After School Conversation Starters

• What’s the biggest difference between this year and last year?

• What was the best thing you did at school?

• Tell me the names of the four kids who sat closest to you.

• What was the most interesting thing your teacher said today?

• What class rules did your teacher say are important?

• What did your teacher say she likes to do?

• What is the best thing about your daily schedule?

• Was there anything you wish you had at school that you didn’t have today?

• Who did you enjoy talking with the most?

• Did anyone have anything fun or interesting to talk about?

• Which days look best on your schedule?

• Tell me two kids you remember from each class.

• What was the best thing your teacher asked you to do in ____ today?

• What were most kids doing at recess?

• What was the best game at recess?

• What did you talk about at recess?

• Who sat near you at lunch?

• What were the other kids eating for lunch?

• What was the funniest thing someone said at lunch?

• Where is your locker?

• Who has a locker near yours?

• Who/what made you laugh today?

• How did you show kindness today?

The most likely times for your child to experience negative social interactions at school are the less structured times, such as recess, lunch and during transitions from activity to activity or room to room. Asking questions specifically about these times will give you the best read on social circumstances.