RAR #166: What’s the deal with open-ended questions?

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

I also answer a question about whether it’s OK to let kids play while you’re reading aloud.

Click the play button below to start listening:

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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

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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

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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:

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Books mentioned in this episode:

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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)