Questions That Open Up a Story
A gentle question can turn a story into a shared conversation. Try prompts that invite children to notice details and share their own ideas.
Ask what they notice
Start with what is right in front of you: “What do you see here?” or “Which part caught your eye?” These prompts make room for a child’s own observations.
Make room for wondering
Questions such as “What do you think might happen next?” invite imagination without turning reading into a quiz. There can be more than one thoughtful answer.
Listen before adding an explanation
Give your child time to finish their thought. A follow-up like “What makes you think that?” shows that their ideas matter and can lead to a richer conversation.