Dear Caregivers,

When you ask your child, “How was your day?” Do you often get a one-word answer like good, fine or I don’t know? It’s a common experience for many families! After a long day of learning and following routines, kids often find it hard to process such a broad question.

One simple shift that can transform after-school conversations is switching to open-ended questions. These are questions that can't be answered with a simple yes, no, or good. Instead, they invite your child to share a story, reflect on their day, and build deeper connections with you.

Why Open-Ended Questions Work

• Encourages Thinking & Self-Expression: Open-ended questions help children practice putting their thoughts, feelings, and experiences into words.

• Builds Problem-Solving Skills: Asking how they solved a challenge helps them reflect on their growth and resilience.

• Shows You’re Curious About Their World: It signals that you are genuinely interested in the specific moments that made up their day.

Fun Prompts to Try This Week

Instead of "How was school today?", try asking:

• "What was something that made you laugh today?"

• "What was something tricky you tried today?"

• "Who did you play with at recess, and what did you do?"

• "If you could redesign one part of your school day, what would it be?"

There’s no need to ask every day or force a long conversation, even starting with just one specific prompt during dinner or in the car can lead to wonderful insights into your child's day.

Warmly,

Kelly (AKA Mrs.Pease)

Kelly Moses Pease
Ray School Principal