Kids come home from school full of stories, but somehow, when asked, “What did you do today?” you get the same answer: “Nothing.” Sound familiar?
The truth is, want to share—they just need a little help finding the words. When you ask them thoughtful questions, you show them you care about their day, their feelings, and everything in between.
With the right questions, you can uncover funny moments, new things they learned, and even the little challenges they faced. Let’s explore some easy ways to get kids talking after school!
Table of Contents
Daily Highlights
- What was the best thing that happened at school today?
- Did anything funny happen today that made you laugh?
- What’s one new thing you learned today?
- Who did you spend the most time with today?
- What was your favorite subject or activity today?
- Did you try something new or exciting in class?
- What was the most fun thing you did during recess or break?
- Was there a moment today when you felt really proud of yourself?
- Did anything surprise you about your day?
- If you could relive one moment from today, which one would it be?
Mental Health Check-In
- How did you feel during school today—happy, excited, or maybe a little nervous?
- Did you feel comfortable asking for help if you needed it?
- Was there anything that upset or bothered you?
- Did you feel included during group activities or games?
- Is there something you’re worried about for tomorrow?
- Did you have enough time to relax during breaks?
- Was there a moment today when you felt really confident?
- Do you feel like your teacher understands you?
- What’s one thing that made you feel loved or appreciated today?
- Did anything happen that made you feel stressed?
Social Interactions
- Who did you spend the most time with today?
- Did you make a new friend or talk to someone you don’t usually talk to?
- What games did you play with your friends?
- Did you work on a project or activity with someone?
- Was there anyone who made you feel happy or cared for?
- Did you see someone do something kind today?
- Was there anyone who seemed sad or left out?
- What do you like most about your closest friends?
- Did you learn something interesting about a friend today?
- Did you have any disagreements or arguments with someone?
Academics and Learning
- What’s one thing you learned today that you found exciting?
- Did you find anything hard to understand in class today?
- What subject did you enjoy the most today?
- What’s a question you asked your teacher today?
- Did you finish all your classwork?
- Is there a topic or project you’re excited to learn more about?
- Did you get to work in a group today? How did it go?
- What’s something your teacher explained that made sense to you right away?
- Did you feel proud of any work or answer you gave in class?
- If you could teach one thing from today to someone else, what would it be?
Challenges and Problem-Solving
- Did you face a tricky problem in class? How did you solve it?
- Was there something hard about today that you needed help with?
- Did you try something that didn’t work out the first time?
- Was there a moment you felt stuck but kept trying?
- Did a teacher or friend help you solve a problem today?
- What was the most challenging part of your day?
- Did you figure out a new way to do something?
- Was there a moment when you had to be really patient today?
- Did you help someone else solve a problem?
- What’s one thing you’ll do differently tomorrow if you face a similar challenge?
Classroom Environment and Teachers
- What’s your favorite thing about your classroom?
- Did your teacher do something funny or interesting today?
- Do you feel comfortable asking questions in class?
- What’s a rule in the classroom that you think is really important?
- Did your teacher compliment you or advise you today?
- Was there a moment when the whole class worked together?
- What’s something your teacher taught today that you really liked?
- Did your classroom feel calm or busy today?
- Is there a part of the classroom where you like spending time?
- What’s one thing you’d like to share with your teacher?
Extracurricular Activities
- Did you join any fun activities or clubs today?
- What’s your favorite thing to do during free time at school?
- Did you practice a skill like drawing, singing, or playing sports today?
- What’s something new you learned in an activity outside of class?
- Did you play a sport or game during recess? How did it go?
- What’s a hobby or activity you’d like to try at school?
- Did you create something you’re really proud of today?
- Did your teacher or friends notice your work in an activity?
- What’s the most fun you had during an after-school program or club?
- Did you discover a new talent or skill today?
Lunch and Break Time
- What did you have for lunch today?
- Did you trade any snacks with your friends?
- Who did you sit with during lunch?
- Did you try anything new for lunch today?
- What games or activities did you do during break?
- Did you meet or talk to anyone new during lunch or recess?
- Was there a funny or silly moment during break?
- What’s your favorite thing to do during recess?
- If you could bring any lunch you wanted tomorrow, what would it be?
- Did you feel like you had enough time to enjoy your lunch and play?
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, it’s the little conversations that mean the most. Asking kids about their day might seem simple, but it helps you learn more about who they are and what they’re going through. It shows them they matter and that you’re there for them.
Take a moment each day to ask these questions, even if they don’t always open up right away. Over time, these chats will build trust and strengthen your bond. It’s worth the effort—every single time.
