Understanding and Using Question Words
Objective: The student will be able to identify and use question words (who, what, where, when, why, how) to ask and answer questions in simple sentences.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize the six common question words: who, what, where, when, why, and how.
- Form simple questions using these question words.
- Answer questions appropriately using complete sentences.
Materials Needed
- Printed question word flashcards
- Picture cards depicting different scenarios
- Worksheet with fill-in-the-blank questions
- Pencils and erasers
Key Vocabulary
- Question word
- A word used to ask for information, such as who, what, where, when, why, and how.
- Who
- A question word used to ask about a person.
- What
- A question word used to ask about a thing or information.
- Where
- A question word used to ask about a place.
- When
- A question word used to ask about time.
- Why
- A question word used to ask for a reason.
- How
- A question word used to ask about the manner or way something happens.
Detailed Activities
Introduction to Question Words
- Show the student the question word flashcards one by one.
- Read each question word aloud and explain its meaning with examples.
- Ask the student to repeat each question word to practice pronunciation.
Matching Questions to Pictures
- Present picture cards depicting different scenes or actions.
- Ask the student to choose a question word that fits the picture.
- Help the student form a question about the picture using the chosen question word.
- Encourage the student to answer the question in a full sentence.
Worksheet Practice
- Give the student a worksheet with sentences missing question words.
- Guide the student to fill in the blanks with the correct question word.
- Review the answers together and discuss why each question word fits.
Parent & Instructor Notes
- Use clear and simple language when introducing question words.
- Encourage the student to think about what information each question word is asking for.
- Be patient and provide lots of positive reinforcement during practice.
Assessment Questions
- Can you tell me a question that starts with ‘Where’?
- What question word would you use to ask about a person?
- Ask me a question about this picture using ‘Why’.
- Fill in the blank: _____ do you like to play?
Extension Ideas
- Create a question word scavenger hunt by hiding cards around the house and having the student find and use them in questions.
- Read a short story together and identify questions that can be asked using the question words.
- Practice writing simple questions in a journal using different question words daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use visual aids and real-life examples to make the meaning clearer. Repeat activities frequently and provide encouragement to build confidence.
Incorporate games, such as matching or memory games with question word cards, and use interactive storytelling to practice asking and answering questions.
Teacher’s Guide
Common Misconceptions:
- Students may confuse question words and not understand that each asks for different information.
- They might answer questions without using complete sentences.
Scaffolding Ideas:
For Struggling Students:
- Focus on fewer question words at a time, such as starting with ‘who’ and ‘what’.
- Use more visual aids and give one-on-one guided practice.
- Repeat activities and use physical gestures to reinforce meaning.
For Advanced Students:
- Encourage forming longer questions and answers.
- Introduce conjunctions to connect questions or answers.
- Have the student create their own short stories using question words.
Pacing Recommendations:
- Spend about 10 minutes on introducing and practicing question words.
- Allow 15 minutes for guided practice with pictures and forming questions.
- Use the last 20 minutes to complete the worksheet and review answers together.
Standards
- 1.L.1f — Use frequently occurring conjunctions (e.g., and, but, or) to connect words and phrases in sentences.
Printable Worksheet
Plan Your Own Lesson
Looking for a custom lesson plan? Try our Lesson Planning Generator — create standards-based plans for any topic, instantly!
Common Core Aligned Lesson Plans
Looking for another common core lesson? See all of the lesson plans here.
More Free Lesson Plans
We’re adding more every week! Check back soon or explore all our lesson plans here.
Leave a Reply