Principal Appeals for Parents to Stop Wearing Pajamas in School

March 11, 2016

Unlocking Word Meanings
 今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. decent / ˈdi sənt / (adj.) – respectable
Example: You have to look decent in social gatherings.

2. apparel / əˈpær əl / (n.) – clothes
Example Some events require particular apparel.

3. escort / ɪˈskɔrt / (v.) – to be with
Example: She was escorted by her classmate to the school clinic.

4. casual / ˈkæʒ u əl / (adj.) – describes the attire used in informal situations
Example: We were allowed to wear casual clothes instead of our school uniform yesterday. 

5. defy / dɪˈfaɪ / (v.) – to disobey or not follow
Example: Despite being told to stay, he defied his parents by leaving.

Article
 ニュース記事

Read the text below.
A principal wrote a letter to the parents and guardians of students in her school asking them not to wear pajamas when dropping off children.

Kate Chisolm, the principal of Skerne Park Academy, Darlington, United Kingdom released a written request to adults to wear appropriate clothes when dropping off children at school. In her letter, she noted that it was a habit among some adults to accompany children to and from school while still in pajamas. She reasoned that they should all set a good example for the children by wearing decent apparel whenever they escort their children.

Her letter was written in the midst of a growing trend among adults to wear very casual clothing when coming to school. In her school alone, around 30 parents have joined the trend. Some even join meetings, school assemblies, Christmas performances, and other events dressed in their sleepwear.

Parents’ reactions to the letter have been mixed. Although many parents at the school and in the community gave their support, others criticized the letter. Some even defied the request by turning up in school wearing their sleepwear. In a blog post, freelance writer and mother Sarah Bergel argues that, while parents would like to look their best when dropping off their children, there are certain factors that keep them from doing so. Some reasons she mentioned include the possibilities that parents drop their children off before they can take a shower for work, or that they were up late nursing a sick child, leaving them no time to freshen up.

Viewpoint Discussion
 ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

·         What is considered casual clothing in your country?
·         What places or facilities in your country have a dress code?

Discussion B

·         In what other ways can parents and teachers set good examples for children?
·         Other than parents and teachers, who should set good examples for children?

March 11, 2016