What do these questions have in common: “How was school?” “What did you learn?” “Anything exciting happen?” They all require one-word answers: Fine. Nothing. No. Time to track down some better questions to ask kids after school!
A great place to start is to ask open-ended questions that require more engagement. You can also try our After School Conversation Starters printable. Cut the questions along the dotted lines and let your kids draw one out each day when you pick them up, or when they get home. Here are 21 more questions to ask kids after school.
1. What part of the day went by the fastest/slowest?
The answer can shed light on which subjects they like most and least, and which teachers they like or don’t. Of course, follow up by asking why to learn more.
2. What made your teacher smile/frown today?
You might learn whether any of your child’s classes are chaotic or if a particular class has a happy vibe. If you sense that something about a class is making your child unhappy, here are some ways to talk with him about it.
3. Which subject was the most interesting? Why?
Whatever your child’s response, validate her feelings: “You loved learning about ________!” Ask her to teach you something about the topic or offer to go to the library to do a deep dive.
4. What was the best part about lunch today: the food or your friends?
This will clue you in on what lunch is really like for your child. And, if your child talks about the food, go ahead and ask her who she sat by at lunch.
5. Who did you show kindness to today?
Asking this question helps your child think about how he treats others, and reinforces the idea that kindness is something your family values. If he answers an honest “No one,” brainstorm with him about opportunities to show kindness tomorrow.
6. Who made you laugh today?
Hopefully, your child did share some laughter with someone. Getting to hear who makes him laugh helps you get to know the people in your child’s world. If he says no one made him laugh, ask him who the funniest person is in his class.
7. What do you think I would like most about your school day?
This is just a fun question to ask kids after school. You can follow up by asking what he thinks his dad or siblings would like the most.
8. If you were a teacher, what would be the first thing you would say to your class?
What kid wouldn’t want to be in charge of their class? You can also ask what the first thing they would do if they were the principal.
9. Who in your classes could we pray for?
We prayed for my son’s classmate’s dog for three months. Yep—three whole months. This is a good question to help your child notice the needs of others and build deeper friendships.
10. If you could swap desks with anyone, who would you pick and why?
The answer will give you clues about who they have conflicts with, who they enjoy being around, or whose desk is closest to the class hamster.
11. If you could be in another grade, which one would you pick?
Get a glimpse into what sparks your child’s interest: seniors who are ready to graduate, the sixth graders who get lockers, the fourth-grade kids who get to go to the science lab, or maybe your child wants to go back in time to naps and finger paint!
12. What do you think your teacher likes most about your class?
This one is a good way to learn about the classroom dynamic. Your son or daughter might share something about the way the teacher and the kids interact that you’ve never heard before.
13. What about your class challenges your teacher the most?
Build empathy and awareness in your child by encouraging him to consider how teachers feel.
14. What’s your favorite spot in the whole school? Least favorite?
Your kid’s answer could be a quiet place, an action-filled spot, or maybe even the bathroom. Be sure to follow up with some questions to find out why.
15. What part of the day was the most challenging?
Asking about a challenge frames any difficulty your child might be having as something that can be worked through. Of course, follow up by asking for specifics.
16. Did you see anyone get teased? What do you do when that happens?
Be ready with advice in case your child doesn’t know what to do if he or she sees someone being treated unfairly. It might even be your child.
17. If you could redo one part of your day, what would you pick?
Will the answer be the best part he wants to do all over again? Will it be the worst part she wants to fix? Either way, you’ll get a glimpse of how your child’s day went.
18. What three words would you use to describe your favorite teacher?
This is a great way to help your child focus on a positive aspect of school. You’ll also learn what type of teacher he connects with.
19. If you had money and could buy one thing for your school, what would it be?
You’ll probably get a silly answer, but you might also find out what your child thinks would make his or her day better.
20. You get to swap one subject out for another. What do you take away and what class would you add?
Buh-bye, math! Hello, YouTube video production! There’s no wrong answer to this one.
21. What did you talk about at lunch today?
Wouldn’t it be great to be a fly on the wall of a school cafeteria? You can’t listen in to how your child interacts with friends over lunch, but the answer to this question will give you some insight.
What are some of your favorite questions to ask kids after school? How else do you get the conversation going?
