Mesquite ISD Read Play Talk Magazine Fall 2017 | Page 10

FIVE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR
CHILD EVERY DAY
D
Page 10
id you know that frequent conversations lead
to early reading success? Even the simplest
conversations help kids learn vocabulary words
and improve their listening skills. Young children
may not understand every word you use, but
research shows that daily verbal interactions are
crucial to development, comprehension and
literacy. this as a teaching opportunity for words such as
“troubled,” “content” or “joyful.”
To ask questions, you don’t have to change
anything that you’re already doing at home. Use
your daily routines, including time spent in the
car, getting dressed or preparing meals, as an
opportunity to start a dialogue. Questions should
be open-ended—that way your child will be
encouraged to use more advanced vocabulary
rather than “yes” or “no” responses. Open-ended
questions lead into longer conversations and lay
the foundation for a close child-parent relationship. What was hard for you today?
Again, ask for specifics. Have the child explain what
made it hard and what solution he/she found, if
any, for the problem.
Here are five questions you can ask your
preschool-aged child all the way up to second
grade and beyond EVERY DAY. Daily, challenge
them to use different words than they used the
day before, and try to ask follow-up questions to
keep the conversation going. What did you learn today?
It doesn’t have to be something academic. Children
can start learning how to do basic chores around
the house beginning at an early age. Showing them
how to get the mail, sort laundry, wipe down a
countertop, or put their dirty plate in the sink can
be a lesson. Don’t feel obligated to take your child
on expensive field trips; your home is a place of
learning.
How do you feel today?
Depending on the child’s age, encourage the
use of words besides “happy” and “sad.” Use
What made you smile today?
Try asking him/her to be as specific as possible
with any details about what made him/her smile.
How did it feel/smell/taste/look/sound? This invites
the child to access his/her vocabulary and creates
more questions.
How did you help someone today?
Even if your little one was home with you that day,
and you already know the answer to the question,
get him/her talking, and ask follow-up questions
like, “How did you feel when you helped?”