WH questions when and why worksheets
Aligned with Common Core SL.1.2
Printable when and why question worksheets: everyday when questions, why questions, sorting when and why answers, and short read-aloud stories.
The worksheets
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Question Words Chart
Who, what, where, when, why and how, with what each one asks about.
When Questions
Eight everyday when questions with two answers to pick from.
Why Questions
Eight everyday why questions with two answers to pick from.
When or Why?
Ten answers to sort. Each one answers either a when question or a why question.
Listen and Answer
Two short stories to read aloud, each with three when and why questions.
Print the whole packet
One copy of every sheet above, in order. Tap + for more copies (up to 10).
For the parent or teacher
What it is
By first grade, kids know who, what and where questions. When and why are harder. When asks about time, like "in the morning" or "after lunch." Why asks for a reason, and the answer often starts with "because" or "to." These questions help kids understand stories, follow conversations and explain their thinking.
What comes next
Opposites and categories, which build the words kids use to explain things.
How to teach it
- Teach the clue words. When = a time. Why = a reason, often with because.
- Ask when and why questions during the day. "Why are you wearing boots?" "When do we eat dinner?"
- Read stories aloud and pause to ask one when and one why question.
- Have your child answer in a full sentence, like "We eat dinner at night."
Common mistakes
- Answering a when question with a place, like "at the park." Ask "But what time?"
- Answering a why question with just "because." Ask "Because why?"
- Guessing before listening to the whole question. Repeat the question slowly.