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Last month, I hosted a workshop for teachers on the art of questioning strategies in math—an essential skill I’ve refined over my years as a math teacher. Well-timed, thoughtful questions empower students to grasp complex mathematical concepts far more effectively than direct instruction alone. It’s an art form that requires a lifetime to master, blending creativity with pedagogy. In this piece, I’ll share my thoughts on one common question, and how you can adapt it for home learning situations.

The most common question I get asked as a teacher is, “Is this right?” This question typically comes from students who genuinely want to know if they’re on the right track. They believe, as most of us do, that answering questions correctly equates to understanding the math concepts being taught.

How we respond to this question is critical. It’s easy to simply say yes or no, but as soon as we do, the student stops thinking. Some teachers respond by saying, “I don’t know! You tell me.” While this approach may encourage critical thinking, I find it unsatisfying because it doesn’t honor the student’s need for affirmation.

Instead, here’s how I like to respond when a child asks how they did on a math problem: “That’s a good question! How confident are you in your answer?” This response helps me gauge whether the child is genuinely seeking help, or trying to showcase their effort. If they’re seeking help, I follow up with, “Is there a part of the problem where you’re unsure, or is it more of a general feeling of uncertainty?” By asking these kinds of questions, we teach children to be metacognitive—reflecting on their thought processes. We also encourage them to become self-sufficient problem-solvers, rather than relying on teachers to co-create solutions.

I challenge you to try this at home! The next time your child asks you a question seeking confirmation—like, “Is my bed made well enough?” “Have I eaten enough dinner to leave the table and play video games?” or “Are my shoes tied correctly?”—try gently turning the question back to them. It may not work in every situation, but it’s a step toward fostering independence and self-reliance in our kids.