LA 1.06The Question Game
The guide asks who, what, where, when, and why questions about a picture or event so the child learns to answer and then ask each kind of question.
Presentation
- 1
Sit with the child and look at the picture together in silence for a moment.
- 2
Ask a "who" question: "Who is in the picture?" Accept any reasonable answer.
- 3
Ask a "what" question: "What is the man holding?"
- 4
Ask a "where" question: "Where is the dog?"
- 5
Ask a "when" question: "When do you think this is happening, morning or night?"
- 6
Ask a "why" question: "Why is the girl running?" Accept any answer the child can explain.
- 7
Invite the child to ask you a question about the picture and answer it.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Questions about a story just heard
- The child asks a friend questions about a picture
- Questions about a past classroom event ("What did we do on our walk?")
- Reading question-word cards and answering them (once reading)
Control of error
The adult. Answers to "why" questions are open; the guide checks only that the answer fits the picture.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Answers each type of question appropriately
- Asks questions using who, what, and where
- Gives a reason when answering a "why" question
Guide note
"When" and "why" are the hardest question types; do not expect them from younger children. Dual-language learners may answer by pointing first.