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.
If playing in the car, the driver keeps their attention on the road. A passenger adult can lead the questions.
Before the kids arrive
Think of a few silly "How can a..." questions ahead of time, or use the list below.
Steps
Ask a silly, impossible question that starts with "How can a...", like "How can a whale get into a fish tank?"
Laugh together. Goofy is the whole point!
Give the child time to spot what is wrong with the question.
Help them think about what is really true, for example which animal actually has the trait.
Invite them to make up a situation or story that would make the silly question true.
Ask the next question and keep going as long as everyone is having fun.
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.from the author
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.from the author
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.from the author
It lets us parents know if the child knows a particular concept or not, without actually testing her.from the author
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.from the author
Double-check that your silly premise really is wrong. A reader pointed out that dogs do have whiskers.from readers
Make it your own
How can a whale get into a fish tank?
How can a carrot be purple/black?
How can a fox be blue?
How can a tortoise run really fast?
How can a penguin fly?
Let kids make up their own "How can a..." questions for the grown-ups to answer.
The story behind it
By TurkeyMom · July 2012
How can a whale get into a fish tank? Dad's silly games make the babes think: ridiculous, unrealistic questions that get her imagination going while sharpening her critical thinking skills.
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What readers say
💬 2 comments
🛠️ Troubleshooting
Check your silly premise first
A reader who loves these games pointed out that dogs actually do have whiskers, so double-check that a question's premise really is silly.
“Um...dogs have whiskers. But I do love these silly fun games and questions.”
Recently tried
Read all 2 comments
Sara · Nov 2012
Um...dogs have whiskers. But I do love these silly fun games and questions.
Read all 2 comments
Sara · Nov 2012
Um...dogs have whiskers. But I do love these silly fun games and questions.