Babies are curious. Being curious helps them to learn. When babies are curious, they ask questions.
It might look like this:
Mom: (Asks herself in speech) "Hmmmmm. Where is John?" (Puts child's thought into words)."Let's ask Dad." (Models for baby) "Dad, where is John?"
Dad: (Answers at the baby's eye level) "He is outside."
Mom: (To baby). "Okay…that's where! Let's go outside and find John!"
Dad: "No thanks, I'm full." (Turns to John). How about you, John? Do you want more?"John: "Yes – I love potatoes." (Turns to his little sister). "Do you want potatoes?"
Sister: "Yes!" (This routine supported the child to understand how to answer a simple question. The context gives a lot of support at first. Later, it will not be needed.)
Which questions develop early? Which ones take more time?
Our children go through many stages of development – such as when they are learning to stand. This is true for understanding and asking questions, too!
The model below shows a developmental progression in question-asking from early to later types.