92 Questions to Ask Students on the First Day of School

As a teacher, the first day of school can be both exciting and overwhelming. It is important to create a positive and welcoming atmosphere in the classroom from the beginning.

One way to do this is to ask students thoughtful and engaging questions on the first day of school. These questions can help you get to know your students, build a sense of community in the classroom, and set the tone for the rest of the school year.

Table of Contents

92 Questions to ask students on the first day of school:

General Questions

What is your name?
What grade are you in?
What is your favorite subject at school?
What do you like to do outside of school?
What are you most looking forward to this school year?
What is your favorite book?
What is your favorite color?
What is your favorite food?
Do you have any pets?
Do you play any sports or instruments?

Questions About Friends

Who is your best friend?
How long have you known them?
What do you like to do together?
Do you have other close friends that you like to hang out with?
Have you made any new friends this summer?

Questions About School

What’s your favorite thing about school?
What’s your least favorite thing about school?
What do you hope to learn this year?
Do you have any goals for this school year?
Do you have a favorite teacher from the previous year?
What was your favorite class last year and why?
What was your least favorite class last year and why?
What do you hope to be able to do by the end of this school year that you weren’t able to do last year?
Are there any subjects or topics you’re particularly excited to learn about this year?
Do you have any special projects or presentations that you’re especially looking forward to this year?
Have you ever had a teacher who inspired you or made a difference in your education?
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in school so far?
Are there any extracurricular activities or clubs you’re interested in joining this year?
What do you think is the most important thing for a student to do to succeed in school?
Do you have any goals for your grades this year?

Questions About Hobbies and Interests

Do you have any hobbies or special interests?
What do you like to do in your free time?
Have you learned any new skills or taken up any new hobbies this summer?
Do you have any collections?
Are you a member of any clubs or organizations outside of school?
Have you ever attended an event, competition, or exhibition related to any of your hobbies or interests?
Do you have any special talents or skills that you would like to share with the class?
Have you ever had to overcome challenges or obstacles in your education?
What’s one thing you’d like me to know about you?
Are there any subjects or topics you feel particularly confident in or that you excel at?
What’s one thing you’d like to improve or work on this year?
Do you have any hobbies or interests that you think might someday turn into a career?
Are there any hobbies or interests that you think are important for everyone to have or try?
Have you ever taught someone how to do something related to one of your hobbies or interests?
Do you have any hobbies or interests that you’re particularly proud of or that have earned you recognition or praise?
What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re feeling creative?
What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re feeling energetic?
What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re feeling relaxed?
What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re feeling adventurous?
What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re feeling competitive?

Questions about personal experiences and feelings

What’s been the best experience you’ve had so far this year?
What’s been the most difficult experience you’ve had so far this year?
What makes you happy?
What makes you feel proud?
What do you do when you feel down or upset?
What’s the proudest moment of your life so far?
What’s the kindest thing someone has done for you?
What’s the most challenging experience you’ve had to overcome?
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from a mistake or failure?
What’s the most memorable trip or vacation you’ve ever taken?
What’s the most meaningful or special gift you’ve ever received?
What’s the most difficult conversation you’ve ever had to have?
What’s the most significant change you’ve ever experienced in your life?
What’s something you are really passionate about?
What’s something you’re really grateful for?
What’s something you truly value in your life?

Questions About the Future

What do you want to be when you grow up?
What do you hope to do after you graduate from high school?
What are your long-term goals or dreams?
What do you think the world will be like in 10 years?
Where would you like to be in 5 years?
If you could learn any skill or talent, what would it be?
What do you think will be the biggest change in education in the next 10 years?
If you could make one change to improve the world, what would it be?
What do you think will be the greatest achievement of your generation?
If you could go back in time and give advice to your younger self, what would you say?
What are you most looking forward to in the future?
What do you think the world will look like in the future?
What do you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?
What do you hope to contribute to the world?
What are you most excited about for the future?
What are you most worried about in the future?

Interesting Questions

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
What do you think the world will look like in 100 years?
If you could solve a global problem, what would it be?
If you could invent a new technology or product, what would it be?
If you could meet someone from history, who would it be and why?
If you could change one thing about the way schools are run, what would it be?
What do you think will be the most important profession in the future?
If you could live in any period, when would it be and why?
If you could visit any planet or moon, which would you choose and why?
If you could have any animal as a pet, which would it be and why?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you start a conversation on the first day of school?

Starting a conversation on the first day of school can be a bit nerve-wracking, but it’s a great opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. One way to start a conversation is to simply introduce yourself and ask the other person their name. You could also ask them where they are from or if they have any hobbies or interests that they enjoy. Another approach is to comment on something that is happening around you, such as a fun activity or an interesting lesson. Remember to be friendly, confident, and respectful, and the conversation will develop naturally.

How do teachers begin the first day of class?

On the first day of class, teachers usually introduce themselves to their students and give an overview of the course, including the syllabus and expectations for the class. They may also discuss classroom rules and procedures and give students an opportunity to ask questions and get to know each other. In some cases, teachers may begin with a lesson or activity so students can get acclimated to the class and begin learning right away. Overall, the first day of class is an opportunity for teachers to set the tone for the course and get students excited and engaged about the material.

How do you motivate your students on the first day of school?

One way to motivate students on the first day of school is to create a positive and engaging learning environment. This can be accomplished by setting clear expectations for behavior and performance and showing enthusiasm for the material that will be covered during the school year. It can also be helpful to create a sense of community among students and allow them to get to know each other and work together. In addition, giving students a sense of ownership over their learning can help to motivate them, as can offering them opportunities to pursue their interests and passions in the classroom.

Conclusion

Asking students questions on the first day of school is a great way to create a positive and inclusive atmosphere in the classroom. By asking thoughtful and engaging questions, you can get to know your students, build a sense of community, and set the tone for the rest of the school year.

These questions can also help you understand your student’s interests, goals, experiences, and challenges, which you can use to guide your teaching throughout the year. Overall, starting the school year with open and honest communication can help create a strong foundation for a successful and enjoyable school year.