Children are curious and prying by nature. Questions are an excellent tool through which they can interact with their surroundings and develop critical thinking. While it is sometimes difficult to keep pace with their questions, it creates an atmosphere in which they feel confident to investigate and express their curiosity. Encourage them to ask questions in different contexts, such as family, school, or religious settings, when they are among people, in various situations and in circumstances where they feel confused.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: at Home
Step 1. Stimulate their curiosity
Often adults have a greater awareness of the world, while children see and experience everything for the first time. This difference leads to curiosity, wonder and amazement for the latter. Children often ask questions out of curiosity, not to annoy. Encourage your child to investigate and be curious by saying something like, "Damn! That's a good question. You're very curious!" Then answer. In this way, you will help him to consider himself as a person who knows how to observe and question himself.
See the children's questions as an opportunity to engage them in things they are interested in
Step 2. Allow your child to ask "why"
While these kinds of questions often lead to frustration in adults, it is important for children to know the link between causes and effects. For example, if you ask your child to do something, they may be curious as to why that particular task or behavior is important. Don't stop him from asking why.
- It is important that children know why things happen, why they have to stay out of harm's way, why they have to study. Remember that it is essential for your child to acquire the necessary information.
- Don't scold yourself if you don't know the answer. If he asks you a question you can't answer, it's okay if you say you don't know the answer. Then encourage him to find the answer or add, "Let's find out together," showing him what resources he can use to find answers to his questions and how to use them.
Step 3. Make your questions matter
If you get easily upset or annoyed when he asks you something, he may start thinking that you don't want to answer or that it's wrong to ask. Try to show him that his curiosity is right and legitimate by offering encouraging answers. In this way, you will stimulate him to investigate freely, without feeling defective.
If he asks you a question at an inconvenient time, promise him that you will investigate the topic and answer him as soon as possible. Make sure you get back to the conversation. If necessary, write a memo on your phone
Step 4. Ask your child questions
To encourage him, give an example of the questions to ask. If he asks you something, ask him another question. By doing so, you will help him think critically and use his creativity. By answering another question, you will allow him to improve his social skills and foster his emotional and cognitive development.
- Take initiative. Ask specific questions. If he is playing with trains, ask him: "Why do we use trains? What are they for? Where do they go?".
- If he asks you, "Why is that baby crying?", Reply like this: "In your opinion, what makes him sad?" and continues with another question: "What makes you sad?".
Part 2 of 3: Creating the Ideal Learning Environment
Step 1. Create a safe space
Make sure your child knows that it is okay to ask and that no one will criticize or judge his questions. Especially if he is shy or insecure, he must understand that there are no "wrong" questions. Avoid correcting or commenting on the questions he asks. Remind him that he can ask questions that he cannot answer.
If other children tell him, "This is a stupid question," bring his attention back to the fact that any question is legitimate and must be respected
Step 2. Reward him
Children are often rewarded when they give the right answer, not when they ask questions. Shift attention by encouraging your child to investigate. When he asks a question, offer him a reward, even if it is just a matter of praising him. He will understand that his curiosity can be rewarded and that rewards don't just come from good grades in school. In this way, you will encourage him to develop thinking skills and a critical sense.
For example, you might say, "I appreciate you asking questions. Let's go deeper into this topic" or "Gee, what a good question!"
Step 3. Give him time to think about the question
Children may have difficulty responding. It's not a problem. Give your child time to think and think. You could propose a "question time" during which he has the opportunity to think about the question he has been asked.
Don't set a time limit and give it a chance to reflect on the problem
Step 4. Learn to handle awkward questions
Children often ask adults about inappropriate or embarrassing questions, especially in public, such as: "Why is this girl in a wheelchair?" or "Why does this man have a different skin?". In such situations, do not feel uncomfortable and do not silence your child, otherwise he may feel ashamed, feel guilty or embarrassed when he has to ask for something. Instead, answer truthfully, without berating him for asking a certain question.
You might say, "Some people look different. Have you noticed that some wear glasses, others have curly hair, and still others have different colored eyes? Each person is unique. Skin color is one of the physical characteristics that make them look different. it differentiates from you, but it does not make them different from the human point of view"
Step 5. Avoid offering examples
While you may think that by giving an example you can help your child formulate a question, in reality you risk affecting their way of thinking. The ideal would be that you get to ask original questions without having limits. Sure, he'll have a hard time, but that's not a problem. If he asks for help, say, "Start your questions with what, when or how."
You can also say, "Tell me what comes to your mind. Your questions don't have to go in a specific direction. Feel free to ask what you want."
Part 3 of 3: Working as a Group to Ask Questions
Step 1. Divide the children into groups
Group work can encourage children to collaborate, exchange views and enhance creativity. It is not a problem if they proceed at different rates. If a group is struggling to come up with ideas, don't push them. Remember what their goal is and keep them focused on this task.
Encourage each child to contribute to the group without exerting any pressure. Do not force anyone to participate by awarding points. In this way, you will avoid stressing the most shy and anxious
Step 2. Encourage them to ask questions about new topics
When a new topic is introduced, ask the children what questions they would like answered by the end of the lesson. Encourage them to use the material they have available and to be curious about what they do not know.
For example, if a lecture is about applying the scientific method, they might ask, "When will I use it?", "Will it help me understand science better?" or "Can I also use it at other times?"
Step 3. Don't neglect the fun
Kids love to play, so turn question time into a game. Get them excited and have fun asking questions. Try to solve a problem by giving them the opportunity to question themselves about the topic.
Here are some examples: "Can you turn a closed question into an open one?", "Can you turn a sentence into a question?" or "How can you get more information with a question?"
Step 4. Discourage the children from answering the questions
When questions arise, children automatically tend to answer. Discourage this behavior and encourage collaboration and processing other questions. Gently guide them in this direction.
