If you have a child who is preschool age or older you are familiar with the afternoon conversation that goes something like this…
Parent: “How was your day?”
Child: “Good.”
Parent: “What did you do today?”
Child: “Nothing.”
Nothing?! That’s all we can get after a day full of learning? In fact, what that same child actually did at school is build a volcano, dig for fossils in the sand box, have a relay race on the playground, cook a four course meal in the Dramatic Play Center, help a friend find her blanket for nap time, shake the wiggles out in an after lunch dance party, write her name, and paint a forest. And that was all before nap! We have 15 ways that you can ask your child about their day that will get more of a response. Check these out:
1. What’s something new you did today?
2. What friends did you play with?
3. How did you show kindness today?
4. What games did you play at recess?
5. Tell me something that made you feel happy or excited today.
6. What’s something that made you feel scared, nervous, afraid today?
7. What made you laugh today?
8. What was your favorite part of lunch?
9. If you could be teacher for the day, what would you do different?
10. What made you smile today?
11. What center did you spend the most time playing in?
12. Tell me one nice thing about each of the kids in your class.
13. How would your teacher describe your day?
14. What frustrated you today?
15. Would you give today a thumbs up or a thumbs down? Why?
Give these questions a try around the dinner table or in the car on the way home. You might be surprised at how much your child will open up when asked specific and directed questions. Let us know how it goes!