CCSS.ELA-Literacy.1.L.6 – Using Question Words to Enhance Writing and Speaking

Lesson Planning Genie mascot Using Question Words to Enhance Writing and Speaking

Objective: By the end of this 45-minute lesson, the student will be able to identify and correctly use question words (who, what, where, when, why, how) to ask and answer questions in both spoken and written form.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify the six common question words: who, what, where, when, why, and how.
  • Use question words to form simple questions related to pictures or sentences.
  • Answer questions using complete sentences that include the question word.

Materials Needed

  • Printed list of question words (who, what, where, when, why, how)
  • Worksheet with simple sentences missing a question word
  • Picture cards showing different scenes or actions
  • Notebook or paper
  • Pencil

Key Vocabulary

Question Word
A word used to ask for information, such as who, what, where, when, why, or how.
Who
Used to ask about a person.
What
Used to ask about a thing or action.
Where
Used to ask about a place.
When
Used to ask about time.
Why
Used to ask about a reason.
How
Used to ask about the way something happens or is done.

Detailed Activities

Introduction to Question Words

  1. Show the student the list of question words and read each aloud together.
  2. Explain the meaning of each question word with simple examples.
  3. Ask the student to repeat each question word and give an example question aloud.
Matching Question Words to Pictures

  1. Show picture cards depicting people, places, times, reasons, and actions.
  2. Ask the student to choose the correct question word to ask about each picture.
  3. Write the student’s question down, prompting them to use the question word properly.
Worksheet Practice

  1. Give the student a worksheet with sentences missing the question word.
  2. Have the student fill in the blank with the correct question word.
  3. Review answers together and discuss why each question word fits.
Speaking and Writing Practice

  1. Ask the student to create their own questions using the question words about their day or interests.
  2. Encourage the student to answer the questions in full sentences.
  3. Write down some of the student’s questions and answers to keep for review.

Parent & Instructor Notes

  • This lesson focuses on helping your child understand and use question words to improve their communication skills.
  • Encourage your child to ask questions during daily conversations using these words to build confidence.
  • Be patient and provide positive feedback to support their learning and speaking practice.

Assessment Questions

  • Can you tell me a question using the word ‘where’?
  • What question word would you use to ask about a person?
  • Fill in the blank: ______ do you eat breakfast? (Answer: When)
  • Answer this question: Why do you like your favorite hobby?

Extension Ideas

  • Read a short story together and identify all the questions asked by characters.
  • Create a simple question-and-answer game using flashcards with question words and answers.
  • Encourage your child to interview a family member using the question words learned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Repeat the words regularly in fun activities and use visual aids like flashcards to reinforce learning.

Use pictures, real-life objects, and interactive games to help your child relate to the question words.

Teacher’s Guide

Common Misconceptions:

  • Students may confuse question words or use them in the wrong context.
  • Students might struggle to form a complete question when using the question words.
  • Some students might answer questions with single words instead of full sentences.

Scaffolding Ideas:

For Struggling Students:

  • Focus on two or three question words at a time instead of all six.
  • Use more visual supports and repetition.
  • Provide sentence starters to help form questions and answers.
For Advanced Students:

  • Challenge them to create questions using more than one question word.
  • Encourage writing a short story or dialogue using questions and answers.
  • Introduce question words in different contexts, such as ‘which’ or ‘whose’.

Pacing Recommendations:

  • Spend extra time on the introduction if the student is new to question words.
  • Move quickly through the worksheet if the student shows strong understanding.
  • Allow time for speaking practice to build confidence before moving on.

Standards

  • 1.L.6 — Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using question words.

Printable Worksheet

Download Printable Worksheet (PDF)

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