About this resource
Each question word asks for a different kind of answer: who asks for a person, where for a place. This practice sheet links question words to picture cues, gives example questions to use with books and daily activities and offers partner tips.
Purpose
To build understanding of question words and the kinds of answers they need.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Speech pathologists. Also relevant for educators and school support staff.
Client or participant group: Children learning to understand and answer questions, including those with language difficulties.
Practice setting: Speech pathology sessions, classrooms and home practice.
Suggested uses
- Shared reading
- Speech pathology sessions
- Classroom comprehension
- Home practice
Instructions for practitioners
- Teach one question word at a time.
- Use the picture cue with each question.
- Ask questions about real activities and books.
- Model answers when the child is unsure.
Instructions for clients or participants
- Look at the picture for the question word.
- Think about what kind of answer it needs.
- Answer the question.
Accessibility considerations
Use picture cues and real objects.
Scope and limitations
A learning activity. It does not assess language.
Research basis
Parent-implemented language strategies and interactive shared reading support children's language development.
- Mol, S. E., Bus, A. G., de Jong, M. T., & Smeets, D. J. H. (2008). Added Value of Dialogic Parent–Child Book Readings: A Meta-Analysis. Early Education and Development, 19(1), 7–26. https://doi.org/10.1080/10409280701838603
- Roberts, M. Y., & Kaiser, A. P. (2011). The Effectiveness of Parent-Implemented Language Interventions: A Meta-Analysis. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 20(3), 180–199. https://doi.org/10.1044/1058-0360(2011/10-0055)
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced. Symbols are original line drawings created for Practitioner Plus.
