Love, mum

Olia | Apr 08, 2026Apr 08, 2026

LESSON OVERVIEW

The main objectives of this speaking lesson on motherhood are to:

• talk about motherhood and parenting styles from a critical perspective;
• evaluate and discuss Mother’s Day postcards and traditions;
• watch part of a video about funny texts from moms to grown children.

Students talk about different views on motherhood, share their experiences and explore some quotes. They analyse motherhood in media and culture, discuss mother-child relationships and debate parenting approaches. Students watch a video excerpt (to 02:19) about mothers sending funny text messages to their adult children and reflect on humour in family communication. They examine postcards and talk about Mother’s Day values and traditions. Students can also do an extra vocabulary task to review useful language (e.g. overprotect, make sacrifices, tough love).

WARM-UP AND DISCUSSION

Before this speaking lesson on motherhood starts, students can do an extra vocabulary task to revise useful vocabulary for the discussion. They choose the best words to complete statements about human relationships and personal boundaries. Then, students replace some parts with their own ideas. Afterwards, they do a warm-up where they complete the statement ‘Being a mother means…’. Following that, students compare their responses with a partner and discuss what it says about their experience. Moving on, they read quotes and explain what they say about motherhood. Students also share whether they like them and why. After that, they discuss questions about stereotypes and cultural perceptions of motherhood. Next, students think of examples for different categories related to motherhood and children (e.g. things mothers do that often go unnoticed). They then explain their ideas.

VIDEO AND MORE DISCUSSION

In this part of this speaking lesson on motherhood, students look at parenting approaches (e.g. tiger parenting, helicopter parenting, free-range parenting) and say how they imagine a mother following them. They then check the answers and discuss parenting styles and their societal perceptions. Moving on, students watch a video excerpt about mothers sending funny text messages to their adult children. First, they imagine what kind of message an adult might receive from their mother in different situations (e.g. at 7 a.m. on Monday). Then, students watch the video and reflect on humour in family communication. Following that, they examine Mother’s Day postcards and discuss their tone and impact. Afterwards, students complete statements with their ideas, sharing views and customs regarding Mother’s Day. Finally, they think of ideas for and against different perspectives on motherhood. Students also say whether they personally agree or disagree with the statements.

WORKSHEETS

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