Question Questers Slides Question Questers
Unlocking Stories with the Right Questions
Curious Connectors
Part 1
Our Mission
Mission #1
Learn the difference between Closed and Open-Ended questions.
Mission #2
Turn "boring" questions into magic keys that unlock secrets!
Closed Questions
"Are these like dead ends?"
Closed questions usually only have one-word answers like:
YES NO
"Do you like pizza?"
"Is your hair brown?"
Open-Ended Questions
"The Story Starters!"
These questions ask for details, stories, and feelings .
How...? Why...? Tell me about...? What happened when...?
Let's Transform!
Closed (Boring)
"Do you like school?"
Only leads to 'Yes' or 'No'
Open (Awesome!)
"What is your favorite thing to do at school?"
Leads to a story!
Ready to Quest?
Grab your Question Transformer worksheet.
Work with a partner
10 Minutes
Question Transformer Worksheet Question Transformer
Turn Boring "Yes/No" Questions into Magic Stories!
Name:
Date:
Part 1: The Dead End Detector
Circle CLOSED if the question only gets a "Yes" or "No" answer. Circle OPEN if it asks for a story or more info.
"Do you like to play soccer?"
CLOSED
OPEN
"What is the best part of your weekend?"
CLOSED
OPEN
"Can you ride a bicycle?"
CLOSED
OPEN
Part 2: The Transformer Lab
Rewrite these "Dead End" questions to make them "Magic Story" questions!
Dead End "Is your favorite color blue?"
Magic Story Question:
Dead End "Do you have any pets?"
Magic Story Question:
Dead End "Was your lunch good?"
Magic Story Question:
Bonus: The Ultimate Key
Create your own Magic Story question to ask a friend about their family!
Curious Connectors Teacher Guide Teacher Facilitation Guide
Curious Connectors: The Art of the Interview
Ages 6-10
Unit Overview
This two-part mini-unit transforms students into "Question Questers" and "Super Listeners." The goal is to move beyond surface-level interaction and teach the mechanics of meaningful conversation through the framework of an interview.
Learning Objectives
Identify closed vs. open questions
Transform binary questions into story-starters
Demonstrate active listening posture
Conduct a 3-topic structured interview
Key Vocabulary
Open-Ended Question
Closed Question
Active Listening
Follow-up Question
Teacher Tip
"Model the 'Dead End' for them! Ask a student 'Do you like ice cream?' and when they say 'Yes,' stand there in awkward silence for 5 seconds. Then ask, 'What is the most unusual flavor you've ever tried?' and watch the difference in their energy."
Lesson 1: Question Questers
30-45 MIN
Flow & Pacing
1
Hook (5m): Use the "Ice Cream" tip above to demonstrate the difference between a closed and open question.
2
Direct Instruction (10m): Present the Question Questers Slides . Emphasize that "How" and "Why" are the keys to the kingdom.
3
Practice (15m): Distribute the Question Transformer Worksheet . Have students work in pairs to "peer-review" their magic questions.
Differentiation
For younger students (age 6-7), provide "Sentence Starters" on the board: "Tell me about...", "What happened when...", "How do you feel about..."
Lesson 2: Super Listeners
45 MIN
Flow & Pacing
1
Review (5m): Quick-fire rounds. Give a closed question, students shout back the "Open" version.
2
Instruction (10m): Use Super Listeners Slides . Focus on "Follow-up" power. Use a "Ball Toss" game where you throw a ball to a student; they answer a question, and you *must* ask a follow-up before they throw it back.
3
The Big Interview (20m): Use the Interview Scout Guide . Set a timer for 7 minutes per side. Rotate partners if time allows.
Super Listeners Slides Super Listeners
The Secret Art of the Interview
Curious Connectors
Part 2
The Listening Body
Eyes: Looking at the speaker.
Ears: Hearing every word.
Mouth: Quiet and waiting.
Brain: Thinking about the story.
The Follow-Up
If they say: "I have a dog named Sparky."
Don't just say "Cool."
Ask: "How did he get his name?"
A follow-up shows you were really listening!
Your Scouting Topics
Favorites
Foods, Colors, Movies, Games
Hobbies
Sports, Art, Reading, Play
Family
Siblings, Pets, Traditions
Ready to Interview?
1. Open your Interview Scout Guide Magic Story questions
15 Minutes
Active Listening ON
Interview Scout Guide Interview Scout Guide
Collector of Stories & Secret Facts
Scout Name:
Partner:
Mission 1: Plan Your Questions
Think of one Open-Ended question for each topic. Use "How...", "Why...", or "Tell me about..."
Topic: Hobbies
Topic: Favorite Things
Topic: Family
Mission 2: The Interview
Ask your questions! While they talk, write down two cool things you learned.
Cool Fact #1
Cool Fact #2
Scout Debrief
Did you ask a follow-up question? If yes, what was it?
