Starting conversations that matter 

This week, with R U OK? Day in mind, we’re reminded of the importance of checking in and having meaningful conversations with the people around us. The same applies to our children. Taking time to ask thoughtful questions not only shows we care, but also helps them reflect and share more about their day and their learning. 

One of the most powerful ways families can support learning is through conversation. Asking your child about their day helps them reflect, build language skills, and share the highs (and sometimes the lows) of school life. But when we ask the familiar, “How was your day?” the most common response is often… “Good.” 

Here are some conversation starters you might like to try around the dinner table or on the drive home. They can encourage your child to think more deeply and share more of their learning journey: 

• What was something that made you smile today? 

• What’s one thing you learned that surprised you? 

• Did you find anything tricky today? How did you work through it? 

• If you were the teacher tomorrow, what would you teach? 

• If you could design your own lesson, what would it look like? 

• If you could swap places with a classmate for the day, whose shoes would you step into—and why? 

• What’s something you’re proud of from today? 

Open-ended and imaginative questions like these give children the chance to talk about their learning in meaningful ways. They also help parents connect school life with home life, showing children that their learning matters. 

So next time you’re gathered together, try one of these questions; you might be surprised by the stories and insights that come to the table! 

Zoe Parish 
Primary Coordinator