Question of the Day

Today’s Tuesday Teaching Tip comes to us from our own board member and TK teacher, Gennie Gorback.

I use a magnetic white board, laminated names with magnetic tape on the back, photos of real items. BUT – you can really use any board or poster paper, could have the children write their names instead of use magnets and could draw pictures if you don’t have photos of real objects.

There are many ways to participate in Question of the day and I always change it throughout the year based on the readiness of my Transitional Kindergarten students. In the beginning of the year, I put up “yes or no” questions, for example “Do you like strawberries.” Then, the whole class asks each child and practices listening to their answer. As the year progresses, the questions get more elaborate. For example, “Which do you prefer, the bat or the cat?” Then, the children are asked to answer in a full sentence. For example, “I prefer the bat because it is spooky.” I also like to introduce “turn and talk” so that the children have an opportunity to discuss the question with a partner.

Sometimes, the children enjoy this activity so much that they make their own Questions of the Day and walk around the classroom asking others the question.

Standards/Foundations:

• Comprehension and Collaboration:

  CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.1
  Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about kindergarten topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
  CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.1.A
  Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., listening to others and taking turns speaking about the topics and texts under discussion).
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.6
  Speak audibly and express thoughts, feelings, and ideas clearly.