120 Questions to Ask Students on the First Day of School (2024)

The first day of school is buzzing with excitement and curiosity! Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or just someone interested in education, the right questions can turn nervous smiles into laughs and open conversations.

Wondering what to ask? Read on for questions that will help break the ice and make the first day memorable for students.

Ice-Breaker Questions

1. What’s an interesting fact about you that no one here would guess?
2. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
3. What is your favorite thing to do after school?
4. If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?
5. What’s your favorite book or movie of all time, and why did it speak to you so much?
6. Which season do you like the most, and why?
7. Do you have any pets? What kind and what are their names?
8. What’s your favorite hobby or activity to do in your free time?
9. If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?
10. What’s the most recent thing you’ve learned that fascinated you?
11. Is there a language you wish you could learn?
12. What’s your favorite snack for a movie night?
13. What’s the funniest thing that happened to you this week?
14. Do you have any hidden talents or skills?
15. Who in your life has inspired you the most?
16. What is one goal you have for this school year?
17. If you could be any animal for a day, which would you be and why?
18. What is your favorite subject in school and why?
19. Do you prefer to draw or to write? Why?
20. Which fictional character do you relate to the most?

Personal Interest Questions

1. What type of music do you enjoy listening to?
2. Do you participate in any sports or clubs? Which ones?
3. Do you enjoy cooking or baking? What can you make?
4. What video game have you played recently that you really enjoyed?
5. Have you read any book recently you would recommend?
6. Are you a morning person or a night owl?
7. What’s something new you’d like to try this year?
8. What’s your favorite memory from a vacation you took?
9. How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
10. If you could start a charity, what would it be for?
11. Can you play any musical instruments?
12. What’s something you’re proud of accomplishing?
13. Who is your favorite author or artist?
14. Is there a TV show you never miss?
15. What is your favorite family tradition?
16. What’s your favorite thing to do with your friends?
17. Do you prefer indoor or outdoor activities?
18. Have you ever volunteered? What did you do?
19. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
20. What’s one talent or skill you’d like to develop?

Learning Styles and Study Habits

1. Do you prefer to study alone or with a group?
2. What’s your favorite method for remembering information for tests?
3. What time of day do you find you study best?
4. Do you like to listen to music while you study?
5. What kind of environment helps you focus best?
6. Are there any tools or apps you’ve found helpful for studying?
7. What subjects do you find most challenging, and how do you tackle them?
8. Do you prefer detailed notes or more general summaries?
9. What motivates you to do well in school?
10. How do you typically organize your homework and assignments?
11. How do you handle big projects? Do you start early or work closer to the deadline?
12. What helps you get into the “zone” when you study?
13. How do you like to prepare for presentations?
14. Have you ever taught yourself something new outside of school? How did you go about it?
15. How do you balance schoolwork with other activities?
16. Do you use flashcards, mind maps, or another study aid?
17. How do you deal with subjects that don’t interest you as much?
18. Have you ever had a study buddy? Did you find it helpful?
19. What’s the most effective way for you to memorize information?
20. When you get stuck on a problem or concept, how do you usually get help?

Previous Educational Experiences Questions

1. What was your favorite project you’ve ever worked on in school?
2. Have you had a favorite teacher? What made them your favorite?
3. Can you tell me about a subject you used to dislike but are now interested in?
4. What’s your most memorable field trip or school event?
5. Have you ever won an award or been recognized for schoolwork or activities?
6. How has your approach to learning changed over the years?
7. What’s the most surprising thing you learned last year?
8. Which class in the past has challenged you the most?
9. Is there a book or project you found particularly influential in your education?
10. Have you been involved in any after-school programs that you really enjoyed?
11. What is one piece of knowledge you gained from school that you apply to your life?
12. Can you think of a time when you overcame a learning obstacle?
13. How do you feel about group projects based on your past experiences?
14. What strategies have you used when a subject was difficult to understand?
15. What’s the best thing a teacher has ever done to help you learn?
16. How do you stay focused when a class doesn’t immediately interest you?
17. How do you manage your time when faced with multiple assignments due at the same time?
18. Have you ever participated in a school club or team? What was your role?
19. Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in your education so far?
20. What’s a positive classroom experience you feel should be repeated?

Classroom Expectations and Norms

1. What do you think are the most important rules for a classroom?
2. How do you feel about working in pairs/groups in class?
3. What helps you feel safe and respected in the classroom?
4. What do you believe makes a class interesting or enjoyable?
5. How do you like a typical class to be structured?
6. What is your opinion on homework?
7. How important is it for you to have time in class to work on assignments?
8. What expectations do you have of me as your teacher?
9. How can I best support you in your learning this year?
10. In what ways do you like to receive feedback on your work?
11. What are your thoughts on the use of technology in the classroom?
12. Do you like having a class pet, and why?
13. What role do you think respect plays in a classroom setting?
14. How do you feel about class discussions?
15. What are your thoughts on seat assignments?
16. How do you think a teacher should handle discipline in the classroom?
17. What do you hope to bring to our classroom community?
18. How important is punctuality and attendance to you in a classroom setting?
19. Do you like to participate in class, or do you prefer to observe?
20. How do you feel about class projects that span over several weeks?

Fun and Creative Questions

1. If you were a superhero, what would be your catchphrase?
2. If you could invent something, what would it be?
3. Imagine you’re a famous inventor; what kind of invention would you create?
4. If you could be part of any fictional universe, which one would you choose and why?
5. What’s your idea of a perfect theme park?
6. If you were to write a book, what genre would it be?
7. What would you do if you could be invisible for a day?
8. If you could design a new school subject, what would it be?
9. What’s the weirdest food combination you enjoy?
10. If you were a teacher, what subject would you teach?
11. If you had to wear one costume every day for a year, what would you pick?
12. What’s your funniest joke?
13. If you could transform into any creature, what would it be?
14. Which three items would you take with you to a deserted island?
15. If you could have a conversation with any animal, which one would it be?
16. If you could open a shop, what would you sell?
17. What’s something you would like to invent?
18. If your life were a movie, which actor would play you?
19. How would you describe your ultimate treehouse?
20. If you had a personal mascot, what would it be?

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Asking students the right questions on their first day of school can turn a bundle of nerves into a room full of excitement. Remember, it’s not just about the subjects and grades; it’s about getting to know them, making them feel at home, and having a little fun. Here’s to a fantastic start to the school year!