NURTURING MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS ABOUT SCHOOL

As parents, how often do we find ourselves greeting our children at the end of the day with the classic question, “How was school?”—only to be met with the equally classic one-word response, “Good”? It can leave us feeling disconnected from the real happenings of our child’s day and does little to help our children reflect on or share their experiences.

When children sense real curiosity and openness, they become more eager to share. The type of questions we ask, and the consistency with which we ask them, shows how deeply we value their education and growth. Moreover, the attitude we project—eager, engaged, and curious—can be contagious. If we only ever lead with questions about what went wrong, children will also start to focus on the negative. But if we show genuine interest in the positive aspects of their day, we teach them to seek out and celebrate the good moments, too.

Below is a list of questions adapted from recommendations by the Child Mind Institute, a highly regarded source in child development and mental health. They are designed to spark meaningful dialogue and encourage your child to open up about their school experience.

• “What was the most interesting thing you learned today?”
  – Invites them to reflect on their learning and share something new or exciting.

• “Did anything happen today that surprised you or made you curious?”
  – Encourages them to identify moments that sparked wonder.

• “Who did you enjoy spending time with at school, and why?”
  – Focuses on the positive aspects of social interaction.

• “Was there a moment you found challenging or difficult? How did you handle it?”
  – Helps them acknowledge struggles and celebrate resilience.

• “What was something kind you did for someone else, or someone else did for you?”
  – Reinforces empathy, kindness, and noticing good deeds.

• “Which part of your school day made you think the most?”
  – Prompts critical thinking and helps them evaluate their engagement.

• “If you could redo one part of your day, what would it be and why?”
  – Encourages reflection on growth and problem-solving.

• “What made you laugh or smile today?”
  – Shifts focus to joyful or uplifting moments.

• “If you had to teach me one thing you learned today, what would it be?”
  – Lets them ‘take the stage’ and reinforces understanding by teaching.

• “What are you looking forward to tomorrow at school?”
  – Fosters a forward-thinking and positive mindset.

By asking a broader range of questions—especially ones that reflect interest and enthusiasm—you send a clear message that your child’s school experience and personal growth truly matter. When children see your eagerness to learn about their day, they begin to mirror that enthusiasm in their own studies and relationships. Let’s continue to support and inspire our young learners through thoughtful questioning, genuine curiosity, and positive engagement every day.

Sunday 2nd March, 2025

Mr Casimir Douglas