Book Questions
Here's What To Do
1
Before you read a new nonfiction book together, encourage your child to ask questions about what they’d like to learn about from a nonfiction book.
2
During or after reading, they can also ask questions.
3
You can even do a little research together to answer the questions related to the nonfiction book. Or, together, extend the story based on your child’s questions.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Look at the cover of the book together. Ask your child what they think the book is about, and what questions they might want to ask about that topic.
E
Engage:
- “Let’s read ____.”
- “What do you want to know about ___? What questions could you ask?”
E
Encourage:
- Model how to ask simple questions related to the book. “I want to know more about how fish move. I can ask, How do fish move?”
- “What do you want to know? We can make a question together.”
R
Reflect:
- “What other questions do you have about ___?”
Not quite ready?
Focus on practicing one type of question during the read, e.g. those starting with “what” or “where.” Ask questions that your child can repeat.
Ready for more?
Demonstrate how to ask more complex questions, like “why ___.” Encourage your child to ask more complex questions as well.
As your child masters this skill...
They will be able to ask simple and some complex questions.