Introduction

As educators, we understand the importance of developing strong communication skills in our students. One key aspect of communication is the ability to drive a conversation forward by asking meaningful questions. When students ask questions that are obvious or to which they already know the answer, it can stall the conversation instead of promoting deeper understanding and connection. In this blog post, we will explore an easy-to-implement, no-prep activity that encourages students to ask better questions, as well as provide discussion questions, related skills, and next steps for further exploration.

No-Prep Activity

The “Question Relay” activity is a fun and engaging way to help students practice asking better questions. To begin, have students form a circle or sit in a semi-circle facing the front of the room. The educator will start the activity by asking a student a non-obvious question. The student will then respond and ask a different non-obvious question to the next student in the circle. The activity continues with each student answering the previous question and asking a new one, until it returns to the educator. If a student asks an obvious question, the educator can gently remind them to think of something more thought-provoking.

For example:

Educator: "What's something interesting you learned recently?"
Student 1: "I learned that the tallest tree in the world is over 379 feet tall. What's your favorite way to spend a rainy day?"
Student 2: "I like to read a good book or watch a movie. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?"
 

Through this activity, students will become more mindful of the questions they ask and improve their ability to drive conversations forward.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important to ask meaningful questions in a conversation?
2. How can asking obvious questions or questions you already know the answer to hinder a conversation?
3. What are some strategies you can use to come up with better questions during a conversation?
4. How can improving your questioning skills contribute to your overall communication abilities?
5. What are some ways you can practice asking better questions outside of the classroom?

Related Skills

Beyond asking effective questions, there are several other skills that can help students become better communicators and enhance their social-emotional learning. These include:

• Active listening: The ability to fully concentrate, understand, and respond to what others are saying in a conversation.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of another person, which can help create more meaningful connections and conversations.
• Non-verbal communication: Using body language, facial expressions, and gestures to convey meaning and enhance understanding.
• Conflict resolution: The ability to identify, address, and find solutions to disagreements or misunderstandings in a respectful and constructive manner.

Next Steps

If you found the ideas in this blog post helpful and would like to explore more resources for teaching effective communication and social-emotional learning skills, we invite you to sign up for free sample materials at Everyday Speech. These resources can help you incorporate engaging activities and lessons into your classroom, fostering a supportive learning environment where students can thrive.