It is a Skill to Ask Questions Appropriately

By Lynn Murtagh-Hartje ö Mother of 2

I remember hearing in one of the DWP workshops how teachers often started the week by asking each student to select one of the skills they have difficulty with. They are then challenged to practice the skill throughout the week.

One eighth grader selected the skill of asking questions.  She reported how she challenged herself to ask one good question in class the first day of the week, two questions on Wed., and three questions on Friday.

When asked why she had selected this self-discipline skill rather than a higher level skill the student responded.  "I'm not comfortable asking questions in front of a group.  Nor do I like to ask questions in Math class because that isn't my best subject,  So, I decided this would be the best place to start since I will need this skill for the rest of my life."

In order to help all of us remember to practice the fifteen self-discipline skills, we often discuss them at home.  My husband and I will select a certain skill and ask our children what they have learned at school about the skill.

We accept information as well as different practices they might engage in.  We let them tell us about their classmates who might have been singled out for demonstrating a skill and even the skills they think their class does poorly.

As we engage in this group discussion many questions come up that might not have been asked.  We discuss values, motives, consequences and other topics that are stimulated though this group interaction.  Some of the best teaching moments occur simply because we asked.  "What skill did you practice this week?"