Early Atlas

Activity

Wonder Questions Read-Aloud

During an interactive read-aloud, children answer who-what-where questions and make predictions, then ask their own.

Ages 36–66 months

Inspired by Charlotte Mason Play-based learning comprehension questions read-aloud inference

Supports this milestone

  • asks and answers questions about a book that was read aloud. — Head Start ELOF

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Materials

  • A picture book children have not heard before
  • A simple "I wonder" prompt card or a wondering puppet

Steps

  • Before reading, look at the cover and ask what the children think the story will be about.
  • Pause at a key page and ask a detail question, such as who, what, where, or when.
  • Pause before a turning point and ask: "What do you think will happen next, and why?"
  • Ask an inferential question about how a character might be feeling and why.
  • At the end, invite each child to ask one of their own wonder questions about the story.

Variations

  • Use the wondering puppet to "ask" the questions and have children answer it.
  • Reread the book and let children predict together before each page turn.

Differentiation

  • For younger children, offer two picture choices to point to as an answer.
  • For older children, ask them to support an answer with a clue from the story.

Accessibility

  • Allow answers by pointing to illustrations or choosing between picture options.
  • Give extra wait time and rephrase questions for children developing expressive language.

Safety

  • Keep the group seated comfortably with room to see, avoiding crowding.

Practices these skills

Evidence

Early Atlas