How to Ask Questions so that Children will Answer

You: “So how did your class go today?” 

Your Child: “I don’t know.” 

Ever been there? The good news is that you are not alone. Eliciting a palpable response to an open ended question directed toward your child requires finesse and a little bit of practice but it is possible! Open-ended questions can be intimidating to children and may come with a learning curve and practice. We want to help you build these skills with your child so that you can gain a better understanding of how your child is responding to what they are learning, which will clarify your child’s likes and dislikes (and as a result help you obtain more quality feedback from them!). We used Bloom’s Taxonomy to develop a framework for initiating conversations with your child that will pave the way for understanding and feedback.

Asking questions that require your child to remember: 

This is the first and most tangible step for children to take in answering open-ended questions. Asking questions like “what did you do in class today?” “Did you learn a new skill? (dance move, scale, etc.)” “did you get a sticker at the end of class?” will challenge your child to immediately recall and begin the process of reflecting. Be patient, as these skills do not develop overnight, but persistence and routine will provide positive results!

Asking questions that require your child to understand:

These questions take recalling questions one step deeper in encouraging your child to discuss or explain. Questions like “can you explain the new game you played in your violin lesson?” or “how do you do a plie?” requires your child not only to recall their experience in class but also begin to assimilate the information given to them during that time.

Asking questions that require your child to apply:

These questions begin to empower your child to identify with or relate to the material they are learning in class. Questions that require your child to explain why they are doing things in class allow them to take ownership over the things that they do and feel compelled to continue doing them with increased contextual understanding.  “Can you tell me why you play this game in violin class?” “Why do you need to bend your knees before doing a saute (jump?)”

Asking questions that require your child to analyze:

As your child develops the ability to reflect and make observations on their learning, they can begin to utilize comparison and recognition of change to not only track progress but also be actively involved in their own growth as a young artist. “How is first position different from second position?” “How does the Ice Cream Cone song sound different from the Strawberry Blueberry song?”

Asking questions that require your child to evaluate:

At this stage, children have gained a more well rounded understanding of their experience as a young artist learning a new skill. They can more accurately express their opinions and assess whether or not they enjoy the art form they are learning. “How do you like learning ballet?” “Does learning the violin feel like a good fit for you?” 

Asking questions that require your child to create:

At this point, your child is comfortable forming responses to open-ended questions and can be encouraged to utilize their learned skills and begin to create on their own “Why don’t you try and make up new words to the Twinkle song?” “Can we make up a dance together with some of the ballet steps you have learned?” Encouraging creative output completes the circle of reflection-based response by then putting the control in the hands of your child and empowering them to utilize their learned skills to express their unique artistic voice!