Open-ended ... in the open

With the warmth of spring, why not take your favourite books and songs (and a coffee or tea) outside with your little one? Under the shade of a tree, you could close your eyes and delight together in all the things you can hear. It could be bird calls or insects mixed in with all the other sounds like aeroplanes, cars, other people’s voices …

What can you hear?

Can you make that sound?

Are any sounds like letter sounds?

When we ask children open-ended questions like these, we invite them to use their imagination, to develop their thinking and reasoning. Shared-thinking helps children express their thoughts, ideas and opinions so it is important to give children these opportunities and the time to respond.

Open-ended questions form the basis for inquiry. You are helping to engage children in conversation which builds their vocabulary, imagination and understanding of the world around them. You can support conversation through wonder and help children understand cause and effect.

I wonder what happens to the birds at night?

Wondering together helps children make sense of the world around them, to become problem solvers and creative thinkers; scientists even!

So, make the most of your sessions by making them multi-sensory! Extend your storytelling though open-ended questioning and create opportunities to talk, listen and do with children. You’re making lovely memories to share, and of course, enjoy any opportunity to sit down and relax while your little one benefits from your attention!