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 encourage 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 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?

Questions for Art and Imaginative 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?

by PITTSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EARLY CHILDHOOD COACHES

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