20 Questions

Questions to Ask a Preschooler

Fun and engaging questions to ask preschoolers that spark their imagination, encourage conversation, and help you connect with young children while supporting their language development and creativity.

1

What's your favorite color and why do you like it so much?

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Why this works

Simple and engaging question that encourages self-expression while helping them practice describing their preferences and reasoning.

2

If you could be any animal, which one would you choose and what would you do?

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Why this works

Encourages imagination and creativity while helping them practice thinking about different perspectives and possibilities.

3

What's the funniest thing that happened to you today?

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Why this works

Encourages sharing of experiences while helping them practice storytelling and memory recall in a positive way.

4

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and how would you use it?

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Why this works

Sparks imagination and creativity while helping them practice thinking about cause and effect and problem-solving.

5

What's your favorite thing to do with your family?

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Why this works

Encourages sharing about family relationships while helping them practice describing activities and expressing feelings about loved ones.

6

If you could have any pet, what would it be and what would you name it?

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Why this works

Encourages imagination and creativity while helping them practice thinking about responsibility and naming things.

7

What's the best thing about being a kid?

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Why this works

Encourages self-reflection while helping them practice expressing their thoughts and feelings about their current stage of life.

8

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do there?

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Why this works

Encourages imagination and curiosity while helping them practice thinking about different places and activities.

9

What's your favorite food and what makes it so yummy?

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Why this works

Simple and engaging question that encourages self-expression while helping them practice describing sensory experiences.

10

If you could have any job when you grow up, what would it be and why?

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Why this works

Encourages thinking about the future while helping them practice expressing aspirations and reasoning about career choices.

11

What's the most exciting thing you've ever done?

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Why this works

Encourages sharing of positive experiences while helping them practice storytelling and memory recall.

12

If you could have any toy that doesn't exist yet, what would it be and how would it work?

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Why this works

Encourages creativity and imagination while helping them practice thinking about design and functionality.

13

What's your favorite thing to do when you're happy?

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Why this works

Encourages self-awareness while helping them practice expressing emotions and describing activities that bring joy.

14

If you could have any magical power, what would it be and how would you use it to help others?

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Why this works

Encourages empathy and creativity while helping them practice thinking about helping others and problem-solving.

15

What's the funniest joke you know?

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Why this works

Encourages sharing and humor while helping them practice memory recall and social interaction.

16

If you could have any birthday party theme, what would it be and how would you celebrate?

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Why this works

Encourages creativity and imagination while helping them practice thinking about celebrations and planning.

17

What's your favorite thing about your best friend?

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Why this works

Encourages sharing about relationships while helping them practice expressing appreciation and describing positive qualities.

18

If you could have any magical creature as a friend, what would it be and what would you do together?

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Why this works

Encourages imagination and creativity while helping them practice thinking about friendship and shared activities.

19

What's the most interesting thing you've learned recently?

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Why this works

Encourages sharing of knowledge while helping them practice expressing what they've learned and why it's interesting.

20

If you could have any adventure, what would it be and who would you take with you?

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Why this works

Encourages imagination and creativity while helping them practice thinking about adventure and companionship.

Connecting with Preschoolers Through Conversation

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Best Practices for Talking with Preschoolers

Be Patient and Encouraging

Give them time to think and express their thoughts. Show enthusiasm for their responses and encourage them to share more.

Use Simple Language

Keep your questions and responses simple and easy to understand. Avoid complex vocabulary or concepts that might confuse them.

Show Genuine Interest

Listen actively and show that you're interested in what they have to say. This builds their confidence and encourages more sharing.

Question Sequences

The Imagination Explorer

1
If you could be any animal, which one would you choose?
2
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
3
If you could have any magical creature as a friend, what would it be?
4
If you could have any adventure, what would it be?

The Experience Sharer

1
What's the funniest thing that happened to you today?
2
What's the most exciting thing you've ever done?
3
What's your favorite thing to do with your family?
4
What's the most interesting thing you've learned recently?

Common Pitfalls

Don't Ask Too Many Questions at Once

Give them time to answer one question before moving to the next. Too many questions can be overwhelming and confusing.

Don't Correct Their Grammar

Focus on the content of what they're saying rather than correcting their grammar. This helps build their confidence and encourages more sharing.

Don't Rush or Interrupt

Give them time to think and express their thoughts. Interrupting or rushing can break their confidence and discourage sharing.

Conversation Templates

The Imagination Builder

1
Step 1: Start with: 'If you could be any animal, which one would you choose?'
2
Step 2: Ask: 'What would you do as that animal?'
3
Step 3: Follow with: 'If you could have any superpower, what would it be?'

The Experience Explorer

1
Step 1: Begin with: 'What's the funniest thing that happened to you today?'
2
Step 2: Ask: 'What's the most exciting thing you've ever done?'
3
Step 3: Request: 'What's your favorite thing to do with your family?'

Further Reading

"The Whole-Brain Child" by Daniel Siegel
"How to Talk So Kids Will Listen" by Adele Faber
Early childhood development and communication resources

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