The Questions That Shape How Children Understand the World
WH questions — why, what, where, when, who, and how — are fundamental building blocks of language and reasoning. Understanding them helps children communicate, think critically, and make sense of everything around them.
What Are WH Questions?
WH questions are open-ended questions that begin with words like why, what, where, when, who, and how. Unlike yes/no questions, they require children to think, reason, and form complete responses.
These questions develop in a predictable sequence as children grow. Some come naturally by age 2, while others — particularly "why" and "how" — may take until age 4 or later to fully grasp.
For children with language delays, autism spectrum disorders, or other developmental differences, WH questions often require explicit teaching and practice.
The Six Questions
Why
Understanding cause and effect. Why questions require children to identify reasons and make logical connections.
Learn about Why questions →What
Identifying objects, actions, and descriptions. What questions build vocabulary and observation skills.
Learn about What questions →Where
Understanding location and spatial relationships. Where questions develop awareness of environment and position.
Learn about Where questions →When
Grasping time and sequence. When questions help children understand temporal concepts and daily routines.
Learn about When questions →Who
Recognizing people and roles. Who questions develop social awareness and understanding of relationships.
Learn about Who questions →How
Explaining processes and methods. How questions encourage children to break down steps and describe procedures.
Learn about How questions →Why WH Questions Matter
Speech and language therapists consider WH question comprehension a key developmental milestone. These questions:
- ✓Build the foundation for conversation and social interaction
- ✓Develop critical thinking and reasoning abilities
- ✓Support reading comprehension in later years
- ✓Help children express needs, thoughts, and feelings
- ✓Prepare children for academic learning and classroom participation
Our Apps
We've created interactive apps to help children practice WH questions through engaging puzzles and activities. Currently available for "Why" questions, with more question types coming soon.
Explore our apps→