Tips for Parents on How to Ask Open-Ended Questions to Get More Than a One-Word Answer
Every parent knows the familiar after-school conversation:
Parent: “What did you learn today?”
Child: “Nothing.”
While children do learn plenty during the day, they often find it hard to express what happened at school — especially if the questions feel routine or closed-ended. That’s where open-ended questions come in. They encourage children to think, reflect, and share their experiences in more detail, helping parents stay connected to their learning journey.
Instead of questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no,” try asking ones that invite your child to explain, describe, or imagine. Here are a few examples:
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“What was the most interesting thing you learned today?”
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“Tell me about something that made you smile at school.”
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“Which activity did you enjoy the most and why?”
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“Was there something that challenged you today? How did you handle it?”
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“If you could change one thing about today’s lesson, what would it be?”
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“Who did you work with today, and what did you do together?”
These kinds of questions not only open the door to meaningful conversations but also help children develop reflection skills, build vocabulary, and strengthen emotional expression.
Parents can also share about their own day to create a two-way conversation. For example, saying, “I learned something new at work today — what about you?” helps children feel that learning is a shared and ongoing process.
At Beaconhouse Elementary Campus, Jamshed Road, we believe that learning continues beyond the classroom. By asking thoughtful questions and listening with interest, parents can encourage curiosity, confidence, and deeper thinking in their children — one conversation at a time.