Asking your child about their school day is often a repetition that consist of one question and one uninformative answer. Often parents ask, “How was your day?” and almost every time the child’s answer is summed up in one word answers, like, “fine.” Parents and caregivers should consider a different approach to effectively engage their kids in talking about their school day. One of the best ways to engage children of all ages is by asking them about something you know they are interested in. For instance, almost all kids love recess and or lunch, so start there!
- Did you have recess today? (If they say they did not have recess ask them “why?” and “what did you do instead?”)
- What did you play during recess?
- Who did you play with? Anyone new? Did you like playing with those kids? Why or why not?
- What did you have for lunch? Did you like it?
- Who did you sit with at lunch? What did you talk about?
Here are some other great questions to ask about the school day:
- Did anything special or unusual happen today?
- What was the worst part of your day?
- What was your favorite part of your day?
- Tell me one new thing you learned today!?
- Did your teacher read a book today? What was it about?
- What are you doing in class tomorrow?
Information courtesy of Child Life Services at NewYork-Presbyterian Hosptial.