Questioning Techniques To

Produce Quality Answers

Children’s responses to a question tells weather they are

understanding the content they are

being taught, Builds social skills, and is very important for

building critical thinking skills.

Questioning Techniques

By: Teresa PugaFresno Pacific

University

References:Blake, S. & Shaw, J. (1998).

Mathematics for Young Children Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice

Hall.

Helping your children become better

communicators in mathematics

Here are some helpful tips to implement in activities at home.

• Use higher-level, open-ended questions

• Model the thinking process

• Encourage children to listen to others

Use High-level. Open-ended Questions to

Assess and Stimulate Children’s Thinking

Some questions that should be asked to encourage a

higher-level of thinking are:

1. Can you tell me about your shape?

2. Why do you think the two groups have

different amounts? 3. What are some other

items that measure the same?

4. How do you know?

Model the Thinking Process

for Children

If children are silent when you ask open-

ended questions, model some answers. After you

suggest an answer or two, ask the children for

more responses.

Encourage Children to Listen Carefully to Each

Other

Parents should help children focus on what others are

saying by asking them to listen carefully. The child should be asked to restate what another

has said. Ask the children What do you think?, What can

you add?

Word games can be played with you child to hone in on

listening skill such as: telephone, rhyming games, and

name as many items in a certain category.

Mom says: name a farm animalChild says: cow

Mom: pig Child: lamb

Etc……Have fun talk with your child

and listen to what they have to say!