Conversation Starters - Questions to Ask Your Child About School

This year has marked the transition from carefree pre-school days to the rigors of elementary school life for my family. I saw it coming, and yet did not see it coming—all at the same time. It definitely came entirely too quickly. I know I'm not alone in those feelings either (fist-bump to all you other parents out there).

If you're anything like me, you are dying to know what goes on with your child during the day, when you are not around (unless your child is that child, and you just prefer not to know). So, you ask them the infamous "how was your day?" question. But alas, you typically get answers like, "Fine," and "I don't know," and "I don't remember." Really? I gave birth to you and have dedicated my life to bringing you up, and this is how you repay me when I ask for simple information?

Well, I have some ways to eek out that valuable information from your child. Using questions like these have really helped me get a better grasp on what goes on with my child during the school day. Use them as-is, put your own twist on them, or come up with completely new ones! Then come back and let me know how the new conversation goes. I would love to know! And if you have discovered a new question that has generated some great discussion or conversation, I would love to hear about that, too!

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR CHILD ABOUT SCHOOL

1. What was the first thing you guys did in your classroom today?
2. What was your special area today? (Computers, Library, Music, PE, Spanish, etc.)
3. What was your favorite part of your day? Why was it your favorite?
4. Did you have recess today? How many times? What did you play (or play on)? Who did you play with?
5. Did anyone special come and talk with your class today? What about?
6. Who did you sit by at lunch today?
7. Was there anything that frustrated you, made you sad, or upset you today?
8. Was anyone mean to you today? Were you mean to anyone today?
9. Did you have a special job in your class today or this week?
10. Did your teacher read any books to your class today? What were they?
11. Did you sing any songs in your class today?
12. +Add your own!

I hope this helps to get the conversation at the end of your child's school day. The time goes so quickly...Carpe Diem!