Thread by @mammyyoung

Mark it Stop. via @YouTube

There have been many times, tonight being one of them, when I have asked an innocent question and my wee guy has overreacted...or so I thought. When he does this, his response is usually along the lines of “too many questions”

which I have never been able to understand, until seeing this video. Tonight the question was, “are you having fun?” It wasn’t a demanding question such as “have you brushed your teeth?” or a thoughtful question such as “what do you want for dinner?” or even a detailed question

such as “how was your day?”. It has made me wonder, how many questions am I asking in a day?

“Did you sleep well?” “How are you?” “Have you got your shoes on?” Before we even leave the house, how many questions have I asked? Then we get into the car, “Are you strapped in?”

“What song do you feel like listening to?” “What is that eejit doing?” “Has that car not got indicators?”. Then we get to the childminder’s. “Can you get out the car?” “Have you got your bag?” “Did you look before trying to cross the road?” “Do you think NAME is here already?”

And that is just the questions I am asking him. How many other people does he come into contact with who ask questions?

Questions are an essential part of communication. I use questions to clarify my thinking, develop my understanding, try to see things from a different

perspective. As a teacher, I use questions to help direct, support, understand, get to know and learn from my pupils. But am I inadvertently causing issues by asking too many questions? Can I make short, clear statements instead of asking questions? For some of my pupils,

absolutely I can. For others, questions give them choice and a level of control and security over situations. I am going to try to limit my questions at home and at school. I know situations where questioning works well, but overall, am I asking too many questions?

Clearly on this post I am! But sometimes these questions need to be asked!! Teaching should surely be about asking effective questions, but also using statements. Sometimes we use question to be polite. Maybe we need to turn some of our questions into statements to give some of

our kids and young people a better chance in life.

#compliantautism #makeadifference #bethechange

@ScotAsnNurture @gtcsTS

@scottishautism @Autism @UofGEducation