Jack and the Beanstalk

Ideas for questions for Parents and Carers to use at home to help developchildren’s thinking skills. Fee, Fi, Fo, Fum………

In order for children to learn, they need opportunities to develop their thinking skills. One way we can do this is by asking children different kinds of questions. Some questions help children remember what they have read; some predict what will happen next. There are other kinds of questions too. Here are some of the Higher Order Thinking Skills questions you could use with your child at home when talking about the tale.

If you don’t have a copy of Jack and the Beanstalk at home, you could visit the local library and borrow a copy. Even if you have a copy, the library may have a version with a different ending to yours!

Remembering

What did Jack’s mother tell him to do?

What did Jack swap his mother’s cow for?

What does the giant say?

Understanding

Why did Jack’s Mum ask him to sell the cow?

Was it a good idea for Jack to swap the cow for the beans?

Why do you think Jack took the hen that laid the golden eggs?

Applying

Can you show me how the giant would move?

What does a beanstalk need to grow? Draw a picture of what the giant's house looked like.

Analysing

What was the funniest/scariest/saddest/happiest part of the story?

Are Jack and his Mum like you and your family?

Evaluating

Who was the "baddie" in the story? Why?

Did Jack do the right thing when he took the gold, the hen and the harp?

Do you like this story? Why or why not?

Would you like one of the characters from the story as a friend? Why (or why not!)?

Creating

Act out how the giant behaved when he was searching for Jack.

Think of a meal Jack or the giant might like to eat. How would you serve it?

Make a warning sign you think should be tacked onto the beanstalk.