🗺️ Tool 1: The Question Placement Map
This map shows you what to ask and when to ask it to build comprehension without ever breaking the story’s magic.
| Stage | When to Do It | Your Goal | Sample Starter Questions |
| Before Reading | After reading the title and looking at the cover. | Warm up the brain & set a purpose for reading. | • “Just from the cover, what do you think this story might be about?” • “This book is about a [topic, e.g., ‘dragon’]. What do we already know about dragons?” • “Let’s look for [key idea, e.g., ‘all the different ways the bear tries to find a friend’].” |
| During Reading | At a natural pause point (end of a page, end of a chapter, or a “wait for it” moment). | Check in & build skills (like prediction). | • “Wow, what a surprise! What do you think is going to happen next?” • “How do you think [character] is feeling right now? Why?” • “That’s a new word, [word]. Any clues in the picture about what it might mean?” • “Has anything like this ever happened to you?” |
| After Reading | Immediately after closing the book, while the story is fresh. | Reflect & Connect the story to their world. | • “What was your favorite part of that story? Why?” • “If you could change the ending, what would you make happen?” • “Who did this story remind you of?” • “What’s the one big thing the story wanted to tell us?” |
💡 Pro-Tip: Don’t be a quizmaster! Your goal isn’t to get “right answers.” Your goal is to spark curiosity. Pick just 1-2 questions from each stage.