Think before shouting at your child: to them, words can be as harmful as physical blows
This is a list of key vocabulary and expressions from the article in order of how useful they are. The student must choose 6 items from the list to study in the lesson.
To rely on (someone/ something)
‘The janitor could have encouraged and praised me…’
To betray (someone/ something)
To praise (someone/ something)
To sow the seeds (of something)
15 conversation-provoking questions related to the article.
1. What did the ‘pioneering systematic review’ say about verbal abuse, and what are the consequences of this verbal abuse?
2. What did the article say about how children are programmed and how they understand irony?
3. What did the author say about the janitor?
4. According to the article, is verbal abuse only encountered in the family?
5. What solution did the author offer?
6. ‘Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.’ Is this a good thing to say to your child?
7. Do you think it’s possible to raise a child only with praise?
8. Do you think it should be against the law to shout at your children?
9. Do you think the culture of raising children is the same in your native country and the UK?
10. Do you remember a time when you were told off as a child?
11. Why are some children more badly behaved than others?
12. Do you think that badly-behaved children will have less opportunities in life?
13. Do you think it’s possible to run a business only with praise?
14. Is it ever acceptable for a parent, manager, sports coach etc. to shout at people?
15. What forms of praise are the most valuable?