The Question Game

Materials: None

Purposes:

• To support the child in the expression of ideas in sequence

• Development of self-confidence in communication

• A foundation for writing

Age: 2 ½ and up

Preparation: None

Presentation Description: 

The Question Game is usually offered spontaneously when a child comes to you to tell you an experience that they have had.  This game can also be done with a group when all the children have been part of a recent activity or event.  In the group setting, always begin by reminding the group of the event.

Ask the child the questions of who, what, when, where, and how.  Should you hear that there may be a sequence to the events in the story, ask enough questions to get the child to tell you that sequence.  When you have asked all the questions you need, paraphrase the child’s story back to them.

This summary can be written by you for the children to see how their event can become a written story.

Control of Error: None

Following Exercises: None

Pedagogical Notes:

• The Question Game directly prepares the child for story writing by helping them to begin thinking with who, what, when, where, and how questions as well as sequencing information.

• The Reading Analysis Chart 2 has all these questions and can be a great resource for older children in their story writing.

• Do the Question Game with a child that has brought an object for Show and Tell to help prepare them to present to the group.