Preschool Questions to Ask
Thoughtful questions to ask preschool children that encourage curiosity, learning, and meaningful conversations while respecting their developmental stage and attention span.
1What's your favorite thing to do at school today?
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What's your favorite thing to do at school today?
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Why this works
This question is simple and positive, allowing the child to share something they enjoy while giving you insight into their school experience and interests.
2What did you learn that was new or exciting?
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What did you learn that was new or exciting?
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Why this works
Encourages the child to reflect on their learning and share knowledge, which helps reinforce what they've learned and shows you value their education.
3Who did you play with today, and what games did you play?
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Who did you play with today, and what games did you play?
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Why this works
Helps you understand their social interactions and friendships while giving them a chance to share about their play experiences.
4What was the most fun thing you did today?
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What was the most fun thing you did today?
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Why this works
Focuses on positive experiences and gives the child a chance to share what brings them joy, which can help you understand their interests and preferences.
5Did you help anyone today, or did anyone help you?
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Did you help anyone today, or did anyone help you?
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Why this works
Encourages the child to think about kindness and cooperation while giving you insight into their social skills and relationships with others.
6What's something you're proud of that you did today?
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What's something you're proud of that you did today?
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Why this works
Helps build the child's self-esteem by focusing on their achievements while giving you insight into what they value and what makes them feel accomplished.
7What was the most interesting thing you saw or heard today?
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What was the most interesting thing you saw or heard today?
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Why this works
Encourages the child to observe and notice their environment while giving you insight into what captures their attention and curiosity.
8What's something you want to learn more about?
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What's something you want to learn more about?
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Why this works
Shows you value their curiosity and interests while giving you insight into what topics or activities they're most interested in exploring.
9What was the hardest thing you did today, and how did you handle it?
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What was the hardest thing you did today, and how did you handle it?
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Why this works
Helps the child reflect on challenges and problem-solving while giving you insight into their resilience and coping strategies.
10What's something you're looking forward to doing tomorrow?
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What's something you're looking forward to doing tomorrow?
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Why this works
Encourages the child to think about the future and plan ahead while giving you insight into their hopes and expectations.
11What's your favorite book or story that you heard today?
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What's your favorite book or story that you heard today?
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Why this works
Encourages the child to share about their reading experiences while giving you insight into their interests and the stories that capture their imagination.
12What's something you created or made today?
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What's something you created or made today?
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Why this works
Focuses on the child's creativity and accomplishments while giving you insight into their artistic interests and what they enjoy creating.
13What's something you're curious about or want to know more about?
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What's something you're curious about or want to know more about?
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Why this works
Encourages the child to think about their questions and interests while giving you insight into their natural curiosity and what topics they want to explore.
14What's something you're grateful for today?
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What's something you're grateful for today?
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Why this works
Helps the child practice gratitude and positive thinking while giving you insight into what they value and appreciate in their life.
15What's something you want to teach someone else?
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What's something you want to teach someone else?
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Why this works
Encourages the child to think about sharing knowledge while giving you insight into what they've learned and what they're confident about.
16What's something you're excited about or looking forward to?
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What's something you're excited about or looking forward to?
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Why this works
Focuses on positive emotions and future plans while giving you insight into their hopes and what brings them joy.
17What's something you're working on getting better at?
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What's something you're working on getting better at?
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Why this works
Encourages the child to think about growth and improvement while giving you insight into their goals and what they're practicing.
18What's something you're proud of about yourself?
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What's something you're proud of about yourself?
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Why this works
Helps build the child's self-esteem and self-awareness while giving you insight into their self-perception and what they value about themselves.
19What's something you want to try or do differently?
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What's something you want to try or do differently?
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Why this works
Encourages the child to think about new experiences and changes while giving you insight into their openness to trying new things.
20What's something you're happy about or that made you smile today?
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What's something you're happy about or that made you smile today?
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Why this works
Focuses on positive emotions and experiences while giving you insight into what brings them joy and happiness.
Best Practices for Talking with Preschoolers
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Keep Questions Simple and Clear
Use simple language and short sentences that preschoolers can easily understand. Avoid complex concepts or abstract ideas that might confuse them.
Be Patient and Give Them Time
Preschoolers may need time to think and respond. Be patient and don't rush them. Give them space to process the question and formulate their answer.
Show Genuine Interest
Listen actively to their responses and show that you value what they're sharing. This encourages them to continue talking and builds their confidence.
Question Sequences
The Learning-Focused Sequence
The Social-Focused Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask Too Many Questions at Once
Preschoolers can get overwhelmed if you ask too many questions in a row. Space out your questions and let them respond to one before moving to the next.
Don't Ask Questions That Are Too Complex
Avoid questions that require abstract thinking or complex reasoning. Stick to concrete, simple questions that preschoolers can easily understand and answer.
Don't Push for Answers
If a child doesn't want to answer a question, don't push them. Respect their boundaries and move on to something else they're more comfortable discussing.