7.6 Question & Answer

Question and Answer Time – On the Bus

At the very end of the program there is Question and Answer time on the bus. This is the last thing you do with the children before releasing them back to their classrooms.

To prepare for this, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Encourage questions: Let the students know that you welcome their questions and that you are happy to answer them. Encouraging questions will help the students to feel more engaged and interested in the topic.
2. Be prepared: Try to anticipate the kinds of questions that the students might ask and prepare answers in advance. However, be prepared to also answer unexpected questions.
3. Keep it simple: Remember that you are speaking to elementary-aged children, so keep your answers simple and easy to understand. Use language and concepts that are appropriate for their age level.
4. Be respectful: Treat each question with respect and give thoughtful answers. Avoid talking down to the students or dismissing their questions as unimportant.
5. Stay on topic: Encourage students to ask questions that are related to the topic of the presentation. If a student asks a question that is off-topic, politely redirect them back to the topic at hand.
6. Be patient: Some students may be shy or nervous about asking questions, so be patient and give them time to formulate their thoughts. Wait a few moments after asking for questions to allow students to gather their thoughts.
7. Keep it brief: Keep your answers brief and to the point. Elementary-aged children have short attention spans and may lose interest if the answers are too long.

The key to handling a question and answer period from elementary-aged children is to be prepared, respectful, and engaging. By following these tips, you can create a positive and engaging experience for the students and encourage them to learn more about the topic.