Question Formulation Games

Asking questions is a higher-order language skill that drives learning. Children who ask good questions become better readers and thinkers.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Language
• Learning area: Spoken Language
• Level: Ages 3-6

Objectives

• Form questions using who, what, where, when, why, how
• Develop inquiry skills
• Practice interrogative sentence structure
• Build curiosity habits

Materials

• Mystery box with hidden objects
• Question word cards
• Interview prompt cards

Instructions

1. Place object in mystery box. 2. 'Ask me questions to guess what's inside.' 3. Model question forms: 'Is it soft?' 4. Introduce question words one at a time. 5. Practice: 'Ask a WHERE question.' 6. Play 20 Questions with peers. 7. Interview classroom visitors.

Educator tip

Post question word cards at eye level. Celebrate good questions as much as good answers.

Assessment

Child formulates questions using varied question words appropriately.

More from Language

• Rhyming and Poetry Recitation
• Giving and Following Multi-Step Directions
• Describing with Adjectives
• Retelling Stories with Props
• Vocabulary Categories: Odd One Out
• Telephone Game: Listening Accuracy
• Vocabulary Enrichment: Synonyms and Antonyms
• Show and Tell: Formal Presentation