Replacing "How Was Your Day"


We often use the question 'How was your day?' when we first see our children at the end of the school day. The response we receive is likely to be either, "Good or bad. It was fine. It was OK”.

Parenting expert and author Dr Justin Coulson recommends that parents skip the "How was your day" question and try a different approach by using these ten questions to engage your child in a meaningful conversation about their experiences at school.

10 QUESTIONS TO REPLACE 'HOW WAS YOUR DAY?'

  1. What was the best thing that happened at school today?

  2. Did anything happen today that made you laugh?

  3. Tell me one thing that you learned today.

  4. What challenged you today?

  5. What was the most interesting thing your teacher said today?

  6. Who did you play with today? What did you play?

  7. What did you eat for lunch today?

  8. What is one thing you did today that was helpful?

  9. When did you feel most proud of yourself today?

  10. What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

The full ABC article can be accessed via this link: ABC News How was your day?

Please consider asking these questions to get a deeper understanding of your child's day at school.

Remember, the education of children is a combined effort between teachers and parents. We all play our part. Parents often ask teachers what can parents do to support their child’s learning when at home. So here are a few tips:

  • Read with your child every day and ask them questions about the text.
  • Monitor their homework – provide time and space and supervision, if necessary.
  • Discuss their schoolwork with them e.g. what did you learn in Maths today?
  • Ask them what their goals are to improve? And how might they achieve those goals.