WH questions are foundational questions that support children in gathering and communicating basic information. They include the following question types: what, where, what doing, who, whose, why, how, and when.
A child’s understanding and use of WH questions is an important part of language and literacy development. Children typically begin developing these skills around the age of 1. The table below outlines the approximate ages at which children understand and answer different types of WH questions. Remember, developmental milestones are approximate and may vary from child to child.
Type/Typical Age of Mastery
| Question Type | Typical Age of Mastery |
| What | 1–2 years |
| Where | 1–2 years |
| What doing | 2–3 years |
| Who | 2–3 years |
| Whose | 2–3 years |
| Why | 3–4 years |
| How | 3–4 years |
| When | 4–5 years |
Supporting WH Question Development
Caregivers can support a child’s understanding and use of WH questions by:
- Using shared reading time to practice WH questions.
While reading with your child, point to pictures and ask questions such as, “What is that?” or “Who is that, “Where are they?”
- Targeting developmentally appropriate WH questions.
For example, for a one-or two-year-old child, focus on “what,” “where,” and “what doing” questions. For a three-year-old child, you can also target “who,” “whose,” “why,” and “how” questions.
- Using visuals or pictures to support understanding.
For example, use pictures on your phone or practice “who” questions using a family photo album.
- Providing auditory and/or visual choices when asking questions. For example, ask, ” Where are we? Are we at the park or the grocery store?”
- Encouraging your child to ask WH questions.
Model asking questions throughout daily routines and provide opportunities for your child to do the same. For example, when reading a book, pause and allow your child time to ask questions about the pictures on each page.
Take Away
Learn how to use these WH questions to build a strong foundation for language and literacy for your preschooler!
