Questions to ask and what to expect
Questions to Ask and What to Expect
“What do you think about the main character?”
This helps them analyse the character’s personality, actions, and development. Expect answers like, “I like them because they’re brave,” or, “I didn’t agree with their choice.”
“What do you think will happen next?”
This encourages prediction skills and creative thinking. You might hear guesses like, “I think they’ll find the treasure,” or, “I hope they make it out safely.”
“What was your favourite part of the chapter?”
This lets them reflect on what resonated with them emotionally or what they found exciting. Responses might highlight scenes that made them laugh, feel surprised, or learn something new.
“Did anything in the story remind you of something in your life?”
This encourages personal connections to the story and helps them see the relevance of reading to their own experiences.
“What would you change about the ending?”
This prompts creative thinking and shows that their perspective matters. Expect thoughtful ideas like, “I’d make the hero win faster,” or, “I wish the villain got a second chance.”
Best ages for this
Ages 7-10 (Primary): This is a great time to ask simple questions about characters, plot, and their personal likes or dislikes. Keep the discussion light and fun, focusing on building their confidence and sparking curiosity.
Ages 11-16 (Secondary): Older children can handle more in-depth questions about themes, motivations, and comparisons to real life. Discussions at this age can help develop analytical and critical thinking skills, which are essential for academic success.
For teens, try relating the discussion to their interests or current events to make it feel relevant. Encourage them to challenge ideas in the story or relate them to broader concepts.
If they don't want to do it
Some children may resist book discussions, especially if they feel it’s too much like schoolwork. To make it more appealing:
Keep it casual: Say, “That book looks so interesting—what did you think about it?” instead of making it a formal Q&A.
Share your own experience: Mention something you liked or learned from a book you’re reading to model natural conversation.
Give them control: Let them decide what to talk about or come up with their own questions. This helps them feel ownership over the discussion.
Why it works
Discussing books builds comprehension, critical thinking, and communication skills. It shows children that reading is about more than just the words—it’s about ideas, connections, and perspectives. When approached as a relaxed, shared activity, it fosters a love of reading and helps children see the value of their opinions and insights.