Uses a Variety of Questions-Communication (E4.2.8)
Sub Category: Language and Communication: Listening, Speaking, and Vocabulary Observable Competencies
Credential Level: Level 1 •
Age Group: Infant, Toddler, Pre-K
COMPETENCY STATEMENT
Uses a variety of questions (open, closed, inferential) to encourage communication
DEFINITIONS
Teachers enhance communication skills by using various types of questions. Open-ended questions encourage critical thinking and detailed responses, often starting with "how" or "why." Closed-ended questions have specific, short answers like "yes" or "no," useful for checking facts. Inferential questions prompt students to make connections and draw conclusions from implied information, fostering deeper comprehension and analytical skills. These question types promote critical thinking, deeper understanding, and support cognitive and social development.
EXAMPLES
Variety of Questions- Communication
Age Group: Pre-K
Age Group: Pre-K
This video verbalizes the importance for teachers to use a variety of open- and closed-ended questions to engage children in back-and-forth conversations.
Variety of Questions- Communication
Age Group: Pre-K
Age Group: Pre-K
In this exemplar video, a teacher uses open, closed, and inferential questions to support communication. Notice how the teacher’s varied questioning encourages the child to think, respond, and stay engaged in the conversation– an example of using a variety of questions.
Variety of Questions- Communication
Age Group: Infant
Age Group: Infant
In this exemplar video, a teacher engages a child in conversation using different types of questions. Notice how the teacher asks open, closed, and inferential questions to help the child express ideas—an example of using varied questioning to support communication and language development.
Variety of Questions- Communication
Age Group: Toddler
Age Group: Toddler
In this exemplar video, a teacher communicates with a toddler by asking what they are doing and joining in their play. Notice how the teacher uses open-ended questions and follows the child’s lead—an example of using varied questions to support communication and engagement.
Variety of Questions- Communication
Age Group: Toddler
Age Group: Toddler
In this exemplar video, a teacher interacts with the children in the kitchen area asking various open/closed questions. Notice how the teacher uses questions and interacts with the toddlers– an example of supporting skill development by encouraging communication in the classroom.
Variety of Questions- Communication
Age Group: Pre-K
Age Group: Pre-K
In this exemplar video, a teacher engages a child in conversation using different types of questions. Notice how the teacher uses open, closed, and inferential questions to encourage the child to express ideas—an example of using varied questioning to support communication and language development.
Variety of Questions- Communications
Age Group: Toddler
Age Group: Toddler
In this exemplar video, a teacher asks a child questions about their likes and dislikes, then listens and builds on the child’s responses. Notice how the teacher encourages the child to share more—an example of using a variety of questions to support communication.