5 Types of Questions to Avoid Asking Kids
We say we want kids to have a thinking faith, but we often create the opposite with five questions to avoid asking kids. A skill we need to get better at is asking good questions. Here’s what we often ask: How many disciples did Jesus have? What were the disciples’ names? Which disciple was with Jesus at the cross? Which disciple did Jesus appear to after he rose from the dead? All of these questions are closed-ended and basic recall—which are two types of questions we need to avoid.
Instead, imagine asking these questions: Why do you think Jesus chose 12 close disciples? Why do you think some people wanted to be Jesus’ disciple while others didn’t? Why do you think Thomas couldn’t believe in Jesus until he saw with his own eyes? When have you been like Thomas?
A world of difference!
In our editing of FaithWeaver NOW, we’re eradicating five types of questions that do nothing to create a thinking faith for children. You can do the same with the curriculum you’re using. Here are the five questions to avoid asking children.
5 Types of Questions to Avoid Asking Kids
1. Basic Recall Questions
The first set of questions above are basic recall. Some might argue that we need to ask these questions to check whether kids got the basic truths or facts. We would argue instead that asking deeper questions that get at kids’ understanding will reveal whether kids got the basic facts or not. Take kids deeper in their understanding and you’ll nurture transformative discoveries!
2. Close-Ended Questions
Questions that can be answered with one answer are closed-ended: yes, no, maybe, good, bad, and so on. The point of asking children questions is to create a dialogue—not to test them! One little girl felt so drilled by closed-ended questions that when she came home, she told her mom that she had taken a test at Sunday school. Use open-ended questions to create a vibrant conversation.
3. Guessing Questions
We ask so many questions where kids are just guessing: “What did Mary feel when Jesus died?” How would they know? They’re just guessing. “Why did Judas betray Jesus?” Again—guessing. Simply adding “what do you think” to these questions helps because kids don’t have to guess about what they think. So ask, “How do you think Mary felt as Jesus died on the cross?” or “Why do you think Judas betrayed Jesus?” Even better, ask: “Why do you think Jesus didn’t kick Judas out of the group before his betrayal?”
4. Projection Questions
Often, in an attempt to move kids to life application (which is important), we ask kids to project into the future: “What would you do if an angel appeared to you?” or “What would you do if someone challenged your faith in Jesus?” Again, they’re guessing about the future. Instead, we can ask kids to think through options: “What could you do if an angel appeared to you?” or “What could you do if someone challenged your faith in Jesus?” A great follow-up to that last question would be “Which of those options do you think would be the hardest or the easiest for you to do?” Another great antidote to Projection Questions is to ask kids to tell about a time where they actually experienced what you’re talking about: “Tell about a time someone made fun of you for being a Christian.”
5. Not Age-Appropriate Questions
It’s frustrating for children and teachers when questions are above their ability or their knowledge base. As we edited the three younger age levels of FaithWeaver NOW, one of our editors was excited to see the questions become even more age-appropriate since they used this curriculum in their 2-year-old class. No more blank stares from little ones!
Here’s to you getting the kids in your ministry developing a thinking faith that’ll give them a strong foundation not only in what they believe but also why they believe!
Looking for more teaching tips? Check out these ideas!
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