What Questions Should You Ask Kids During a Read-Aloud?
A read-aloud becomes much more powerful when children are thinking along with you. The right question at the right moment turns listening into a conversation.
Here are simple questions you can use with almost any picture book.
Before you read
"Look at the cover. What do you think this story is about?"
"Who do you think this character is?"
"Have you ever seen an animal like this?"
While you read
Pause at a page turn or at an exciting moment:
"What do you think will happen next?"
"How do you think [character] feels right now? How can you tell?"
"What would you do if you were [character]?"
"What do you notice in this picture?"
"Can you make the sound this is making?"
After you read
"What was your favorite part?"
"Can you tell me what happened, from the beginning?"
"Did anything in this story ever happen to you?"
"What do you think happens after the story ends?"
Tips by age
Ages 2–3: Point and name. Ask "Where's the turtle?" and "What color is it?"
Ages 4–5: Ask about feelings and predictions. Let them guess, even if they're wrong.
Ages 6–7: Ask "why" questions and have them retell the story in order.
Keep it fun, not a quiz
Ask one or two questions per page, not ten.
Wait a few seconds after asking. Silence means they're thinking.
Accept every answer warmly, then build on it.
Read the same book again. Children notice something new every time.
Books that make great discussion starters
Mystery stories are perfect for prediction questions. In The Mystery of the Beep, Turtledoo and Bunnyboo hear a loud BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! and set out to find where it's coming from. The book even asks, "What could it be?", and kids love shouting out their guesses before the big reveal.
For feelings questions, try Bunnyboo and the Missing Smile, a gentle picture book about feelings and friendship.
Keep the conversation going after story time with our free coloring pages.
You might also like: 5 Interactive Read-Aloud Ideas for Preschool Circle Time
Quick answers
Why ask questions during a read-aloud?
Questions help children understand the story, learn new words and connect books to their own lives.
How many questions should I ask?
A few per book is plenty. Too many interrupts the story.
What are good prediction questions for preschoolers?
"What do you think will happen next?" and "What do you think is making that sound?"
