20 Open-ended Questions to Ask Young Children at Mealtime

If you want to understand what children are thinking during mealtime, it helps to invite their ideas through thoughtful questions. In play-based and inquiry-based learning, children construct understanding through exploration, wonder, and the sharing of their thinking. Open-ended inquiry supports higher-level thinking because there are multiple possible responses (Lee, 2010).

Asking open-ended questions during meals encourages curiosity and meaningful conversation without directing children’s actions. The responses children offer reveal their thoughts, feelings, and understandings about food, tableware, their environment, and social experiences. Through these exchanges, adults can follow children’s lead, deepen conversations, and gently extend learning by introducing new language, concepts, or experiences connected to children’s interests.

Below are open-ended questions designed to support inquiry and conversation during a young child's mealtime:

1. Why do we wash our hands before we eat?

2. Why do people sit down at a table to eat?

3. What do you notice about your food?

4. How does your food/drink look/smell/feel/sound/taste?

5. Why do you think broccoli is green and cauliflower is white?

6. How do you know which pieces are smaller/larger?

7. What if you wanted to share your food with a friend? What would you do?

8. How can you make sure everyone gets a snack?

9. How do you think your food got here?

10. What shape is your napkin? How do you know?

11. What can you do to change the shape of your napkin?

12. How do you use a fork/a knife/a spoon/chopsticks/tongs/a napkin?

13. Does everyone eat the same way? How do you know?

14. Would you use a fork or a knife to eat soup? Why?

15. When is it okay to eat with your hands?

16. What if you only want half of a cup?

17. How do you know when to stop pouring?

18. Tell me about the food you usually eat for breakfast/lunch/dinner/snacks.

19. Tell me about the food you like the most/least. Why? 

20. What do you think happens to the food you don't eat?

Author of: The BIG Book of Open-Ended Questions to Intentionally Support Young Children in Learning: Topics for Preschool thru 1st Grade Buy Now!

Angela Russ-Ayon is a mom-preneur, children’s author, interactive trainer on early childhood, and award-winning artist/producer of music for young children. She presents educational strategies to child care providers, parents, and teachers nationwide for AEYCs, R & Rs, and the like. She is a member of the Recording Academy and is the sole owner of Russ InVision Records. For more information on Angela, her workshops, keynotes, and accomplishments, you are welcome to visit www.abridgeclub.com. © 2021, Russ InVision. All rights reserved.

Find out more about Angela Russ-Ayon and her fee-based interactive keynote and professional development presentations coast-to-coast on the subjects of early childhood development, STEM (science and math), open-ended questions, creative engagement, and self-care for adults. Visit her training page.

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Keyword: 20 open-ended questions for mealtime

Reference:

Lee, Y. (2010). Blended teacher supports for promoting open-ended questioning in pre-k science activities. (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). University of Virginia, USA.