Begin by using this list of "W" questions when you talk with students. Over time, encourage students to be asking themselves these questions.

WHAT is going on? Make sure students understand the situation or the problem. Have them identify what they know.

WHAT is missing? What don't you know, both fact and opinion?

WHY is it important? What makes this issue worth discussing to me or to the people who are focused on it?

WHO is involved? Who are the important people in this situation and what do they think? Are important people missing?

WHEN is action required?

WHAT do I think? Make sure your student has an opinion.

WHAT if...? Open your student to the world of possibilities. Let their imaginations run wild with possible alternatives and ideas.

Use this printable reference of "W" questions and keep it in your student's homework space along with all their other key resources.

Encourage deeper analysis and teach students meaningful inquiry to build complex reasoning skills. Providing students a structured approach to asking questions can be the most effective way to get them comfortable with this form of deliberate inquiry. Young children are naturally creative thinkers, but as students go through school they tend to be looking for a single right answer. Helping students analyze more deeply through a system of questioning will strengthen their critical thinking skills and allow them to integrate what they know with new material to encourage ongoing, meaningful learning.