Why Your Child May Have Trouble Answering WH Questions

WH- questions are questions that are formulated starting with one of the main question types that answer specific details. They include, “who”, “what”, “where”, “when”, “why” and "how". These questions are universal and used by everyone in almost all settings to function in everyday life. In this article we will address their importance and how to support your child or loved ones in understanding the use of these questions.

What Are WH Questions and Why Do They Matter?

The six core WH- question types are as follows:

• Who: The “who” question answers inquiries regarding people (i.e., “Who cooked dinner?”, “Who should be chosen for the team?”)
• What: The “what” question answers a relation to things or ideas. (i.e., “What are you watching?”, “What is your opinion on this pizza?”)
• Where: The “where question refers to location or setting. (i.e., “Where are you going?”)
• When: The “when” question refers to time, dates, or seasons. (i.e., “When is it cold?”, “When does the movie start?”)
• Why: The “why” question tries to provide a reason for a particular action or motive. (i.e., “Why did you drop the milk?”, “Why did you wake up late?”)
• How: The “how” question seeks to explain a method or way of doing things. (i.e., “How did you create this artwork?”)

Each wh- question serves different communication and comprehension purposes. They play a vital role in conversation, storytelling, classroom participation, and safety. Mastering WH- questions reflects and builds on receptive/expressive language skills.

When Do Kids Typically Learn WH Questions?

While there is no exact timeline, we can estimate when children start to answer and ask wh- questions. At 1-2 years, your child may start answering and asking “what” and “where” questions in different settings. At 2-3 years, your child may begin to inquire about people or ideas in the form of more complex “what” questions and “who” questions. At 3-4 years, your child may show an increase in consistency in asking “why”, “how”, and “when” questions. It is important to note that not all children may master these questions in this pattern or may take additional time and support to answer these questions on a daily basis.

Why Might a Child Struggle with WH Questions?

Your child may struggle with wh- questions in language comprehension delays or expressive language difficulties. When asked a question, your child may struggle with how to formulate a response or a specific answer. Auditory processing disorders, cognitive challenges, or attention issues can play a role in the inconsistency of answering wh- questions. Neurodivergent conditions such as Autism may have differently perceived notions or priorities on wh- questions. While there are different variations and preferences, every child has unique strengths and challenges.

Understanding WH Question Types and Their Complexity

Some questions are grouped or addressed based on their complexity (e.g., “what” is concrete, “why” is abstract). Questions like "why" and "how" are often the hardest as they may require contextual knowledge of a specific direction or access to social emotional concepts still abstract to children.

WH Questions Speech Therapy Strategies That Work

Working on wh- questions should not feel like a burden in inaccessible because we use them in some capacity every single day! Methods like visual support, repetition, and modeling can help promote wh-question knowledge in context and generalized settings. Advanced techniques such as prompting, expansion, and sentence scaffolding can also be used to help provide support.

You can use a wide variety of activities of work on wh-questions like play-based learning, storybooks, and structured conversation exercises. When working with a licensed speech language pathologist, they will use assessments, work samples, and observations to help create a game plan on how to address wh- questions and if the area of need is more receptive or expressive.

Games and Activities to Practice WH Questions at Home

You can use interactive games like “WH Bingo,” matching games, or storytelling prompts. Integrate questions into daily routines (e.g., “What are we doing?” at breakfast). Give your child the chance to process the questions then model an answer if they need help. Use activities that they enjoy like movies, TV shows, video games, board games, toys, or other interests to help generalize wh-question responses.

When to Seek Help from a Speech Therapist

If you are concerned about your child’s lack of answering or asking wh- questions by age 3, you might want to reach out to an SLP. Some red flags to look out for may include but are not limited to:

• Ignoring questions
• Incorrect responses
• Repeating questions without answers

A licensed SLP can evaluate your child’s experience and use of wh- questions and create personalized and tailor goals and sessions activities to help them grow in their foundation of wh- questions.

Build WH Question Skills with Personalized Speech Support

Working on wh- questions should not feel like a burden and can lead to many opportunities for language growth.. A speech therapist can empower you and your child to build clear communication skills that will help them be successful in the long run. Early intervention can build confidence, reduce frustration, and set up your child for future success!

“Start Your Child's Communication Journey” with a licensed speech and language therapist in your local area!