Opportunity Gap: How to Support Kids of Color Who Learn Differently

How to get kids to talk about school

Jan 17, 2024

Some kids clam up about school, especially when facing challenges like bullying or tricky subjects. Discover how open-ended questions can encourage them to share their feelings. Learn the importance of vulnerability and sharing your own struggles to build trust. Explore effective strategies to engage your child in conversations, respecting their readiness to talk. With the right approach, you can transform school discussions into meaningful and supportive dialogues.

13:15

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Quick takeaways

Asking open-ended questions encourages children to express their feelings more freely and fosters authentic communication about school experiences.

Recognizing when to pause discussions is essential for maintaining open communication and allows children to feel comfortable sharing at their own pace.

Deep dives

Encouraging Open Dialogue

Encouraging children to open up about their day can be achieved by asking open-ended questions. Using questions that invite longer responses, such as 'How was your day?' enables children to express their feelings more freely rather than limiting them to simple 'yes' or 'no' answers. This method reduces the pressure to conform to expected responses and allows for authentic conversation. By fostering an environment where children feel safe to explore their thoughts, parents can gain valuable insights into their child's experiences at school.

Intro

4min

Embracing Vulnerability in Communication about School Challenges

2min

Effective Strategies for Engaging Kids in Conversations About School

4min

Effective Conversation Starters to Engage Kids about School

2min

Some kids love talking about school. But some don’t— especially when something is upsetting them, like bullying or struggling with a specific subject. If your child is a bit quiet about how things are going in school, there are ways to encourage them to open up more.

In this episode, learn some key things to keep in mind. Listen as host Julian Saavedra explains:

Ways to ask kids open-ended questions
How to be vulnerable with kids
And why knowing when to stop asking questions can make all the difference

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.

Related resources

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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