Open-Ended Questions to Support Learning from Nursery Rhymes: "Humpty Dumpty."
Nursery rhymes are often overlooked as mere whimsical verses, but they hold extraordinary potential for fostering children's learning through open-ended inquiry. These seemingly simple and catchy tunes engage young minds in a world of language, rhythm, and imagination. In typical nursery rhymes, questions outnumber answers, and creativity knows no bounds. Through open-ended inquiry, children can explore themes, characters, and narratives, developing critical thinking skills, linguistic proficiency, and a deep appreciation for the power of storytelling. In this dynamic process, nursery rhymes become not just songs to sing, but windows to a world of endless wonder and learning for children.
Try asking open-ended questions when reciting popular nursery rhymes like "How Much is that Doggy in the Window" or "Pat-a-Cake." Here is a list to use for "Humpty Dumpty":
Tell me about Humpty Dumpty.
What do you think about Humpty Dumpty's name?
Why is Humpty shaped like an egg?
How do you think this character get the name Humpty Dumpty?
From where did Humpty come?
Why is Humpty wearing pants in this picture?
Why was Humpty sitting on a wall?
How did Humpty got up on the wall?
Why was the wall so high?
What happened to Humpty?
Why do you think Humpty fell?
How did the horses and the king’s men find out Humpty fell?
Why couldn’t the horses or the king’s men put Humpty back together?
How could the king’s horses have helped?
What would you do to fix Humpty?
How could you have kept Humpty from falling?
How could you have kept Humpty from breaking?
What do you think happened to Humpty after he fell?
How would you try to cheer up Humpty if you were there?
What do you think Humpty learned from this experience?
If you were Humpty, what would you do differently to stay safe?
How do you think Humpty would describe the fall?
Tell me about a time when something like this happened to you or someone you know.
How would you build a safe wall for Humpty to sit on?
How do you think Humpty's life changed after his fall?
If you could change Humpty's name, what name would it be? Why?
If you could rewrite Humty’s story, what ending would you give to the story?
How can you draw a picture of what happened to Humpty?
Is Humpty an egg you can eat? Why? Why not?
Would you eat Humpty? Why? Why not?
How would a person cook Humpty?
Author of: The BIG Book of Open-Ended Questions to Intentionally Support Young Children in Learning: Topics for Preschool thru 1st Grade, available in a printed or downloadable editions. Buy Now!
Angela Russ-Ayon is a mom-preneur, award-winning children’s author, interactive trainer on the subject of early childhood, and an award-winning artist/producer of music for young children. She presents educational strategies to child care providers, parents, and educators nationwide for AEYCs, R & Rs, child care agencies, and the like. She is a member of the Recording Academy and is the sole owner of Russ InVision Company. For more information on Angela, her workshops, keynotes, and accomplishments, you are welcome to visit www.abridgeclub.com. © 2021, Russ InVision. All rights reserved.
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