what and why communication HELP????

[squidipa]

can someone help me to explain what what means and why? and how to use a different word in a sentence than these two.

example sentence of what...
What were you doing under the table?

how could i say this different?

example for why...

why did you throw that at the window? my son is 4 and were are having communication difficulties

how could i say this different?

[kawazuki]

hmm this is difficult as they are such commonly used words..

the why maybe say can you tell me how that got thrown at the window? or what made you throw that at the window, but thats using what instead of why and may cause more confusion.

maybe sit down as ask if he knows what why and what mean?

my 9yo still doesnt get what why and what mean i think when we ask him why he did something we just get idunno lol

[Dollyroux]

Hi Squidipa,

I'll come back with a longer response once E is back in bed.
Try these,
You were under the table. Tell me about that (open ended question just like why?)
You threw the ball at the window. Can you tell me about that?
OR
Talk to me about the window being broken/the ball being thrown
Talk to me about when you were under the table.

Hope that helps!

[Jac]

May I ask why these particular words appear to be a problem for your DS?

[squidipa]

May I ask why these particular words appear to be a problem for your DS?

he doesnt understand the meaning of why or what he looks baffilled when asked he has just turned 4

[kawazuki]

does he understand reason?

maybe say whats the reason your under teh table or teh reason for throwing the ball at the window.

maybe get some books which have why and what in them and read them so he can learn the meaning

[Jac]

Can he answer a "what's that?" type question where only a short response is required? I imagine that it's his ability to form an appropriate reply to your questions that's the problem rather than simply his understanding of the word "what". "Why" questions always require explanation that involves use of reasoning skills to answer them so would be harder that "what" questions. Have you had his communication skills assessed? At age 4, now would be a great time for this.