How to Ask an Open Ended Question to Children

Read literature and ask open ended questions about character choices.

An open ended question is one that does not have a finite answer. For instance, two plus two will always equal four under the rules of mathematics. However, open ended questions have infinite answers which allow children to explore their mind and share their thoughts on the topic at hand. Open ended questions allow children to use their critical thinking skills to decipher concepts such as "right from wrong" or "true versus false" and allow them to elaborate on why they feel that way based on their value system.

Instructions

1. Locate a topic that does not have a finite answer. Art, literature, and theater are examples of subjects where interpretation reigns supreme. For instance, use a literature classic such as Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Charlie's journey is filled with choices he must make, and students can weigh in on the way Charlie makes his decisions, and they can talk about what they would do in a similar situation.

2. Study the subject at hand to determine what kinds of choices and options are relevant. Using the example, Charlie purchases two chocolate bars hoping to find the golden ticket that allows him the chance to run the chocolate factory. When he indeed opens one of five golden tickets, he is immediately offered bribes by people who want his ticket. This is a place where the character has a choice.

3. Ask children the open ended question. Using the example, Charlie has a chance to visit the chocolate factory by being one of five children selected. However, with people offering him money for that ticket in the short term, he can choose to feed his starving family. Charlie ultimately does not sell the ticket and goes on the journey. You can ask a question of children such as "What do you think Charlie felt when he received the ticket?" "Do you think Charlie should have sold the ticket and given up the adventure?" or "Was Charlie being selfish by going on the journey, or did he believe he had a better chance of helping his family by winning the chocolate factory, then selling his ticket for small amount of money?"

4. Allow the children to elaborate on their answer. The truth of the matter is that there is no right or wrong answer to these questions. Children should state their answers and then critically think through the consequences and rewards the character might experience based on their choice.

Tips & Warnings

• If the child gives short answers such as (using the example) "Charlie was right," then prompt the child further and ask "Why was Charlie right?" In another example, if you ask a child what her piece of art represents and the child simply says something like "My family," ask her why it represents her family, or ask her to tell you more about her family.

References

• The Telegraph: 25 Best Children's Books
• Family Education: 100 Questions to Ask Your Kids
• Columbus Parent: Use Open Ended Questions to Improve Language Skills

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish