Do Realisation Questions encourage fuller answers instead of “yes/no”?
A common challenge in Muslim parenting is trying to get more than a one-word answer when discussing a book or a lesson. We want to encourage our children to express their thoughts and feelings, yet questions often lead to a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ that ends the conversation. Wise Compass uses ‘Realisation Questions’ to break this pattern and encourage fuller, more thoughtful responses. These prompts are designed to be open-ended, inviting the child to share their own perspective and connect with the Islamic stories for kids on a personal level. Instead of asking if they liked the story ‘Like Mother, Like Daughter’, we might ask them to describe a time they felt close to Allah Almighty during Salah. This requires them to use their own words and reflect on their experiences, naturally leading to a more detailed and expressive answer. It turns a brief exchange into a meaningful dialogue that builds both literacy and connection.
By encouraging children to articulate their thoughts, we help them develop the language skills they need to navigate the world with confidence. These realisation questions are a key part of our values-based reading strategy, as they foster emotional intelligence and self-awareness. When children are prompted to explain their reasoning or their feelings, they are practicing how to construct more complex sentences and use a wider range of vocabulary. Wise Compass ensures that these prompts are always faith-friendly and supportive, creating a safe space for children to explore their identity and beliefs. This scholar-authored approach helps children move beyond surface-level engagement and into a deeper understanding of themselves and their faith. Over time, this practice makes them more articulate and school-ready, as they become comfortable sharing their ideas in a clear and thoughtful way. It transforms every story into an opportunity for growth, helping children find their own voice while staying rooted in the beautiful values of their community.