Question Time!

Ever felt the frustration of asking your child the question - 

What did you learn at school today? 

And get the response - Nothing!

This response always used to intrigue me because I know as a teacher, we are doing a little more than 'nothing' throughout the school day!

But then I discovered:

If I ask a better question - I might get a better answer!

The quality of the answers we get from our kids depends on the quality of questions we are asking. The success of a good answer depends on the words we choose. The words we choose have a powerful effect on the brain.

How we use words in framing our questions is what differentiates the good questions from the not so good ones.

My theory is that the school day is so jammed pack full of learning, that when that question is asked to a child at the end of the school day, there is too much to choose from! So maybe....we need to be a little more specific in our questioning.

Asking the right questions to our kids encourages them to be more reflective and self-aware and it deepens the ownership they have of their day and the learning and interactions that take place.

As adults. the best way to develop growth in any area of our life is to self-reflect on our words and actions and determine what is working well, what we are achieving with success, what can be improved and what we need a little support in. This is how life works!

QUESTION TIME!

Here are some ideas for you to use and try and see what conversations arise.

I would suggest picking one or two to start. These could be asked on the way home, at the dinner table or before bedtime. (Sometimes, the first hour or so after school is a time of not thinking about anything school related!)

The awesome thing is - that TEACHERS CAN ASK THESE TOO - as a reflection process at the end of the school day or week.

So pick a time that is most productive and effective for you and your child.

* What was great about today? 

* What was challenging today?

* What made you feel happy today?

* How did you make someone else feel happy today? What did you do or say to someone today to help them feel happy?

* What mistakes did you make today? What did you learn from them?

* What was the hardest thing you had to do today?

* What did you learn today that you would like to know more about?

* What did you put a lot of effort into today?

* What made you feel successful today? How did you feel success today?

* Is there anything you would have done differently today?

* Is there anything your teacher could have done differently?

* What made you curious today? 

* What was a great question you asked today?

* How did you help today? What can you do tomorrow?

* What did you do today that you are proud of?

* How can you make tomorrow better?

* Set your intention by thinking about what it is you would like to know about your child's school day.

* Then choose questions you think will be most effective for you and your child to open up the conversation.

* Be patient! It might take a little time and patience and practice. Be persistent.

Successful people ask better questions and as a result, they get better answers.

Tony Robbins 

 Until next week....have a conscious and mindful week

 Clarissa xo