The Right Questions

If you are like most parents and grand-parents, including me, when your student gets home from school or gets into your automobile, you begin with a barrage of questions.

“How was school?"

“Did you have fun?"

Etc., Etc.

Good questions, all of them, however, what if we tried asking "better" questions.

Carol Dweck, our resident Mindset expert, suggests these:

“What did you learn today?”  This is more than just a passing conversation.  Really show interest in knowing what your child learned.  It is called “reinforcement” in the learning process.

Ah, here’s a good one.

“What mistakes did you make that taught you something?”  Asking this question can help your child in the beginning stages of analysis and critical thinking.

And then this one …

“What did you try hard at today?”  Phrased in the proper way you prepare your child to put forth effort in learning - the greatest mindset of all.  What you have just communicated is this …“you don’t have to be perfect the first time.  Some things take time.”

Carolyn Biggs

Steps and Skips

Tips for the Developing Student