Early Atlas

Activity

Getting-to-Know-You Interview

A child and a trusted adult take turns asking and answering friendly questions, building a warm, reciprocal relationship.

Ages 36–60 months

Inspired by Reggio Emilia Play-based learning relationships conversation adult-child-relationships

Supports this milestone

  • engages in and maintains positive relationships and interactions with adults. — Head Start ELOF

Explore milestones →

Materials

  • A few simple question prompts (favorite food, favorite game, something you did this weekend)
  • Optional pretend or toy microphone

Steps

  • Explain that you will take turns interviewing each other, like on a show.
  • Ask the child a friendly question and listen warmly to the whole answer.
  • Invite the child to ask you the same question, then answer honestly and briefly.
  • Keep the back-and-forth going, following the child's lead onto topics they enjoy.
  • End by telling the child one thing you learned and enjoyed about them today.

Variations

  • Record the interview and play it back, or draw a picture of a favorite answer.
  • Send a question home so a family member can do the interview too.

Differentiation

  • Offer picture-choice answers for children who are still building language.
  • Add follow-up questions ("Tell me more") for children ready for longer talk.

Accessibility

  • Accept gestures, signs, or AAC as full answers and allow extra response time.

Safety

  • Keep questions light and let the child skip any they do not want to answer.

Practices these skills

Evidence

Early Atlas