Reading with your child at home is one of the most valuable ways to support their development and foster a lifelong love of books. But it's not just about reading the words—it's about engaging with the story and helping your child build understanding, critical thinking, and imagination. A really good way to do this is by asking your child questions before, during and after reading. We often get asked what questions to ask your child so we have listed some below for you.
BEFORE READING
What do you think this book will be about?
Have you read any other books by this author? What was it like?
What do you notice on the cover of the book?
DURING READING
What do you think will happen next?
How do you think the character feels right now? Why?
What do you think this word means?
AFTER READING
What was your favorite part of the story? Why?
What lesson do you think the character learned?
If you could change the ending, how would you do it?
Who was your favorite character, and what would you say to them if you could?
Can you tell me what happened in the story from the beginning to the end?
Remember, reading is not just about learning to read words—it's about building a lifelong habit of learning, exploration, and connection with others. The questions you ask your child can help make the process more engaging and the bok more meaningful. So, next time you pick up a book together, try some of these questions and enjoy the journey!