Best Open-Ended Questions for Toddlers: A Guide to Building Strong Language Skills
If you’ve ever spent time with toddlers, you know how curious, energetic, and full of new ideas they can be. One of the best ways to nurture that curiosity is by asking open-ended questions—questions that invite more than just a yes or no or a single-word answer.
Unlike closed-ended questions (sometimes called close-ended questions), which often lead to short or specific answers, open-ended questions create opportunities for meaningful conversations, extended interactions, and deeper language development. In the early years, this simple shift in how we communicate with young children can be one of the most powerful tools we have.
In this post, we chat about:
The difference between open-ended and closed-ended questions
Why open-ended questions matter for cognitive development, social-emotional development, and communication skills
Practical examples you can start using today
Tips for making conversations engaging and effective for kids of all ages
Open-Ended vs. Closed-Ended Questions
Closed-Ended Questions
A closed question (or closed-ended question) usually has one specific answer. These are the types of questions that often require only a single-word answer, like yes, no, or a fact-based response.
Examples of closed-ended questions:
“Did you eat lunch?”
“Is this your favorite toy?”
“Are you ready for bed?”
They’re not bad—sometimes they’re the best way to get a quick piece of valuable information. For instance, a parent might need a specific answer like whether their toddler needs a diaper change. But relying too heavily on closed questions can limit opportunities for creative thinking and deeper language use.
Open-Ended Questions
In contrast, open-ended questions (sometimes called divergent questions) don’t have one “right answer” or “wrong answer.” They encourage children to expand on their ideas, use a wider range of vocabulary, and build more complex sentence structure.
Examples of open-ended questions:
“What was the funniest thing you did today?”
“How do you think we can fix this broken toy?”
“What’s the best thing about playing outside?”
These questions spark thought-provoking conversations, allow kids to practice problem-solving skills, and help them feel heard in a safe space.
Why Open-Ended Questions Matter
If you look into early childhood learning and development ideologies, you’ll come across many of them recommending open-ended questions. Montessori ideology is one in particular that really encourages these intentional conversations.
1. Language Development
Asking open-ended questions is an excellent way to help toddlers expand their vocabulary and learn new words. When children explain themselves, they experiment with complex vocabulary and naturally build stronger communication skills.
Speech therapists often recommend using open-ended questions as an effective way to strengthen language skills in the early years. This approach helps toddlers go beyond simple questions and encourages them to explore a wider range of vocabulary.
2. Critical and Creative Thinking
When we ask questions that don’t have a single “right answer,” toddlers are free to come up with new ideas and explore different possibilities. This builds critical thinking and creative thinking skills that lay a strong foundation for future learning—even in middle school and high school.
3. Social-Emotional Development
Open-ended questions encourage eye contact, invite children to share their favourite thing or favorite place, and show that their voice matters. This builds confidence and strengthens the positive relationship between parent and child.
They also provide a safe space for children to share feelings about a good friend or even a favorite subject at preschool. These conversations help foster empathy and social-emotional development.
4. Building a Habit of Conversation
When young children learn early on that adults are interested in their thoughts, it creates a lifelong habit of open communication. That habit makes it easier to have extended conversations later, even with older children and teenagers.
I also really really want my children to always be able to talk with me as they get older. And I firmly believe that I am setting the foundation for that in these early days.
100+ Open-Ended Questions for Toddlers and Preschoolers (and even older kids too!)
Here are some categories of questions you can try. Think of these as examples of open-ended questions that you can rotate into daily routines.
Everyday Conversations
What was your favorite part of today?
What was the funniest thing that happened today?
What made you smile today?
What do you want to do tomorrow?
What’s the best thing about being three (or your age)?
What makes you feel happy?
What makes you feel sad?
What’s something new you learned today?
What’s the best thing about mornings?
What do you like about bedtime?
What’s your favorite dinner we’ve had this week?
If you could make a meal for the family, what would it be?
What’s the best new way to eat apples—sliced, whole, or in a pie?
Playtime and Imagination
What do you like to build with blocks?
If your toy could talk, what would it say?
What game do you like to make up?
What’s the best thing about playing outside?
What happens when you pretend to be a superhero?
How would you play if you were an animal?
What’s a new way we can play with your toys?
What’s the best thing about coloring?
What would happen if your stuffed animals had a party?
What do you like to pretend when you play dress-up?
Books and Stories
What do you think will happen next in this story?
Which character is your favorite?
What would you do if you were in this story?
How do you think the character feels?
What would be a different ending for this book?
What’s your favorite part of the story?
If you could change something in the story, what would it be?
What do you think happens after the book ends?
Who would you like to be friends with from this story?
What do you think the character should do next?
Music and Fun
What’s your favorite song to dance to?
How would you make up your own song?
What’s the funniest thing about listening to music?
What is something fun you would like to do today?
What is the most fun thing you’ve ever done?
If you wrote a song, what would it be about?
Feelings and Relationships
What makes someone a good friend?
How do you feel when you play with your closest friend?
What makes you feel proud?
What makes you feel calm?
What do you do when you feel mad?
What’s the best thing about hugs?
How do you help someone who is sad?
Who do you like to play with, and why?
What makes you feel safe?
What’s something kind you can do for someone?
Seasonal and Everyday Life
What’s your favorite season?
What do you like about sunny days?
What do you like about rainy days?
What do you like about the snow?
What do you hear when you go outside?
What’s your favorite flower?
What’s the best thing about going on a nature walk?
What animals do you like to see outside?
What’s something you’d like to find in the park?
What would you do if you found a rainbow?
These are great questions while out on a nature-walk or spending time outdoors!
Tips for Engaging Children with Open-Ended Questions
Keep It Simple
Start with simple questions and build up to more complex ones. Toddlers are still learning to manage sentence structure, so avoid overwhelming them.
Watch Body Language
Notice your child’s eye contact and body language. If they seem uncomfortable, choose a lighter topic. Conversation is a skill that needs regular practice!
Use Play and Routines
Open-ended questions fit beautifully in a play-based classroom or at home during playtime. Ask while reading a picture book, building blocks, or during dinner.
Create a “Question of the Day”
One fun tradition is having a daily question of the day. Write it on a chalkboard in your learning center or simply ask at the dinner table. This builds a rhythm of curiosity and makes for extended conversations.
Avoid Over-Correcting
Remember, there’s no “wrong answer” to these types of questions. The goal is to encourage talking, not to quiz for a right answer.
Also, try your best to be patient. When kids stumbled over words, or maybe use the wrong one, be careful of jumping in and offering the word for them. It’s in this struggle that their little brains are making important connections!
Why This Matters Beyond Toddlerhood
The beauty of open-ended questions is that they work for kids of all ages. With older children, these kinds of questions encourage deeper reflection—about their favorite subject in school, a challenge they’re facing, or what makes someone a good friend. By high school, this skill translates into better essays, stronger problem-solving skills, and more confident participation in class discussions.
In other words, building the habit of open conversation in the early years pays off for decades.
Final Thoughts
Asking open-ended questions is such an excellent way to support your toddler’s cognitive development, language skills, and overall communication skills. It turns ordinary moments into opportunities for meaningful conversations, helps children develop a wider range of vocabulary, and strengthens your bond through positive relationships.
The best way to start? Swap a few of your closed-ended questions for thought-provoking questions that invite longer responses. Whether you’re asking about their favorite dinner, their favorite place, or simply the funniest thing that happened that day, you’re giving your child the gift of being heard.
It’s a great way to nurture curiosity, create a safe space, and lay a strong foundation for a lifetime of confident communication.
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