Research suggests most of the questions teachers ask are facts or yes/no. I know many of you have been “marked down” for not asking higher order questions, so this might give you a concrete way to improve.
Get a set of index cards and write an open-ended statement or question on each one. Punch holes and put them on a book ring. It will be easy to use after you’ve read a book or if you have a few extra minutes during the day.
Would you rather…
How is it like…
What would they say?
The answer is… The question is...
Reflecting…”How come?”
What would you do if?
What’s the difference?
Compare/Contrast
Ask me a question.
Is it possible?
Why do you suppose that…
Problem solving
List…
Do you believe…
Ask me a question.
WHY??
Here's a download to get you started:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1SnEagA4jljaFJZM1BVc1BiQnc/view?usp=sharing
Have you got any ideas for other cards you could add?
It’s also interesting to ask children creative questions, such as:
If you were an animal, what would you be?
If you were a candy bar, what would you be?
What color describes you?
If you found a genie with a magic lamp what would you wish for?
What super hero would you like to be and why?
*There’s so much in children, and when we ask the right questions so much comes out!!!