Blogging A to Z: Questions

Can you believe we’re already at the letter “Q”? Typically, Q is a hard letter for the Blogging A to Z Challenge, but this year, I knew exactly what to focus on! Questions! When you read aloud to your little one, do you read the book straight through, close it and you’re done? Or do you spend time before, during, and after the story asking your tiny reader questions about the book, the story, and the characters?

Asking questions can be beneficial for a number of reasons. The first is simply comprehension. Is your little one grasping the storyline? Simple questions like, “Why did the character do this?” or “Why does the character feel this way?” are easy ways to see if your child is understanding the story. Being able to read text is really important, but comprehending what you read is even more so. I mean, there’s a reason why comprehension is tested on practically ever standardized test ever made!

Another reason to ask questions is to create critical readers. Basically, readers who can evaluate text and understand if it’s fact, fiction, satire, etc. In addition, they can understand the author’s stance and also see bias. Your little one might not be able to do this right away, but as you ask questions, they’ll better be able to understand different types of text and how to use them. This is essential in today’s world when everyone thinks that everything published online is fact.

What to Ask

Okay, so now you know why it’s important, but the bigger question – what do you ask? This is really easy!

• Look at the front cover and ask, “What do you think might happen in this story?”
• If the story is about an experience that you’ve shared with your child ask, “What do you know about (blank)? Do you remember when we (blank)?
• When a character is feeling a strong emotion ask, “Why does the character feel this way? What happened”
• A really easy question, “What do you think will happen next?”
• When you’re finished reading ask, “Could you give this story another title?”
• When you’re done ask, “What do you think the author wanted us to learn?”

The key is to keep these question open-ended. You want to hear your child’s answers and it’s always better if it’s more than a yes or no question. Granted, this will be dependent on how much your child is talking, but even if they’re not talking yet, get in to the habit of asking questions. Even simple questions like, “What color shirt is this character wearing?” shows kids that the illustrations are important.

And one last thing to remember – give your child time to answer. I’ve mentioned this in the past, a lot of adults, myself included want answers to come quick. But, think about it, a little kid has to hear a question, comprehend what it is you’re asking for, find the answer, and then tell you. That’s a lot for their little brains, so give me them a few extra seconds to respond!

Whether you’re reading fiction or nonfiction, there are always questions you can ask!

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Book List #17 – Questions

1. Bear Came Along by Richard T. Morris, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
   An adventure of a lifetime with Bear and a few friends on a river!
2. Bilal Cooks Daal by Aisha Saeed, illustrated by Anoosha Syed
   Bilal wants to share his favorite meal with friends, but they have to wait patiently for it to cook.
3. Crunch the Shy Dinosaur by Cirocco Dunlap, illustrated by Greg Pizzoli
   Being shy means it can be hard to make new friends, maybe you can help Crunch?
4. Don’t Worry, Little Crab by Chris Haughton
   Little Crab is so excited to go in the BIG ocean until he sees just how big it is!
5. Every Color Soup by Jorey Hurley
   Introduce your little one to colors, counting, and veggies in this tasty book.
6. How to Read a Book by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Melissa Sweet
   A poetic introduction on how amazing it is to be a reader!
7. Indestructibles: Big and Little: A Book of Opposites by Amy Pixton, illustrated by Carolina Búzio
   These great books are tear-proof, chew-proof, and dishwasher safe! This one is all about opposites!
8. Let’s Play Monsters! by Lucy Cousins
   A story full of imagination that will create new opportunities to play!
9. Louis by Tom Lichtenheld, illustrated by Julie Rowan-Zoch
   Louis is tired of being a stuffie that is played with, thrown around, and washed. He’s leaving just as soon as he can…
10. My Friend Earth by Patricia MacLachlan, illustrated by Francesca Sanna
    A perfect book to share for Earth Day, this is a love letter to our planet.
11. National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of How by Jill Esbaum
    For your little one who always asks how?
12. Snow White by Chloe Perkins, illustrated by Misa Saburi
    A Japanese spin on this classic tale, look for others in the series – Once Upon a World.

If you’re interested in purchasing any of the titles on this list, please use my affiliate link for Bookshop.org. When you purchase from this link, I will earn a commission as an affiliate.

For the month of April, I’ll be sharing early literacy tips and book lists as part of the Blogging A to Z Challenge. Learn about the importance of early literacy and ways to incorporate tips and tricks into your family’s daily routine. Developing language skills before kids head to school helps them to be ready to learn when they reach school-age. In addition to great content, you’ll also get a new book list for each letter, resulting in over 300 board book and picture book suggestions for your family to enjoy!