40 better questions to ask your kids after school than “How was school?”

Table of Contents

It’s all too easy to fall into the routine of asking your children the same question as soon as they stride through the door, the completely unoriginal “How was school?” Sure, it gets to the root of what you really want to know, but more often than not, this bland query yields an even blander monosyllabic response like “fine” or even the dreaded “OK,” leaving you none the wiser about what truly happened during your child’s day. To really connect with your kids and understand their daily school experience—after all, they’re out of the house for a good 7+ hours—it’s smart to rethink your approach.

Here’s a guide to help you ask engaging questions that will (hopefully) encourage your child to open up and share more about what they saw, felt, did and experienced at school that day: from partaking in playground antics to learning a new song in music to doing their best work in math class. And though it’s hard to resist peppering them with questions as soon as the bus drives off, for best results (and from personal experience!), you might want to give them a snack and a bit of breathing room before diving in.

Academic questions to ask kids after school

1. Can you show me something you worked on today?

This encourages your child to share tangible work, fostering pride in their accomplishments.

2. What was the most interesting thing you learned today?

This question shifts the focus to the learning aspect of school, sparking curiosity and reflection.

3. Did you read or hear a story today? What was it about?

Asking about what they read encourages sharing about literacy activities and their book preferences.

4. What new fact did you learn today?

Stimulates enthusiasm for learning and sharing knowledge.

5. Did you learn any new words today? What do they mean?

Asking about new words encourages vocabulary expansion and language skills.

6. What was the most creative thing you did today?

There’s power too in highlighting creativity and artistic endeavors.

7. How did you feel during your math/science/art class today?

This more targeted question gives insight into subject preferences and emotional responses, especially if they’ve been struggling lately.

8. What question did you ask in class today?

Get a sense of whether they’re participating and feeling confident to raise their hand.

9. What’s one thing you learned today that you think I don’t know?

Puts them in the role of the teacher, which can boost confidence and make sharing feel special. Plus, it often leads to fun, unexpected facts you can learn together.

10. Did anything happen today that made you think differently about something?

Encourages deeper reflection and helps your child share moments that shaped or shifted their perspective, even in small ways.

Social and friendship questions for kids

11. Who did you sit with at lunch, and what did you talk about?

This question provides insight into your kiddo’s social interactions and friendships.

12. Did you have a chance to help anyone today, or did anyone help you?

This can promote a discussion about kindness and cooperation.

13. Who made you smile today and why?

Maybe it was a close friend, a new substitute teacher, their sweet bus driver.

14. What’s one thing you did today that made you feel like a good friend?

Fosters self-awareness and reinforces values around friendship.

15. Did anyone do something unexpected today?

Invites stories about surprises—good or not-so-good.

16. Who did you spend the most time with today?

Helps you understand who is shaping their social experience most during the day—and can open the door to learning more about those friendships.

17. Was there a moment you felt really proud of a friend today?

Encourages empathy by prompting your child to notice and celebrate someone else’s accomplishments or efforts.

18. Did you see anyone being really brave today?

Invites them to think about acts of courage, whether it was a classmate answering a tough question, trying a new game, or standing up for someone.

Emotional check-in questions for kids

19. What made you laugh today?

Focusing on humor can lighten the conversation and reveal the social dynamics you’re so curious about.

20. Did you face any challenges today? How did you deal with them?

Understanding what they view as challenges helps you gauge their resilience and problem-solving skills—and teaches them the power of problem-solving, too.

21. Was there a moment today when you felt proud of yourself?

Encouraging self-recognition of achievements fosters confidence.

22. What was the hardest rule to follow today?

This can reveal classroom behavioral expectations—and, crucially, your child’s feelings towards them.

23. What are you looking forward to at school tomorrow?

If your kiddo tends to view school in a negative light, this question helps identify positive aspects and future aspirations.

24. Did anything surprise you at school today?

Try sharing something that surprised you about your day, too.

25. What was your favorite part of the day?

Just like making a gratitude list, focusing on positive experiences can lift their mood. Try sharing yours, too.

26. Did you have any difficult conversations today? How did you handle them?

Addresses social and emotional learning and conflict resolution.

27. Was there a moment you felt really listened to today?

Builds awareness around communication and connection.

28. What do you wish had gone differently today?

Encourages healthy processing of disappointments or frustrations.

29. What would you change about today if you could?

Asking this allows some reflection on problem-solving and decision-making.

30. What was something kind someone said to you today?

Helps them reflect on the impact of words and recognize moments of positivity in their day.

Creative and fun after-school conversation starters

31. What is something you did today that you’d love to do again?

Identifies enjoyable and meaningful activities.

32. If your day was a weather report, what would it be and why?

A fun, metaphor-based question that lets kids express how they felt emotionally.

33. If you could relive one part of your school day, what would it be?

Helps kids reflect on meaningful or joyful moments.

34. What’s one rule you wish didn’t exist at school?

Opens up space for honest conversation and can highlight what’s feeling restrictive or unfair.

35. What’s one thing you saw today that made you curious?

Encourages them to notice details and share moments that sparked wonder or interest.

36. Did you try something new today? How did it go?

Prompts them to talk about moments of courage and experimentation, even if the outcome wasn’t perfect.

37. If your school day was a song, what would it sound like?

Lets them express their day through music and creativity, which can be easier than describing it in words.

38. What’s the funniest thing that happened in class today?

Lightens the conversation and gives you insight into classroom dynamics and their sense of humor.

39. Was there a moment you felt really proud of your work today?

Gives them the chance to reflect on personal effort and accomplishments that might not have been noticed by others.

40. What game or activity at recess would you like to teach me at home?

Invites playful connection and lets them share a piece of their school world with you.

From the mundane to the monumental, these questions are designed to open up more meaningful dialogue with your child about their school experience. Talking about highlights and lowlights can help them zoom out from the daily grind to see the full picture—and bring you as a parent into the fold a bit more, too. Remember, the key to a successful conversation is to listen actively and respond with empathy, creating a safe space for your child to share and grow.

A version of this post was published on November 30, 2023. It has been updated on August 13, 2025.

Categories:

Back To School