I’m not exactly known as The Fun Mom during the school year. Sure, I have fun moments with my kids, but I’m more of the Fill-Out-Your-Reading-Log Mom or Practice-Your-Multiplication Mom. So when summer rolls around, I love swapping all that structure for a little more laid-back living (and learning).
But just because we’re pressing pause on flashcards and worksheets doesn’t mean the education stops. Research shows simple, intentional questions can seriously boost kids’ brains and prevent learning loss. So here are ideas for using a few well-placed prompts to turn ordinary moments into summer learning for kids. Easy-peasy!
Questions to Support Scientific Thinking
According to a research paper published in Frontiers in Psychology, when kids answer open-ended questions, their brains form new connections between what they already know and what they’re discovering. That mental cross-training helps them think like scientists by testing ideas and connecting dots.
Try questions like:
- “I wonder what would happen if we built a moat around our sandcastle. What do you think?” (builds prediction skills)
- “I’m curious which toys float best in the pool. How could we test this out together?” (models curiosity and develops experimental thinking)
- “What does that cloud look like to you?” (encourages making connections)
Questions to Build Math Skills
According to the research, kids remember more when they apply what they’re learning in real life. So asking math-oriented questions in everyday moments supports deeper learning and understanding.
Try asking questions like:
- “We need enough cookies for everyone to have two. How could we figure out how many to bake?” (encourages problem-solving and reinforces addition)
- “How could we share these water balloons equally among the three of you?” (practices division and fractions)
- “How could we measure the Slip ‘n Slide without a ruler?” (explores measurement)
Questions to Enhance Reading Comprehension
Kids understand stories better when they talk about them in a low-pressure setting, like at home. Questions in relaxed moments help their brains kick into gear for comprehension and critical thinking.
Try asking questions like:
- “What do you think is going to happen next in the story?” (builds prediction skills)
- “If you were in the character’s shoes, what might you have done differently?” (encourages critical thinking)
- “When the character made that choice, what do you think was going through her mind?” (develops an understanding of motivation)
Questions to Develop Problem-Solving Skills
When kids work through everyday problems by curiosity-driven questions, it actually strengthens the part of the brain (the prefrontal cortex) that helps with planning, focus, and decision-making, or “metacognitive reasoning” as the paper mentions.
Try asking questions like:
- “The track you built broke after you raced the bigger truck on it. What ideas do you have to make it work again?” (frames the problem as an opportunity and generates alternative solutions)
- “Before we pick a hiking trail, what should we take into consideration?” (develops planning skills)
- “That fort is amazing! Can you walk me through how you figured out how to build it?” (supports process thinking)
Questions to Encourage Language Development
Conversations with you help your kid’s word skills grow strong. So just mix in some questions in your everyday chats! Mom, summer learning for kids doesn’t get more laid-back than that.
Try asking questions like:
- “Can you tell me why you love this playground so much?” (encourages elaboration)
- “You seem more than just excited about our trip tomorrow. What word would better describe how you’re
feeling?” (builds vocabulary and emotional intelligence) Our feelings wheel can help! - “Your friend has never made s’mores. How would you teach him to make one?” (builds clear communication)
Questions to Build Social Intelligence
Research published in Developmental Neuroscience shows that questions that get kids thinking about other people’s feelings and perspectives strengthen the brain’s “social network”—the part that helps them understand emotions, show empathy, and navigate friendships more confidently.
Try asking questions like:
- “When you didn’t want to watch your sister’s movie, I noticed her face changed. What do you think she might have been feeling?” (develops empathy)
- “I want everyone to have fun at the picnic today. What ideas do you have to make sure nobody feels left out?” (promotes social problem-solving)
- “Sometimes friends can feel left out. What words could make someone feel welcome and included?” (teaches emotional awareness and communication)
Summer learning for kids doesn’t always need a curriculum or a checklist. Just lean into curiosity, conversation, and connection. Sometimes the best way to help your child learn is simply to ask a great question. We’ll start. What question do you plan to ask today?
