Tonight with your 9 to 12 year old
The prompt
“Is there a subject in school that just feels like it fits who you are?”
What to listen for
If they answer with enthusiasm and can explain why, they've found a place where their natural strengths get to shine, which is great for their sense of competence.
If they say none really fit, that's worth exploring gently, school subjects don't always map onto a kid's real strengths, so ask about non-academic things too.
If they name a subject but seem unsure why, help them notice the connection out loud, sometimes kids need someone else to name the pattern first.
What this tells you
This tells you where they feel most capable and recognized for who they naturally are, inside the structure of school.