The Art of Asking Questions

02/03/2012

Our greatest glory consists, not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
Oliver Goldsmith

The Exchange book, Powerful Interactions: How to Connect with Children and Extend their Learning, offers these suggestions for asking children questions:

"In a powerful interaction, you pause to be present, then intentionally make a personal connection with the child, simultaneously moving the child's learning forward in a small, yet purposeful, way. Therefore, the questions you ask them make a difference in both the child's feelings towards you and the child's thinking and learning."

Here are some strategies suggested by the authors for asking good questions:

Alternate between silence, commentary, and questions.
Tailor the questions to the child.
Offer a manageable challenge.

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