5 Simple Reading Questions to Ask Your Child Tonight

As a parent, you may often find yourself frustrated while trying to engage your child with their reading. Perhaps your little one finishes a book, and when you ask, "What did you think?" you are met with a blank stare or a simple “I don’t know.” This can be disheartening, especially when you know your child can read the words but struggles to connect with the material.

You're not alone in facing this challenge. Many parents worry about their children's reading comprehension skills, particularly when it comes to understanding and discussing what they’ve read. Fortunately, there's a simple solution at hand: engaging your child in dialogic reading. This approach encourages discussion and deeper thinking about texts, which can significantly enhance comprehension skills.

Let’s explore five simple yet effective questions you can ask your child tonight that will not only spark their interest but also improve their understanding of what they read.

The Importance of Asking Questions

Comprehension and Engagement

Research shows that asking questions while reading can lead to improved comprehension and retention (Duke & Pearson, 2002). It encourages children to think critically about the text, predict outcomes, and connect the material to their own experiences. This engagement is crucial, especially for young readers who might be more focused on decoding words than understanding their meaning.

Dialogic Reading as an Effective Strategy

Dialogic reading is a powerful method in which parents and children engage in a conversation about a book. Instead of simply reading aloud, parents can ask open-ended questions that prompt discussion and reflection. For more on this technique, check out our dialogic reading complete guide.

Five Questions to Foster Comprehension

1. What Do You Think Will Happen Next?

Asking your child to predict what might happen next in the story encourages them to think critically and engage with the plot. For example, if you're reading "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," you might ask, “What do you think will happen when the caterpillar wakes up?” This question prompts them to think about the character's journey and encourages creativity.

2. How Would You Feel If You Were in That Situation?

Connecting the story to personal feelings helps children empathize with the characters. You could ask, “How would you feel if you were Max in Where the Wild Things Are when he meets the wild creatures?” This question not only deepens comprehension but also nurtures emotional intelligence.

3. Can You Describe Your Favorite Part?

Encouraging your child to share their favorite part of the story allows them to articulate their thoughts and feelings. This question promotes discussion and can lead to exciting conversations about why they enjoyed that part. For instance, after reading "The Gruffalo," you might ask, “What was your favorite moment when the mouse tricks the Gruffalo?”

4. Why Do You Think the Author Wrote This Story?

This question encourages critical thinking about the author's intent and message. After finishing a book, you might say, “Why do you think the author wanted to tell this story?” It opens a dialogue about themes and morals, allowing your child to reflect on deeper meanings within the text.

5. What Would You Change About the Story?

Encouraging your child to think creatively about the text can lead to innovative ideas and critical analysis. Ask them, “If you could change something in the story, what would it be?” This question not only sparks creativity but also helps them understand narrative structure.

Putting It All Together

When reading with your child tonight, try to incorporate these questions into your routine. Choose a book that interests them—perhaps "The Very Hungry Caterpillar"—and read together. After reading, engage them with these questions. You’ll be amazed at how much more they can express and understand when prompted in this way.

Additional Tips for Parents

• Be Patient: Allow your child time to think about the questions. Sometimes, they may need a moment to gather their thoughts.
• Listen Actively: Show genuine interest in their responses. This encourages them to share more and feel valued in the conversation.
• Use Follow-Up Questions: If they mention something interesting, ask for more details to keep the conversation going.

For more strategies to improve your child's English reading comprehension, consider integrating these questions into your nightly reading routine.

Conclusion

By asking these five simple questions, you can transform your reading time into an interactive and enriching experience for your child. Not only will this help them develop a deeper understanding of the stories, but it will also foster a love of reading that lasts a lifetime. Remember, the goal is not just to have them read but to ensure they comprehend and enjoy the process.

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About the Author

Written by Sarah Chen, M.Ed., a literacy specialist with 12 years of experience helping bilingual families develop English reading skills. Reviewed by the WeRead education team.

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