Interactive Reading: Asking the Right Questions

Angela Comer-Lam
Aug 19
3 min read

July 21st, 2025

Over the past 20 years, I’ve had the joy of helping hundreds of children—from curious toddlers to thoughtful tweens—develop a true love for reading. One of the most powerful things I’ve learned is that reading with your child, not just to them, can make all the difference. Today, I’d love to share some tried-and-true ways you can turn story time into a rich, interactive experience for your child, no matter their age.

Why Ask Questions While Reading?

When you ask your child questions as you read together, you’re inviting them to think more deeply, share their ideas, and make connections. This not only boosts their understanding but also makes reading a fun, shared adventure. You don’t need to turn every book into a quiz—just sprinkle in questions that get your child talking, wondering, and imagining.

Engaging Questions for Every Age

For Little Ones (Ages 2–5):

What do you see on this page?
How do you think the character feels?
What do you think will happen next?

Simple, open-ended questions help develop language skills and encourage your child to notice details.

For School-Age Children (Ages 6–9):

Why do you think the character did that?
If you were in the story, what would you do?
Can you tell me what just happened in your own words?

These questions build comprehension and critical thinking, and they give your child a chance to express their opinions.

For Tweens (Ages 10–13):

Do you agree with the character’s choices? Why or why not?
How does this story remind you of something in your own life?
What do you think the author wants us to learn from this story?

Older readers love to discuss ideas and themes, so let their voices be heard!

My Top Tips for Making It Fun

Be Curious Together: Share your own thoughts and wonderings. “I wonder why she did that?” or “This part reminds me of when…”
Follow Their Lead: If your child wants to talk about something in the story, let the conversation flow—even if it takes you off the “script.”
Celebrate All Answers: There are no wrong answers! The goal is to get your child thinking and talking, not to test them.
Mix It Up: Sometimes, just pause and let your child ask you questions, too.

The Magic of Connection

Interactive reading isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about building a connection with your child and helping them see that their ideas matter. Some of my most treasured teaching moments have been listening to children share their thoughts about a story. It’s a wonderful way to grow their love of reading, and it’s a gift you can give every day.

If you’d like more examples or have a question about engaging your child during reading, just hit reply—I’m always here to help!

And don’t forget, next time I’ll be sharing tips on Using Visual Aids to Enhance Reading Comprehension—including how pictures and illustrations can make stories clearer and support your child’s understanding. I can’t wait to help you, and your child explore the power of visuals together!

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Warm regards,

Angela

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