Question Storm

See how it works

At a glance

Time in class

5–8 minutes

Prep

2 minutes: pick one image, quote or short clip.

Materials

The prompt; paper

Grouping

Groups of 3–4

Use it when

Starting a new topic or unit

Why it works

Asking questions makes students active. When they generate and choose their own questions, they care more about the answers and you learn what they already know and wonder.

1. Show the prompt30 seconds“Look closely. In a minute you’ll write questions, only questions.”
2. State the rules30 secondsWrite as many questions as you can. Don’t stop to discuss or answer. Write every question exactly as it’s said.
3. Storm5 minutesOne recorder per group writes.“Go! Aim for 15 questions.”
4. Sort1 minuteMark each question C (closed: one-word answer) or O (open: needs explaining).
5. Choose1 minute“Circle the one question that would be worth a whole lesson.”Each group shares its pick.

See it in action

Watch out for

• Students answering each other: remind them “questions only” and keep the clock running.
• Statements disguised as questions: ask the recorder to rewrite them as questions.
• Stalling: give a starter: “Why…? What if…? How does…?”

Level up

• Groups pick the one question worth a whole lesson.
• Rewrite one closed question as an open one, and the reverse.

Make it work for everyone

• Multilingual learners: post question starters in English and home languages.
• IEP and 504 supports: let students say questions while a partner writes.
• Early finishers: rank their top three questions.

Tech option

Groups type questions into a shared doc so the whole class sees them.

Resources