11 Questions to Ask at the End of the School Year

The school year is coming to an end in many parts of the country, so it makes sense to review what your kids have learned.

It’s easy! Here are some discussion starters to stimulate an informal conversation that will surely result in some pride. Notice that none of these questions can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” (If you ask a question that can be answered in one word, that may be the only answer you’ll get.)

1. What project are you most proud of?
2. What was the best story/novel/biography you read?
3. What stretched your talent and interest the most?
4. What’s the most helpful thing you learned from your teacher?
5. What are some examples of skills and facts you know now that you didn’t know in September?
6. What accomplishment are you proudest of?
7. What did you learn from your biggest mistake?
8. What new friends did you make?
9. What surprised you?
10. What teachers stretched you, made you think deeply, or led you to new interests?
11. What’s the funniest thing that happened?

It’s best to have more than one child as part of this conversation. A small group will feed off one another and want to impress you with what they’ve learned. That’s good! They’ll get to show off, and you’ll feel proud. Keep the discussion informal, with pizza or some favorite food involved. Listen without too much comment. Follow their lead. Laugh a lot. Make it all about them. Show how impressed you are. Praise lavishly.

And now that the end of the school year is in sight ... Consider summer enrichment programs at Sylvan!

Keep your child engaged in learning this summer! Sylvan has a variety of academic and enrichment programs for keeping skills fresh and for building new ones.