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Message in a Backpack ™ Spark Creative Thinking with Open-Ended Questions

It’s easy to fall into a routine of asking your child simple questions. Many yes, no, or other one-word response questions are n

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Pittsburgh Public Schools Early Childhood Coaches of 2016

It’s easy to fall into a routine of asking your child simple questions. Many yes, no, or other one-word response questions are necessary—but to help your child learn and develop, open-ended questions are better.

Questions that ask children to share their ideas and feelings are much more engaging. They stimulate curiosity, inspire creativity, develop language skills, and build vocabulary.

Here are some prompts to help you build open-ended questions into your routine.

Questions for Science and Math Exploration

Tell me about your ___________.
What would happen if you ___________?
What might you try instead?
What does it look/feel/smell like?
How did you figure that out?
What else can this be used for?

Questions for Art and Dramatic Play

Tell me about what you are doing/making.
Tell me a story about your picture.
Why did you choose to use_________?
What can we make with these materials?
What would happen if_______?
If you were a doctor/dancer/firefighter, what tools would you need?

Questions for Reading Together

What was your favorite part of the story? Why?
Do you think __________ (main character) solved the problem in a good/bad way?
If you were _________ (main character), what would you have done differently?
What is another way this story could end?
Which character would you like to be friends with? Why?
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Photograph: © Getty Images

Audience: Teacher

Topics: Child Development, Language, TYC, Message in a Backpack

Pittsburgh Public Schools Early Childhood Coaches of 2016

Pittsburgh Public Schools Early Childhood Coaches is a cohort of 11 mentors supporting the educational component of our district and partnership classrooms throughout our great city.