Learning and Teaching

Asking children the right questions is essential for fostering their curiosity, encouraging critical thinking, and helping them express themselves.  When talking with your child, be sure to ask open-ended questions that can't be answered with a simple "yes" or "no. Engage with their answers and show that you value their thoughts, and give them time to think and respond. Tailor your questions to the child's developmental level and ask follow-up questions to deepen the conversation.

Examples of Good Questions

For Younger Children (Ages 3-6)

• "What was your favorite part of today?"
• "Can you tell me about the picture you drew?"
• "How did you feel when [event] happened?"
• "What do you think will happen next in the story?"
• "Why do you think the sky is blue?"

For School-Age Children (Ages 7-12)

• "What did you learn today that was interesting?"
• "Can you explain how [something] works?"
• "What would you do if you were in [character's] shoes?"
• "How do you think [historical figure] felt during [event]?"
• "What problem would you like to solve, and how would you do it?"

For Teens (Ages 13-18)

• "What are your thoughts on [current event]?"
• "How do you manage stress or difficult emotions?"
• "What goals are you working towards?"
• "Who do you admire and why?"
• "How do you think the world will change in the next 10 years?"

Encouraging Reflection and Critical Thinking

• "What would you do differently if you could do [event] over again?"
• "How did you solve the problem you faced?"
• "What are the pros and cons of [situation/decision]?"
• "What do you think are the most important qualities in a friend?"
• "How do you feel about [ethical dilemma]?"

Sparking Creativity

• "If you could invent anything, what would it be?"
• "What kind of story would you write if you were an author?"
• "How would you design your dream house?"
• "If you could be any character from a book/movie, who would you be and why?"
• "What would your perfect day look like?"

When asking questions, actively listen to their responses. Show understanding and empathy, and validate their feelings and thoughts. This builds trust and encourages more open communication. Ensure that children feel safe and respected when answering questions by avoiding judgment or criticism, and be supportive and encouraging.

By asking thoughtful, engaging questions, you can help children develop their communication skills, enhance their critical thinking, and strengthen your relationship with them.

Laura Leung

Learning and Teaching