Tips from Speech Therapy

Positive Afternoon Conversations

"How was your day?" "Good".

Many parents have experienced this type of exchange when asking about their student's day. Minimal responses from your student can be due to two possible factors: wording and timing. Below are some tips to help you make the most of after school conversations with your student.

Helpful Hints for Afternoon Conversations

Choose the right time:

Ask questions when your student is regulated, comfortable, and distractions are minimal. Many students need a mental break immediately after school. Instead of asking questions as soon as they get home, consider waiting until dinnertime or another calm time of day.

Ask open-ended questions:

Use specific, open-ended questions rather than questions that can be answered with “yes” or “no.” This gives your student more opportunities to share details and explain their thoughts.

Make your questions specific:

Start with a topic you would like to learn more about, such as social interactions, learning, emotions, or problem-solving. Then, ask a question that encourages your student to reflect and provide specific information.

Question Examples

Is there someone new you want to be friends with?
Did anything happen today that made you laugh?
What is the hardest thing you had to do today?
What was your favorite part of the day / what was your least favorite part of the day?
What did you learn today that you didn’t know yesterday?
What is a mistake you learned from today?
What are you looking forward to tomorrow?
What is something new you would like to try?
What is something you did today that you want to do differently tomorrow?
Who did you eat lunch with?
What surprised you today?

Learn More! See Tips for a Successful Morning Routine