Developing Reading Skills- Questions to ask

Encourage your child to think about the writer's intention

• Why did the writer/author use that word?
• What do you think the author wants you to feel?
• Why do you think the chapter ended there?

Encourage your child to think beyond the literal

• Why do you think the character did that?
• What made them feel that way?
• How do you know they are scared/worried/happy?
• How can you tell how they are feeling?
• What does that tell you about the character?

Encourage your child to give a personal response

• How does that make you feel?
• Which part of the book/story did you like best?
• What do you think to this character?
• Do you think that is a good idea?
• What do you think of how the book/story was written?

Encourage your child to give reasons and if possible, use examples from the text to support their answer.