Using Question Words to Understand and Answer Questions
Using Question Words to Understand and Answer Questions Objective: By the end of this 45-minute lesson, the student will be able to recognize and use question words such as who, what, where, when, why, and how to answer questions about a story or daily experiences.
Learning Objectives
- Identify common question words in spoken and written language.
- Answer questions using complete sentences based on a story or experience.
- Demonstrate understanding of question words by matching them to appropriate answers.
Materials Needed
- A short age-appropriate storybook or printed story (3-4 sentences)
- Chart paper or whiteboard
- Markers or dry erase markers
- Printed question word cards (who, what, where, when, why, how)
- Drawing paper and crayons or colored pencils
Key Vocabulary
- Question Words
- Words like who, what, where, when, why, and how that help us ask questions.
- Answer
- Information given in response to a question.
- Story
- A sequence of events told to share information or entertain.
Detailed Activities
Introduction to Question Words
- Begin by showing the question word cards and reading each word aloud: who, what, where, when, why, and how.
- Ask the student if they have heard these words before and explain that these words help us find important information.
- Write each question word on the chart paper or whiteboard and say a simple example question for each (e.g., ‘Who is your friend?’).
Read a Short Story and Identify Questions
- Read the chosen short story aloud to the student slowly and clearly.
- After reading, ask questions about the story using the question words (e.g., ‘Who is in the story?’, ‘Where did it happen?’).
- Encourage the student to answer using full sentences, guiding them as needed.
Matching Game and Drawing
- Mix up the question word cards and ask the student to pick one card and create a question about their own day or experience using that word.
- Help the student answer their own question aloud in a complete sentence.
- Invite the student to draw a picture related to one of their questions and answers to reinforce comprehension.
Parent & Instructor Notes
- Encourage your child to speak in full sentences when answering questions to develop language skills.
- Be patient and offer examples or hints if your child struggles with answering or forming questions.
- Revisit the question words throughout the week in everyday conversations to reinforce learning.
Assessment Questions
- Can you tell me a question using the word ‘who’?
- Who was the main character in the story we read?
- Where did the story take place?
- Why do we use question words?
- Can you answer this question: ‘What did you do today?’ using a full sentence?
Extension Ideas
- Create a ‘Question Word’ booklet where the child draws or pastes pictures illustrating each question word.
- Play a question and answer game during daily routines, such as mealtime or car rides, using question words.
- Write a simple story together and then ask and answer questions about it using the question words.
Frequently Asked Questions
Give your child time and encouragement. Model the answers yourself first, then invite them to try. Praise any effort to build confidence.
Use visual aids like flashcards or posters at home, and practice using the words in everyday conversations regularly.
Teacher’s Guide
Common Misconceptions:
- Children might confuse similar question words like ‘who’ and ‘what.’
- Students may answer with one word instead of a full sentence.
- Some children might find it difficult to understand abstract question words like ‘why’ and ‘how.’
Scaffolding Ideas:
For Struggling Students:
- Focus on fewer question words (like ‘who’ and ‘what’) before introducing all six.
- Use yes/no questions initially to build confidence before open-ended questions.
- Provide sentence starters to help form answers.
For Advanced Students:
- Encourage the child to create their own questions and answers about different topics.
- Introduce compound questions using two question words (e.g., ‘Where and when did it happen?’).
- Ask the student to explain why certain question words are used in different situations.
Pacing Recommendations:
- Spend about 10 minutes introducing question words with examples.
- Allow 15 minutes for reading and answering questions about the story.
- Use the remaining 20 minutes for the matching game, drawing activity, and review.
Standards
- 1.L.5b — With guidance and support, demonstrate understanding of frequently occurring verbs and adjectives by relating them to their opposites (antonyms).
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