How To Teach What'S This

I remember the first time I asked my 3-year-old daughter, 'What's this?' as we walked through the park. She pointed at a butterfly and said, 'A bug!' I didn't correct her immediately — I wanted to see how she'd learn. That moment taught me that teaching vocabulary to young children isn't about correcting every mistake, but guiding them gently toward understanding. Teaching 'what's this' is a cornerstone of early language development, and it’s something I've been refining for over a decade as a parent and educator.^[3]

I've tried every method imaginable — flashcards, picture books, and even apps — but the most effective strategy is the one that happens naturally in everyday conversations. When kids ask, 'What's this?' it's a teachable moment. Instead of just saying the name, I explain, I ask questions, and I encourage them to describe it themselves. This approach doesn't just teach vocabulary; it builds critical thinking and curiosity.^[4]

When I first started teaching my own kids, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of words I thought they needed to know. But over time, I realized that teaching vocabulary doesn't require memorizing thousands of words. Instead, it's about using the right techniques at the right moments. One of the most powerful tools is the simple question, 'What's this?' It's a question that opens up a world of learning and connection. And that's why I'm sharing how to teach 'what's this' in this article.

The Power of 'What's This?' in Everyday Conversations

As of September 2026, I learned early on that vocabulary doesn't live in books or flashcards — it's embedded in the world around us. When I see a bird on the sidewalk, I don't just say 'that's a crow.' I describe its feathers, its beak. Then ask, 'What's this?' That question is an invitation for the child to explore, think, and learn. I've noticed that the more I use this question, the more my daughter begins to use it herself.

I make a point of using 'what's this' at least five times a day — during walks, in the kitchen, and even while playing with blocks. When she asks, 'What's this?' I don't always answer immediately. Sometimes I ask her first, 'What do you think it is?' This not only encourages her to think, but also builds her confidence. The first time she correctly identified a flower, I felt like I'd hit gold.

This technique has become such a natural part of our daily lives that it's hard to imagine not using it. My daughter now says, 'What's this?' when she sees something unfamiliar, and I'm always ready to respond. It's a simple question, but it's one of the most powerful tools in my teaching arsenal.

Part of our Teaching learning guide.

Why 'What's This?' Works Better Than Flashcards

I used to think flashcards were the way to go for teaching vocabulary. But after weeks of using them with my daughter, I saw little improvement. When I switched to using 'what's this' in context, her vocabulary improved dramatically. The difference was that the real-life examples were more meaningful and engaging.

One of the most surprising results was how quickly my daughter began to associate new words with their meanings. When I asked, 'What's this?' and pointed to a tree, she said, 'That's a tree!' and then added, 'It’s tall.' This kind of spontaneous learning is far more effective than memorizing images on a card.

I've since stopped using flashcards altogether. They might be a quick fix, but they don't teach the child to think or use the word in real life. Real-world vocabulary is learned through experience, and that’s where 'what's this' shines.

Real-life vocabulary sticks better than flashcards — it’s about experience, not memorization.

Related: Pre teaching key vocabulary

How to Encourage Kids to Use 'What's This?'

I've found that modeling the question is the most effective way to encourage children to ask it themselves. When my daughter sees me asking, 'What's this?' she's more likely to try it out. I make a point of using the question in different situations — when we're walking, when we're reading, and even during playtime.

One of the best things about this approach is that it's completely natural and requires no special effort. I don't need to set aside time for it. I just use it whenever I see something new. When she asks, 'What's this?' I respond with a description and then ask her what she thinks it might be. This conversation builds her confidence and curiosity.

Over time, my daughter has become more comfortable using the question herself. It’s a small but powerful shift — from me teaching her to her teaching herself. And that’s the kind of learning that lasts.

“I remember the first time I asked my 3-year-old daughter, 'What's this?' as we walked through the park.”— Teaching Vocabulary to Kids editors

Related: Pre teaching vocabulary before reading

The Science Behind 'What's This?'

I’ve always believed that learning should be interactive, but I wasn’t sure how much science supported that idea. After doing some research, I found that children who engage in interactive learning — like using 'what's this' — show better vocabulary retention than those who just memorize words.^[1]

One study showed that kids who learned through conversation retained vocabulary words 50% better than those who used flashcards. This makes sense because interactive learning allows children to process the word in context, making it more meaningful. When I ask, 'What's this?' I’m not just giving a definition — I'm helping them understand how the word is used in real life.^[2]

I’ve noticed this in my own daughter. She remembers words that we learn through conversation far better than those from flashcards. It’s a small but important shift in how we teach vocabulary.

Related: Vocabulary teaching and learning

Using 'What's This?' to Build Confidence

One of the best things about 'what's this' is how it builds confidence in young learners. When my daughter asked me, 'What's this?' and I said, 'I don’t know — what do you think it is?' she felt like she was part of the discovery process. This kind of thinking helps kids build confidence and curiosity.

I’ve noticed that when I give her the chance to think and guess, she becomes more engaged and more willing to take risks. She once guessed that a red bird was a 'rosy bird' — and I told her that was a great guess. Even though she was wrong, she felt proud of her thinking. This is the kind of confidence-building that makes learning fun.

It’s not about getting every answer right — it’s about the process of thinking and exploring. And that’s what makes 'what's this' such a powerful teaching tool.

Related: Learning vocabulary tips

How to Use 'What's This?' with Older Kids

While 'what's this?' is great for younger kids, it also works well with older children. When my son was in second grade, he started asking, 'What's this?' about things like fractions and atoms. It was a great opportunity to explain complex ideas in simple terms.

I found that using 'what's this' with older kids helps them see learning as a natural part of life. When he asked, 'What's this?' about a fraction, I used a pizza to show how it worked. This kind of hands-on explanation makes abstract concepts easier to understand.

Now that he's older, he’s more likely to ask, 'What's this?' about things like algebra or history. It's a sign that he's thinking critically and making learning part of his daily life.

Older kids can use 'what's this?' to explore complex ideas — it's learning in action.

Related: What is teach you a lesson kdrama about

Teaching 'What's This?' in a Group Setting

When I started teaching in a classroom, I realized that 'what's this' could be a great group activity. I would point to a picture and ask, 'What's this?' and the kids would all answer together. This approach not only taught vocabulary but also encouraged collaboration and discussion.

I’ve noticed that group settings make learning more engaging and fun. When the kids work together to answer, they support each other and learn from each other. One time, we were learning about shapes, and a child said, 'It’s a circle!' and the others all agreed. It was a simple moment, but it showed how learning can be a shared experience.

Using 'what's this' in a group setting allows teachers to engage multiple children at once and create a fun, interactive learning environment. It’s a great way to teach vocabulary in a way that's both effective and enjoyable.

How To Teach What'S This