In today’s episode, we’re talking about how to talk with your kids about books. Specifically, we’re talking about open-ended questions, which you’ve probably heard us talk about before here at Read-Aloud Revival.
Open-ended questions are key to having conversations with your kids about anything they read, and anything you read together.
But what exactly qualifies as an open-ended question, and why do they work?
In this episode, I’m breaking down:
- How to make book conversation a habit
- How open ended questions are a form of narration
- How to talk about books even if you haven’t read them yourself
Get your FREE 5 Questions Guide
Where should I send it?
I also answer a question about whether it’s OK to let kids play while you’re reading aloud.
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Time stamps:
| 2:29 | Q&A: what if my child isn’t really listening when I’m reading aloud? |
| 6:14 | ‘Planting seeds’ |
| 7:21 | Your 3 Super-Tools: Prayer, Read-alouds, and Conversation |
| 9:34 | A better question than ‘Did you like it?’ |
| 11:42 | ‘An informal exchange of ideas’ |
| 14:20 | What is an open-ended question? |
| 17:21 | If you already know the answer, it’s not an open-ended question |
| 20:49 | Taking the pressure off |
| 24:42 | A broader look |
| 26:43 | Does this count as narration? |
| 29:25 | Get the FREE guide (and more resources) |
| 32:46 | Let the Kids Speak |
Quote to remember:
“You’ve got three super tools for your parenting life and your homeschooling life: prayer, read-alouds, and conversation.”
Sarah Mackenzie
“Having an open-ended conversation with your kids flings wide doors of discovery in ways that writing a book report, writing an essay, or taking a quiz can’t.”
Sarah Mackenzie
Get your FREE 5 Questions Guide
Where should I send it?
Links from this episode:
- RAR #82: Why Fidgeting is a Good Sign (and what brain science has to say about reading aloud), Dr. Michael Gurian
- RAR Premium
Take the RAR Premium Master Class:
Books mentioned in this episode:
You’ll also enjoy:
- When your child doesn’t love reading
- Creating a book club culture at home
- What your kids can do while you read aloud (they’ll probably listen better than ever)
Get your FREE 5 Questions Guide
Where should I send it?
