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Promoting Quality Interactions through Questioning Techniques and Discussion on Current Issues
"Promoting Quality Interactions through Questioning Techniques and Discussion on Current Issues" •PCF Sparkletots Preschool @ Jurong Spring Blk 528 (DS)
Introduction
Children are naturally curious. The discussion on current issues allows children to find out about the world around them and provides opportunities for children to share their thoughts, as well as feelings about what they have learnt. This encourages children to develop empathy for others and care for the world. In addition, children learn to read for information and develop their love for reading.
At PCF Sparkletots, as part of our “Current Issues Programme”, children have the opportunity to engage in discussions about current issues on a weekly basis. The topics are introduced in line with the broad theme for the term, taking into consideration children’s interest at that point in time. Examples of past topics include virtues, religious festivals, outdoor safety, National Day as well as transition to primary school.
For Term 4 last year, the centre decided to focus on the topic of healthy habits, given its importance to our physical and mental well-being, especially during the current pandemic. The following current issues activity was conducted with the Kindergarten 2 children in the centre.
Objectives
Through this activity children were given opportunities to:
- Show interest in the way we live and find out how things work.
- Read with understanding and enjoyment.
- Develop an awareness of personal identity.
Stages of the Activity
Planning for Quality Interactions
As part of the Current Issues Programme, the teachers recognise the importance of appropriate stimuli and asking meaningful open-ended questions to facilitate quality interactions. Hence, before engaging the children in a discussion, the teacher sourced for a suitable article that was developmentally appropriate, easy to understand as well as relevant to children’s interest and experience. The teacher selected the following online article: 10 Healthy Habits Parents Should Teach Their Kids by Robin Madell - https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-habits-mothers-should-teach-kids.
To ensure a fruitful discussion, the teacher then planned the flow of the activity and accompanying questions for the children to tap on their prior experiences and build on the information found within the article about healthy habits.
Engaging children in exercises before the discussion
|
Intent of the question |
Teacher’s question |
Children’s responses |
|
Relate children’s current experience to the article that they would read later. |
How do you feel after the exercise? |
We feel good! |
|
Tap on children’s prior knowledge about exercise. |
Why did we start the day with exercise? |
· It is good to exercise in the morning. · Exercise will improve blood circulation. · I will grow tall. · Good habit. |
|
Tap on children’s prior knowledge about healthy habits. |
What are some healthy habits we practice every day? |
· Sleep early, wake up early. · Brush our teeth every day. · Eat healthy and balanced meals. · Drink water and exercise regularly. |
|
Why is it important to have healthy habits? |
· Healthy habits will make me strong. · Healthy habits will make my muscles grow. · Healthy habits will help me cycle fast. · Healthy habit will make me pretty. |
Children as constructors of knowledge
Building on what the children shared, the teacher then showed the article to the children and engaged them in a sustained conversation on the good habits needed to stay healthy.
During the conversation, children recognised some of the healthy habits they practise every day. Most of the children were excited to share about the healthy habits mentioned in the article that they engaged in, such as walking to school instead of taking public transport and having healthy snacks.
The article also provided opportunities for the teachers to seek children’s views and engage them in deeper conversations regarding their questions on the topic. Some examples included:
1. What would happen if they do not adopt all the good habits described in the article?
The teacher engaged the children in a deeper discussion to help them understand the consequences of negative health habits, and the class concluded that it is good to adopt and cultivate better healthy habits as suggested in the article so that we are able to keep ourselves healthy and active.
2. What does ‘staying positive’ mean?
The class discussed the meaning behind the phrase ‘staying positive’. As the discussion concluded, the children understood that ‘staying positive’ meant understanding that they are capable, lovable, and unique and to apply this understanding whenever they faced difficulties. The teacher reminded the children that they should not get discouraged when things are not going in their way. They should always tell themselves, “I can do it”.
3. How could they spend less time watching the television or using mobile gadgets?
The teacher engaged the class in a brainstorming session, after which the children were able to come out with the following ideas:
- Reading books
- Learning music or musical instruments
- Learning how to draw
- Making scrapbooks
- Playing with toys or puzzles
- Playing with Lego and board games
- Visiting friends (during non-COVID-19 time)
The children then decided to document their favourite healthy habit through drawing. These drawings allowed the teacher to check on the children’s understanding of healthy habits and helped the children to articulate what they have learnt.
Conclusion
Through asking meaningful open-ended questions and facilitating deeper discussions in the centre’s Current Issues Programme, children were encouraged to share their thoughts and develop an awareness of healthy habits. The programme also helped in developing the children’s competencies in becoming reflective learners as they thought about their existing healthy habits and ways to cultivate better habits after reading the article.
Contributed by: Asha Nayak, English Teacher and Children from K2 Sapphire A and B
PCF Sparkletots Preschool @ Jurong Spring Blk 528 (DS)
