# Silly "How Can A...?" Questions Game
> Ask kids goofy, impossible questions that start with "How can a..." (like "How can a whale get into a fish tank?"). They spot what's wrong and invent a story that makes it true. It's a no-materials game that builds critical thinking and imagination, and it's great for long car rides.
- URL: https://www.funlittles.com/how-can-a-whale-get-into-a-fish-tank/
- Ages: 3–7 yrs · Difficulty: easy · Mess: low
- Time: prep none, activity 10 min
- Works for: one-on-one, small group, whole class
- Skills: critical-thinking, imagination, language, storytelling

## Safety
- If playing in the car, the driver keeps their attention on the road. A passenger adult can lead the questions.

## Before you start
- Think of a few silly "How can a..." questions ahead of time, or use the list below.

## Steps
1. Ask a silly, impossible question that starts with "How can a...", like "How can a whale get into a fish tank?"
2. Laugh together. Goofy is the whole point!
3. Give the child time to spot what is wrong with the question.
4. Help them think about what is really true, for example which animal actually has the trait.
5. Invite them to make up a situation or story that would make the silly question true.
6. Ask the next question and keep going as long as everyone is having fun.
7. Let the child turn the tables and ask you a silly question back.

## Tips
- Dad's silly games make the babes think. First the kid has to realize what's wrong, then find out what's really true, then use their imagination to come up with a situation that makes the silly statement true.
- Asked "How can a fox be blue?", ours answered: "Because he fell into a tub of blue paint." These questions really get her imagination going while sharpening her critical thinking skills.
- When we started a few months ago, she just came back with an equally silly question instead of answering. At times she laughs it off and understands it is goofy and wrong. Answering with a scenario shows she is really learning the process.
- It lets us parents know if the child knows a particular concept or not, without actually testing her.
- The games really come in handy during long car rides, when the kids are bored with their toys and start tantruming in the back seat.
- Double-check that your silly premise really is wrong. A reader pointed out that dogs do have whiskers. (from readers)

## The original post by TurkeyMom (2012)

Dad’s silly games make the babes think. Daddy B is really not a structured father. He is a big ball of fun who makes up goofy and silly games, songs, questions on the go. One of Big A’ s favorite games when he makes up these ridiculous, unrealistic questions which start with “How can a” Daddy B : How can a dog have whiskers? Big A (squeal) after a hearty laugh: The dog went next to a cat and pulled the whiskers from him and tied it to himself. What I think really happens. First the kid has to realize that dog does not have whiskers Next find out which animal has whiskers Then use their imagination to come up with a situation that might make the silly statement true.

1. How can a whale get into a fish tank?
2. How can a carrot be purple/black?
3. How can a fox be blue?
4. How can a tortoise run really fast?
5. How can a penguin fly?

Big A : Because he fell into a tub of blue paint (from the story I guess) These kind of questions really gets her imagination going while sharpening her critical thinking skills. When Daddy B started playing these games few months ago, Big A just came back with a equally silly question instead of trying to answer the questions posed at her. At times she laughs it off and understands it is goofy and wrong. Right now, the fact that she is able to answer with a scenario shows me that she is really learning the process. The point is, it lets us the parents know if the child knows a particular concept or not without actually testing her.. It is surprising that a very casual game daddy B started has turned into one of her favorite activities with dad. The games really come in handy during long car rides when the kids are bored with the toys and start tantruming in the back seat. Of course baby A doesn’t have a clue. Taming at least one is lot better than enduring two. What kind of silly games do you play?