Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Children's Questions at Home
• Method 2 of 3: How to create an inviting environment
• Method 3 of 3: Working on the questions in a group

Children are naturally inquisitive. By asking questions, they interact with the world around them and develop critical thinking skills. It can be difficult to keep up with these questions, and to create a supportive environment that encourages children to ask questions and be curious. Encourage children to ask questions in a wide variety of settings - at home, in kindergarten and school, in church, in front of others, at various events, and in confusing situations.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Children's Questions at Home

1. 1 Allow curiosity. Adults often see the world with experienced eyes, while children usually have their very first experience. Due to this, many children behave inquisitively and are often delightedly surprised by what is happening around. They ask questions out of genuine curiosity, not out of a desire to pester adults. Encourage the children to ask questions and encourage their curiosity by reacting "Wow! What a great question from an inquisitive kid!" and the subsequent answer. This will make it easier for the child to understand that his questions are welcome.
   • Questions should be seen as an opportunity to engage the child in an interesting conversation.
2. 2 Don't stop your child from asking the question “Why?”. Such questions often annoy adults, but it is important for children to learn to understand cause and effect relationships. For example, if you ask your daughter to do something, she may wonder why such a task is important or why behave in a certain way. Do not forbid children to ask such questions.
   • It is important for children to understand why certain events are happening, why it is important to feel safe and learn. Remember that the child is just beginning to collect his baggage of information.
   • Feel free to say that you don't know the answer. If a child asks a question you don't have an answer to, then it's okay to say, "Truth be told, I don't know!" Then ask your child to find the answer on their own, or say “Let's figure it out together” to show how to look for answers and what sources are best to use.
3. 3 Appreciate children's questions. If children’s questions easily piss you off or annoy you, the child may think you don’t want to answer them or that it’s bad to ask questions. In such situations, it is important to give encouraging answers to show him the importance of the questions. The child should be free to ask questions and not be shy about his curiosity.
   • If the question is asked at the wrong time, then promise to answer it later. Keep your promise, even if you need to set a reminder on your phone to do so.
4. 4 Ask your child questions. Start asking questions to encourage your child to do the same. After hearing a question from a child, ask your question in response. Your child needs to learn to think critically and be creative. Your answers to your questions will help your child develop more socially, emotionally and cognitively.
   • Take the initiative and ask questions during the class. For example, when playing with a train, ask, “Why do we need trains? How do we use them? Where do they go? "
   • If the child asks: "Why is the baby crying?" Then say: "What do you think could have upset him?" Continue the thought: "For example, what can upset you?"

Method 2 of 3: How to create an inviting environment

1. 1 Safe conditions. Children need to know that it is okay to ask questions, so no one will judge or criticize them. It is important for timid and insecure children to know that there are no “bad” questions. Do not express your opinion on the issue and do not correct the child. Remind the children to ask questions they don't know the answer to.
   • Other children may say, "This is a stupid question." Shift the focus and convince the children that all the questions are important.
2. 2 Rewards for questions. Children are often rewarded for answering correctly, not asking questions. Shift the focus to the importance of the questions. Encourage the child to ask questions, even if it is just verbal praise. Children need to understand that it is important to study topics out of curiosity, not just good grades. This approach provides a higher level of thinking and understanding.
   • For example, say, “I love that you ask questions. Let's look at this topic. ” You can also say, "Wow, this is a great question!"
3. 3 Don't rush the child. At first, some children find it difficult to come up with questions. This is fine. Give them time to think about new ideas. You can set a special “Hour of Questions” so that at this time you can think about what questions you can ask.
   • At first, do not limit them in time and allow the children to think through their questions.
4. 4 Indiscreet questions. Children often ask questions that adults consider immodest or inappropriate, especially in public. "Why is this girl in a wheelchair?" or "Why is this person's skin a different color?" Do not shame children for such questions and do not ask them to speak more quietly. After this, the child may be ashamed, shy, or afraid to ask questions. Just give a straight answer so that the child does not worry about the question.
   • You might say, “Not all people are alike. Have you noticed that some people wear glasses, some have curly hair and others have colorful eyes? Every person is unique. Skin color is one of the options for distinguishing between people, but this does not mean that they are completely different in their souls ”.
5. 5 Don't give examples. Examples may seem to help a child come up with questions, but they always guide children on a certain path. Better if they ask original questions without restrictions. It's okay if the child finds it difficult to come up with a question. If you ask for help, say the following: “Your question may start with the word what, when or how”.
   • You can also say, “I want to hear what you came up with. You don't have to follow any rules when asking questions. Calmly ask about what interests you ”.

Method 3 of 3: Working on the questions in a group

1. 1 Divide the children into groups. Group work teaches children to collaborate, discuss each other's ideas, and develop creativity. It's okay if the groups show different results. There is no need to rush a group of children if they find it difficult to come up with questions quickly. Remind them of what to do and follow their progress.
   • Encourage each child to participate in group work, but do not pressure them. You don't need to enter participation points to keep kids interested. This approach can excite timid and shy children.
2. 2 Encourage questions on new topics. When starting a new topic, ask the children what questions they would like to know by the end of the session. Encourage children to be interested in the material and to be curious about new topics.
   • For example, while studying the scientific process, children may ask, “When are we going to use this?”, “Will it help me understand the subject better?”, “Can it be used in life?”
3. 3 Turn the questions into a game. Children love games, so question time can be playful. They should be having fun. Use questions in a playful way. Invite the group to solve the problem by asking questions.
   • Here are some examples: “How do I make an unambiguous question open?”, “How do I make a question out of a statement?”, “How do I find out more information by asking questions?”.
4. 4 Distract from answers. When there is a question, the child (or other children) naturally tends to give an answer to it. Suggest not looking for answers, but working together on new questions. Guide the children gently.
   • Say, “We haven't got the answers yet. Now we need to focus on coming up with interesting questions. ”