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

The first day of school is a blend of excitement and nerves for both students and teachers. The key to smoothing out those first-day jitters lies in asking the right questions.

Engaging students with thoughtful inquiries not only breaks the ice but also provides invaluable insights into their personalities, learning preferences, and expectations. This list of questions is designed to create a warm and supportive classroom atmosphere that encourages open communication from the very start.

Ice Breaker Questions

1. What is one fun fact about yourself that you’d like to share?
2. If you could have any superpower for a day, which one would you choose and why?
3. What’s your favorite hobby or activity to do outside of school?
4. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
5. Which movie or book character do you relate to most, and why?
6. What’s your favorite subject in school so far, and what do you like about it?
7. If you could meet anyone from history, who would it be, and what would you ask them?
8. Do you play any musical instruments or participate in any sports?
9. What’s something new you tried this summer that you enjoyed?
10. If you had a YouTube channel, what kind of videos would you make?
11. What’s your favorite game to play with friends or family?
12. Can you tell us about a memorable moment or achievement from the last year?
13. What type of music do you love, and who is your favorite artist or band?
14. If you could invent something to make life easier, what would it be?
15. What’s your go-to snack when you’re hungry?
16. Do you have a favorite quote or saying that inspires you?
17. If you were an animal, which one would you like to be and why?
18. What’s something you’re looking forward to this school year?
19. Do you have any special talents or skills you’re proud of?
20. What’s the most interesting place you’ve ever visited, and what did you like about it?

Personal Interest Questions

1. What book are you currently reading, or what was the last one you finished?
2. Are there any hobbies you’re passionate about and would like to spend more time on?
3. Do you have any pets? If so, what are their names, and what do you enjoy about them?
4. Who is someone you admire or who inspires you, and why?
5. What do you like to do when you have free time on the weekends?
6. Is there a subject or topic you’re really interested in learning more about?
7. What’s one goal you have for yourself this school year?
8. Have you been involved in any community service or volunteer work?
9. What kind of movies or TV shows do you enjoy watching?
10. Is there a language you’ve always wanted to learn or are currently learning?
11. What’s your favorite family tradition?
12. Do you like creating things, like art, music, or stories?
13. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
14. Do you enjoy cooking or baking? What’s your specialty dish?
15. If you could start a club at school, what would it be about?
16. When you grow up, what profession are you interested in pursuing?
17. Do you have a place where you feel most at peace or happy?
18. Have you ever taken part in a performance, like acting in a play or dancing?
19. What’s one thing you would change about the world if you could?
20. How do you usually celebrate your birthday?

Learning Style and Preferences Questions

1. Do you prefer working in teams or on your own when it comes to school projects?
2. Is there a particular subject that you find challenging but would like to improve in?
3. What helps you stay organized and on track with your school work?
4. Do you learn better with visual aids like charts and graphs or through listening to explanations?
5. What’s the most interesting project or assignment you’ve ever done?
6. How do you prefer to study for tests or quizzes?
7. What’s one thing a teacher can do that really helps you learn?
8. Do you enjoy hands-on activities or experiments in class?
9. Are there any educational games or apps that you’ve found particularly helpful or fun?
10. How important is a quiet environment to you when you’re studying?
11. Do you have any strategies for remembering important information?
12. Which do you enjoy more: in-depth research projects or quick, in-class activities?
13. What motivates you to do well in school?
14. Do you like to ask questions in class, or do you prefer to reflect on the material silently?
15. What type of feedback from teachers do you find most useful?
16. Have you ever taught someone else how to do something? What was it and how did it go?
17. Is there a time of day when you feel you learn best?
18. How do technology and digital tools fit into your preferred learning style?
19. Do you set academic goals for yourself? If so, how do you work toward achieving them?
20. Have you ever participated in online learning, and what was your experience like?

Classroom Environment Expectations Questions

1. What do you hope to get out of this class by the end of the year?
2. In what kind of classroom environment do you feel most comfortable and ready to learn?
3. What are some classroom rules that you think are important for everyone to follow?
4. How do you think teachers and students can best communicate with one another?
5. Do you like it when classes include group discussions or debates?
6. What’s one thing that can make you excited about coming to school each day?
7. Is there anything specific that you’re nervous about for this school year?
8. How do you feel about public speaking or giving presentations in class?
9. What are your thoughts on homework—how much is just right, and how much is too much?
10. How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with classmates?
11. What is your ideal way to receive praise or recognition for your work?
12. Do you have any suggestions for classroom activities or projects you’d like to do?
13. What’s the best way for you to receive help or support when you’re struggling with coursework?
14. What do you think is the key to a successful and enjoyable school year?
15. What role do you think respect plays in the classroom?
16. How important is it for you to have a creative outlet during school hours?
17. Do you have any concerns about the school environment that you’d like to share?
18. How does the physical setup of the classroom affect your learning?
19. What makes a classroom feel like a positive and inclusive place for you?
20. How do you like to celebrate academic successes and milestones as a class?

Academic Background and Skills Questions

1. What are some subjects or topics you’ve excelled in previously?
2. Have you learned something in school that sparked a new interest or passion?
3. Are there any skills or talents you’re hoping to develop this school year?
4. Do you speak any other languages besides English, and how did you learn them?
5. Can you think of a time when you overcame an academic challenge? How did you do it?
6. What is your favorite method for researching and exploring new topics?
7. Do you have any experience with coding, robotics, or other STEM-related activities?
8. Have you participated in any academic competitions or contests, and what was that like?
9. Are math and science subjects that come naturally to you, or do you prefer humanities-based subjects?
10. Is there a project or paper you’ve written in the past that you’re particularly proud of?
11. How do you approach learning something completely new to you?
12. Have you ever helped a classmate understand a concept or subject better?
13. Do you have any educational goals for this year, such as reading a certain number of books or mastering a new skill?
14. Do you enjoy exploring art, music, and creative writing in your academics?
15. What’s one piece of technology that’s had a significant impact on your learning?
16. Have you ever taken part in a science fair, art show, or other school exhibition?
17. What techniques have you found to be effective when studying complex, dense material?
18. Do you have any experience with collaborative learning or peer tutoring?
19. What type of projects do you feel showcase your skills and knowledge best?
20. Are there any specific academic achievements you’re striving to reach this year?

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

As I wrap up this diverse collection of questions, remember that the goal is to create connections and foster a sense of community within your classroom. By showing genuine interest in your students’ lives and learning preferences, you set the tone for a school year full of growth, cooperation, and mutual respect.

Encourage dialogue, listen intently, and be prepared to learn as much from your students as they will from you. Here’s to a fantastic and engaging school year ahead!