If you’ve ever asked your class to write and been met with blank stares, you’re not alone. The problem isn’t always confidence or ability. Often, it’s simply that they don’t know where to start.
That’s where good questions come in.
The right question can unlock a child’s imagination, develop critical thinking, and lead to writing that’s purposeful, original and full of voice. Whether you're starting a new writing unit or diving into a Pobble 365 prompt, purposeful questioning is one of the most powerful tools in your teaching toolkit.
Here’s how to get it right.
Strong writing starts with strong thinking. And thinking is sparked by curiosity.
When pupils learn to ask and answer thoughtful questions, they begin to explore ideas more deeply. They start seeing different perspectives, connecting ideas, and generating stronger vocabulary. All of this builds the foundations for meaningful writing.
As Simon Blower, Pobble co-founder and experienced primary leader, puts it:
“The better questions children ask, the better the answers, the better the vocabulary, the better the talk. Ultimately, the better the writing they produce.”
To support this, Simon introduced a questioning grid in his classroom. It's a simple but powerful tool that helps children form more thoughtful, varied questions.
Rather than sticking with “What is…” or “Why?”, the grid encourages combinations like:
Why might...?
What would...?
Who can...?
The result? More variation in responses, more discussion, and richer, more thoughtful writing.
Download Pobble’s free Question Grid and try it with your class.
Try pairing the grid with a Pobble 365 image or lesson. Start by asking pupils to generate questions about what they see. What’s happening just out of view? Who might be watching? How did the character get there?
You can use questions to:
Generate ideas
Prompt predictions
Explore character motivation
Encourage deeper thinking before writing
This child-led enquiry helps learners feel invested and makes their writing more personal and purposeful.
Another great technique is hot-seating. Put a pupil in the role of a character from a Pobble prompt, then have the rest of the class ask them questions using the grid. The questions will quickly deepen, and so will the responses.
Not only is this a fun, collaborative way to build writing ideas, it also supports oral rehearsal, vocabulary development, and critical thinking. All key ingredients for better writing.
Print the question grid and keep it handy on tables or display it on the board
Encourage pair talk before writing. Use the grid to structure meaningful discussions
Link questions to vocabulary building. Ask: What would a character say? How might they feel? Why would they act that way?
Give pupils time. Let them think, ask, and answer before putting pen to paper
Every prompt on the Pobble 365 calendar includes questions to support talk and spark ideas at every stage of the lesson
Encouraging pupils to ask good questions builds independence and confidence. It helps them take ownership of their ideas and leads to writing that’s more original, thoughtful and developed.
It’s a small shift that makes a big difference.
💡 Bonus tip
Pair this approach with a Pobble 365 prompt or Quick Write for maximum impact. You’ll be amazed at how a few purposeful questions can transform writing outcomes across the class.