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Z.1 Question words: Who, What, When, Where, and Why

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What Are Question Words?

Question words are special words we use to ask questions. They help us find out more information and understand the world around us.

Examples of Question Words:
  • Who: asks about a person
  • What: asks about a thing or idea
  • When: asks about time
  • Where: asks about a place
  • Why: asks about a reason
Helpful to Remember

Question words begin conversations and help children learn how to gather information from others.

Why Question Words Matter

Question words are important because they guide children in asking and answering questions. This builds speaking, listening, and thinking skills.

Examples in Use:
  • Who: “Who is your teacher?”
  • What: “What is your favorite toy?”
  • When: “When is snack time?”
  • Where: “Where is the playground?”
  • Why: “Why do we wash our hands?”
Helpful to Remember

Using question words helps children express curiosity and make sense of new experiences.

How to Learn Question Words

Children learn question words best through real conversations, stories, and playful activities. Modeling and practicing these words every day makes them easier to remember.

Ways to Learn:
  • Ask daily questions like, “What are we eating?”
  • Play a game: “Where is the teddy bear?”
  • Use picture books to ask, “Who is in the story?”
  • During routines, ask, “Why do we brush our teeth?”
Helpful to Remember

Repeating question words in everyday moments helps children understand how and when to use them.

Fun Practice with Question Words

Practice activities make learning question words enjoyable. Games encourage children to listen carefully and answer with meaning.

Practice Activities:
  • Question Hunt: Ask, “Who is sitting? What is on the table?”
  • Story Time: Pause during reading to ask, “Where is the dog going?”
  • Guessing Game: One child asks, another answers using a question word
  • Daily Chat: Start the day with, “When do we go outside?”
Helpful to Remember

Short and playful practice with question words helps children feel confident using them in conversations.

Focus Vocabulary: Question Words

Here are the important question words for children to practice. Use them daily in natural conversations.

Focus Words:
  • Who
  • What
  • When
  • Where
  • Why
Helpful to Remember

Encouraging children to use these five words helps them ask meaningful questions and engage in conversations.

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