Listening and Speaking: Asking and Answering Questions About a Topic
Listening and Speaking: Asking and Answering Questions About a Topic Objective: Students will be able to ask and answer questions about a topic or text read aloud, demonstrating understanding and engagement in a group discussion.
Learning Objectives
- Understand how to listen carefully to a story or passage.
- Practice asking relevant questions about the topic or story.
- Practice giving clear and complete answers to questions.
- Engage in a discussion by taking turns speaking.
Materials Needed
- A short story or informational passage appropriate for an 8-year-old
- Paper and pencil
- Timer or clock
Key Vocabulary
- Question
- A sentence that asks for information.
- Answer
- A response to a question.
- Topic
- The subject or main idea being discussed or read about.
Detailed Activities
Read Aloud and Listening
- Choose a short story or informational passage suited for an 8-year-old.
- Read the passage aloud clearly and slowly, encouraging the child to listen carefully.
- After reading, pause and ask the child to think about what was read.
Asking Questions
- Explain that asking questions helps us understand better.
- Model some simple questions about the story (e.g., ‘Who was the main character?’, ‘What happened first?’).
- Ask the child to come up with two questions about the story or topic.
- Write down the child’s questions.
Answering Questions
- Take turns asking each other’s questions.
- Encourage the child to answer in complete sentences.
- If the child is unsure, re-read parts of the story to find the answers.
- Praise the child for listening and participating.
Parent & Instructor Notes
- This lesson focuses on building listening and speaking skills through asking and answering questions.
- Be patient and encourage your child to express their thoughts without pressure.
- Use positive reinforcement to build confidence in speaking and listening.
Assessment Questions
- Can your child ask at least two relevant questions about the story or topic?
- Does your child answer questions in complete sentences?
- Is your child able to listen attentively and respond appropriately during the discussion?
Extension Ideas
- Have your child draw a picture related to the story and ask questions about their drawing.
- Read a new story and repeat the activity to build confidence and fluency.
- Record your child asking and answering questions, then listen together to reflect on their speaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Encourage them gently and provide examples to follow. Praising small efforts and creating a relaxed environment helps build confidence.
Break the story into smaller parts, ask simple questions, and explain difficult words before continuing.
Yes! You can use informational topics like animals, weather, or daily activities to practice asking and answering questions.
Teacher’s Guide
Common Misconceptions:
- Children may think questions only have yes/no answers instead of open-ended ones.
- Some children may answer with one word instead of full sentences.
- Children might struggle to formulate questions before answering.
Scaffolding Ideas:
For Struggling Students:
- Provide sentence starters for both questions and answers.
- Use pictures or props to help understand the story or topic.
- Allow extra time to think and respond.
For Advanced Students:
- Encourage asking higher-level questions such as ‘Why do you think this happened?’
- Have the child summarize the story and then create questions.
- Include questions that require making connections to personal experiences.
Pacing Recommendations:
- Spend about 15 minutes on listening carefully to the story.
- Use 10-15 minutes for practicing asking questions.
- Use 10-15 minutes for answering questions and group discussion.
Standards
- 8.SL.2 — Ask and answer questions about a topic or text read aloud to clarify understanding and engage in discussion.
Printable Worksheet
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