Here are some important things to keep in
mind when you’re talking
to your child about school.
The way you ask the questions matters.
If you give your child the
opportunity
to answer with one word (yes, no, a
name), then you’re likely
to get a one-word response. Try to ask
open-ended questions to keep a
conversation going.
After-School Conversation Starters
Avoid These Questions:
How was school?
Did you have fun at
school?
Was your teacher
nice?
Try These Instead:
What’s the biggest difference between this year and last year?
What was the best thing you did at school today?
Tell me the names of the four kids who sat closest t0 you.
What
was the most interesting thing your teacher said today?
What
class rules did your teacher say are
important?
What
did your teacher say she likes?
What
is the best thing about your daily
schedule?
Was there anything you wish you had at school that you didn’t
have
today?
Who did you enjoy talking with the
most?
What
was the best thing your teacher asked you to do in___ today?
The most likely times for your child to experience
negative
social interactions at school are the less structured times, such
as recess,
lunch and during
transitions from activity to activity or room to
room.
Asking questions
specifically about these times will give you the best read on social circumstances.
Who sat near you at lunch?
What were the other kids eating for
lunch?
What was the funniest thing someone said at
lunch
Where is your
locker?
Who has a locker near yours?
mind when you’re talking
to your child about school.
The way you ask the questions matters.
If you give your child the
opportunity
to answer with one word (yes, no, a
name), then you’re likely
to get a one-word response. Try to ask
open-ended questions to keep a
conversation going.
- Often kids are not specific, so you have to ask for specific information when you want it.
- Avoiding emotion-packed words (fun, happy, sad, mean) will allow the conversation to go on longer.
- Asking positive questions will give your child a chance to express
concerns. Negative questions will stop a
conversation.
Starting with factual questions is a great way to ease into conversation.
After-School Conversation Starters
Avoid These Questions:
How was school?
Did you have fun at
school?
Was your teacher
nice?
Try These Instead:
What’s the biggest difference between this year and last year?
What was the best thing you did at school today?
Tell me the names of the four kids who sat closest t0 you.
What
was the most interesting thing your teacher said today?
What
class rules did your teacher say are
important?
What
did your teacher say she likes?
What
is the best thing about your daily
schedule?
Was there anything you wish you had at school that you didn’t
have
today?
Who did you enjoy talking with the
most?
Tell me two kids you remember from each class.
What
was the best thing your teacher asked you to do in___ today?
The most likely times for your child to experience
negative
social interactions at school are the less structured times, such
as recess,
lunch and during
transitions from activity to activity or room to
room.
Asking questions
specifically about these times will give you the best read on social circumstances.
Who sat near you at lunch?
What were the other kids eating for
lunch?
What was the funniest thing someone said at
lunch
Where is your
locker?
Who has a locker near yours?