One of the most powerful teaching strategies isn't something that you buy or plug in. Nor is it something you run off on the copy machine. It's the ability to ask GOOD questions that make children think. Here are some tips for challenging children’s thoughts and answers.
Open-ended – Ask open-ended questions, rather than “yes” or “no.”
Convergent questions have one answer, but divergent questions encourage students to make new connections and think outside the box.
Phrase Questions Clearly – Focus on one aspect at a time.
Acknowledge Responses - Avoid judging answers by repeating their response. “Good thinking!” “That’s close.” “I never thought about that before.” “Kiss your brain!”
How did you know that? Encourage children to “think out loud.” This will help peers develop higher thinking skills.
Probe – Extend students’ thinking by having them clarify an idea or support an opinion.
Give Time (Smile!) – Help children think about what they want to say and provide for individual differences by asking children to smile if they know the answer. Allow 3-5 seconds of think time.
Convergent questions have one answer, but divergent questions encourage students to make new connections and think outside the box.
Phrase Questions Clearly – Focus on one aspect at a time.
Acknowledge Responses - Avoid judging answers by repeating their response. “Good thinking!” “That’s close.” “I never thought about that before.” “Kiss your brain!”
How did you know that? Encourage children to “think out loud.” This will help peers develop higher thinking skills.
Probe – Extend students’ thinking by having them clarify an idea or support an opinion.
Give Time (Smile!) – Help children think about what they want to say and provide for individual differences by asking children to smile if they know the answer. Allow 3-5 seconds of think time.
CRITICAL THINKING CARDS
Download the attached question prompt cards. Glue to index cards, punch a hole in the upper left hand corners, and attach to a book ring. Color the edges of each card to indicate questions from simple to complex. Use to challenge children to think critically and creatively.
Download the attached question prompt cards. Glue to index cards, punch a hole in the upper left hand corners, and attach to a book ring. Color the edges of each card to indicate questions from simple to complex. Use to challenge children to think critically and creatively.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1SnEagA4jljVTNCemZnbUJVMVk/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-n2sk1JhhwMTdf0rxDX2Y2Q
*Hint! Color code the different levels. For example, you could outline level one questions with a green marker. Outline level two with a blue marker, and so forth.
