Have you ever wondered how to get pre-schoolers talking meaningfully about books? Research shows that students develop and perform at high levels of literacy, if they are encouraged to ask questions. To meet this challenge, in Early Childhood Settings, we can use QAR strategy. QAR is an explicit and straightforward strategy that helps children identify questions as "in the book" or "in my head." It also provides a common language for early childhood educators and children to discuss texts. In ECCE context these texts can be read aloud story sessions. So, what are these “In the book” questions and “In my Head” questions?
“In the Book" questions – When we ask these questions, the answers are found in the story, although it may involve re-reading the book. Some answers may involve thinking like comparing and contrasting, drawing inference, describing mood, settings etc.
“In my Head” questions - The answers to these questions are not in the story. The children may need to relate what they heard in the story with what they already know and their previous experience. These require students to make connections or predictions. Children must rely solely on their own interpretation or experience to answer the question.
This is a wonderful strategy, which Early Childhood Educators can effectively incorporate in their pedagogy. To know more about this Early childhood educators can get in contact with Sakalya Centre for Professional Development at helpdesk@sakalyawisdom.org.
About the author:
Lt Col Bincy K Thomas (Retd) is the Co-founder and Director of Sakalya Wisdom Foundation, an organisation committed to design and offer meaningful educational services and activities. She is the Director of Sakalya Prep,The Holistic Preschool, Whitefield Bangalore. She is the Trainer and Pedagogy Expert in Sakalya Centre for Professional Development, training centre for Teachers Professional Development, School Leaders Development Programs and Parenting Programs. She is researching into creating a dynamic holistic early childhood pedagogy. Presently she is pursuing Certificate in Early Education Leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education, USA. Other areas of her interests are world mythologies, philosophy, social, emotional and spiritual development, leadership, gardening etc
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