What? Verbal Reasoning Part 1: Answering What Questions Flashcards

60 "What?" questions for early reasoning

What? Verbal Reasoning Part 1 helps young children understand and answer questions about everyday objects and what they're used for. Each card asks a question with three picture choices, such as "What do you use when it rains?" (umbrella, leaf or bread). Children have to think, not just name, which builds the reasoning behind answering questions at home and at school.

At a glance

• 30 jumbo landscape cards, 60 questions, 14.5 × 10 cm
• One question on each side, each with three picture choices
• Two levels on every card: an easier question on one side and a more advanced one on the other
• Questions focus on what everyday objects are used for, one of the earliest reasoning skills to develop
• Sturdy glossy laminated card with rounded corners
• Ages 2+
• Follows the developmental sequence of early language
• Designed by speech and language professionals

Two levels on every card

Easier: "What do you use when it rains?" The child picks the umbrella over a leaf or bread.

More advanced: "Which is better when it is raining and windy?" Now the child compares an umbrella, a raincoat and a cap, and has to think about which works best.

Start with the side that suits your child, and turn the card over when they're ready for more.

How to use the cards

1. Ask the question. Read it aloud and point to each picture.
2. Let them choose. Your child points to or names the answer.
3. Ask why. "Why not the bread?" Explaining the choice builds reasoning.
4. Link to real life. Next time it rains: "What do we need?"
5. Turn it over. Try the advanced question on the other side when they're ready.

Who it's for

• Young children learning to understand and answer questions
• Children who can name objects but find "what" questions hard
• Children with speech or language delays, including children with autism
• Children learning English as an additional language
• Parents, preschool teachers and speech and language therapists

Where it fits

• Before: Everyday Objects Level 1, 60 first naming words
• Use alongside: Action Words Level 1, first everyday verbs
• Next: Answer Which, describing objects by how they look, feel and sound
• Next: Answer Who, people and jobs
• Better value: Early Learners Smart Bundle, six decks including this one, for less than buying them separately

Who made it

Brainy Bug Resources decks are designed by speech and language professionals with extensive clinical experience in mainstream schools, special schools and community clinics. Each deck follows how children's language actually develops, from single words to two-word phrases, sentences and reasoning.

Frequently asked questions

What age is it for?

2 years and up. Understanding what objects are used for develops early, and the advanced questions keep older children challenged.

How many questions are there?

60, one on each side of 30 cards.

Why two levels?

So the deck grows with your child. Start with the easier side, then move to the more advanced questions.

What is verbal reasoning?

Using language to think and solve problems, such as working out which object fits a situation and explaining why.

Does this deck have audio?

No. It's designed for an adult and child to use together, talking through each question.