Getting School Age Host Children To Talk About Their Day

1.

Allow the child some time to wind down from his/her day. You

may be tempted to ask your host child about their day as soon

as you see them. Children may need some time to pass before

they want to open up about their day. They may be more willing

to share stories if you give them some time to get out of school

mode.

2.

Ask your host child specific questions. If you ask “how was your

day” you may find you get the same response every day. Here are

some examples of questions to stimulate conversation:

“Who did you eat lunch with?”

“What did you play at recess?”

“Tell me one new thing your teacher taught you today?”

“What was the best thing that happened at school today?”

3.

Tell your host child about your day. Talking about what you did

may start conversation and encourage your host child to share.

4.

Be silly. If you have young host children do not be afraid to act a

little silly. You can start a conversation by telling them how you

think their day went and mentioning silly things. For example,

“Let me guess something fun that happened today. Did a hot air

balloon land at recess and everyone took a hot air balloon ride?”

5.

Be patient. All children are different and some are more willing to

share stories. If you are consistent with your communication, your

host child will follow your cues and open up

 

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