In family sessions, we want to build rapport, ask the right questions and dig into a topic of shared interest or priority, but this can sometimes feel difficult. We want to get past the uncomfortableness of getting to know each other. It often feels easier to just dive in with our own ideas and activities.
How can we ask questions that will lead to relationship building, trust and a safe space to share ideas and concerns? Consider keeping a list of questions ready that can be used to open sessions or facilitate joint planning. Asking questions that lead into meaningful conversations will help guide planning and result in a more effective session.
Here are some favorite questions to open a session:
- What was a high and low from the past week?
- Variations: If your mood was a weather report, what would it be? What filled your gas tank this week? What drained it? Tell me a rose and a thorn from this week.
- What is something new that has happened since our last session?
- Variations: Tell me about a win you have had since our last session? Tell me something from your highlight reel since I last saw you.
- What’s been happening this week?
- Variations: If your week was a crayon, what color would it be and why? If this week was a season, what would it be and why?
From this meaningful dialogue, you can move into asking guided questions that facilitate joint planning, building off the conversations you just had. Ask questions that lead caregivers to reflect on their daily routines. Have them describe a routine and then ask follow-up questions.
- What is one of your favorite times of the day with Callie? –> What does bathtime look like for Callie? –> Does she have a favorite bath toy we can use as a language motivator?
- Tell me about a routine you thought would be fun, but has been really hard? –> Walk me through your last time at the grocery store with Leo?–> Can you think of a strategy you use during book share that could be adapted for the store?
Want to circle back and re-visit a routine you’ve already worked on to assess if you can build new or more complex strategies?
- Can you describe the last walk you went on with Jason?
Read the room. Sometimes the wording or delivery of a question can feel dismissive, even if your plan was for it to lead to a deeper conversation. Go with your gut; it might be best to get straight to an issue and ask, “What’s top of mind for you right now?” Asking the right questions can lead to more thoughtful, collaborative discussions during your coaching sessions.
Abby Meister, MSDE, CED is the Content Coordinator of the Emerson Center for Professional Development at CID – Central Institute for the Deaf. She has been a teacher of the deaf for over 10 years, primarily working with children ages 2-5. She has presented at professional conferences with content focusing on early intervention and listening and spoken language strategies for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. She received her master’s degree in deaf education through the Program in Audiology and Communication Sciences (PACS) at Washington University.
