch areas, while others have different arrangements for eating and playing. Students may travel to school by school bus, public transportation, bicycle, or car, depending on their age and location. Knowing how to ask for information will help you understand your school’s specific rules and expectations.
In this week’s challenge, you will practise all four English skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
- Listening: Practise understanding information about school schedules, lunch breaks, recess, and transportation.
- Speaking: Learn how to ask teachers and school staff polite questions about daily routines.
- Reading: Read about a typical school day and answer questions to practise finding important details.
- Writing: Write a short, polite email to your child’s teacher or school office to ask about the daily schedule.
You will also learn useful vocabulary related to school routines and discover a practical Canada Tip to help you navigate your child’s school experience.
This challenge is suitable for English learners at approximately CLB 4–6 who want to improve their everyday communication skills. You do not need to know every word or understand everything perfectly on your first attempt. Read the examples aloud, repeat the useful expressions, and complete each activity at your own pace.
By the end of Week 14, you should feel more confident asking questions about your child’s school day and understanding the answers you receive.
Are you ready to practise English for everyday school communication? Let’s get started!
