How to Ask Your Child Open Ended Questions During Reading

Reading is more meaningful when critical thinking questions are asked. These types of open ended questions require a thoughtful reader because they require more than just yes or no answers. Asking critical thinking questions will advance your child's reading skills. In this article, I will use the Jack and the Beanstalk story to give you ideas on how to ask critical thinking questions during a reading.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a children's book

1. When the mother in the Jack and the Beanstalk story finds out that her cow has no more milk to give, this is a good opportunity to ask your child some open ended questions. Asking critical thinking questions like "How do you think the mom feels?" and "What do you think will happen next?" allows your child to think deeply about what is going on in the story.

2. When Jack meets the stranger who wants to trade five magical beans for Jack's cow, ask your child critical thinking questions such as "Why do you think that stranger wants to sell his magical beans to Jack?" and "Do you think Jack will make that trade?"

3. When Jack's mother reacts to the news that he traded in the cow for five beans, this is a good time to ask critical thinking questions. Open ended questions like "Why did Jack's mother react that way?" and "How would you have reacted to hearing that news if you were Jack's mother?" requires your child to give thought to what has happened in the story.

4. The part of the story when Jack woke up and saw the giant beanstalk, you could ask your child open-ended questions such as, "What will Jack's mother think about this giant beanstalk?" and "Predict what you think will happen next."

5. At the end of the Jack and the Beanstalk story, Jack and his mother become very rich. Ask your child critical thinking questions like "What happened after they became rich?" and "What would you do if you became rich?"

[prism]

on 12/7/2008 We used to read like this most of the time. I do think it helps develop great critical thinking skills and are so important for making good decisions later on. Thanks for the great article!

[AuntieAndrea]

on 12/6/2008 Great article. It's important kids learn to enjoy reading so they continue to read as adults. Asking open ended questions will also help them in school as homework assignments often have open ended questions about a history lesson etc.

[azwebdesigner]

on 12/6/2008 Excellent advice. I often read with my son and we have used this method since he was little, it has really helped him and he developed a real love for reading independently. 5*

[nancysoffice]

on 12/6/2008 I do this with my child great technique.

[rwhite-writer]

on 11/18/2008 Excellent article. Not only will following these tips encourage your child's creative thinking and analysis skills, but it will give you insight to your child's emotional development, as well. Thanks!