Thanks. I didn’t think I was sounding sarcastic, but anyway, I am glad to know that other people think this is a valid and effective tool to redirect, and I think I’ll just keep using it! And of course watch my tone along the way. Again, thanks. It’s easy to second guess oneself to death!

Hmm, I guess whether the question comes off as disrespectful depends a lot on your tone. The question has to be a genuine one, not sarcastic in any way, or even rhetorical. I also find that following up afterward with positive reinforcement (yes, good job, that’s it, etc.) make it clear that you were being constructive and not critical toward the child.

I don’t see questioning as being obtuse in any way, assuming you’ve already taught the expectation to the child. I wouldn’t ask a kid what he’s supposed to be doing if I hadn’t already explained it, modeled it, practiced it, etc. first. But there comes a time when the child knows what to do and is simply off-task…a question should be fine to help them be redirected.

Ultimately, my advice is to do what works for your kids. If you have found questioning to be successful in redirecting behavior, I think you should stick with it!

I really like the idea of being intentional about using redirecting questions all the time…..

I love that one, Sally! I can imagine saying that with a playful smile, too, so it’s almost like a game figure out what’s “off.”

Great question! I would give “the look” to wordlessly let the student know the answer is unacceptable and that I expect them to self-correct. If that doesn’t work, I’d probably point to wherever they’re supposed to be or give another non-verbal prompt if I could. If that’s not possible, I’d just say in a more disappointed than angry tone, “You know the right answer to that” and tell them what they’re supposed to be doing if needed.

If you have a couple of kids that always give you rude or sarcastic replies when you try to redirect behavior with questions, then by all means, use a different technique with them! Some students respond better to short and simple (non-emotional) directives, and that’s absolutely fine. However, if most of your class doesn’t respond to questions OR directives, then there are probably some root causes that need to be dealt with.