Decision Tree: Conversation Starters for Connection
Because the best reading moments don’t end when the last page closes.
Every great story opens a doorway to conversation — to wonder, empathy, and imagination. These prompts help you slow down, listen, and guide your child to think like a reader. Whether you use just one question or a few, the goal is to keep curiosity blooming before, during, and after reading.
How to Use These Prompts
-
Keep the tone light and curious.
Ask like you’re wondering together, not testing comprehension. -
Choose just one or two per story.
Over time, your child will begin to ask their own questions too. -
Let silence be part of the magic.
Give your child a moment to think, imagine, and respond. -
Follow their lead.
If they go off-topic or start retelling the story in their own way — that’s connection happening!
Conversation Starters
|
Stage
|
Prompt Type
|
Example Question
|
|---|---|---|
| Before Reading | Ask about the cover | “What do you think this story is about?” |
| Link to life | “Have you ever seen a forest like this?” | |
| During Reading | Clarify meaning | “Why did she run away?” |
| Predict | “What might happen next?” | |
| After Reading | Reflect | “What was your favorite part?” |
| Extend | “If you were the main character, what would you do?” |