15+ Key Questions to Ask Children About School for Better Insight

Asking thoughtful questions about school can help parents gain valuable insights into their child’s experiences, challenges, and achievements. This approach helps identify areas where support may be needed and strengthens the parent-child relationship.

Our article explores critical questions to ask children about school, which can reveal their academic challenges, social interactions, and overall well-being. The questions outlined here will help parents engage more meaningfully with their children and foster a supportive home environment conducive to their sucess and happiness at school.

General Experience Questions

Parents can ask targeted questions to comprehensively understand a child’s daily school life. These questions to ask children about school can uncover their highlights and experiences.

1. What was the most awesome thing that happened today?

This question prompts children to share positive experiences, helping them focus on joyful moments and encouraging a sense of gratitude for their daily activities.

2. What challenge did you conquer today?

Children can articulate their problem-solving skills and resilience by asking about challenges and providing insight into their coping mechanisms and personal growth throughout the day.

3. Did anyone do something hilarious that made you laugh?

This question invites children to recount humorous incidents, fostering a light-hearted atmosphere and revealing their social interactions and peer relationships.

4. What’s one awesome thing you learned or did that you can show me?

Encouraging children to share new knowledge or skills promotes a sense of achievement and reinforces the importance of learning, allowing parents to celebrate their child’s educational journey.

Social Interactions Questions

When using questions to ask children about school, exploring their social interactions can shed light on their friendships and social dynamics within the school environment.

5. Who is your best friend, and what do you like to do together?

This question helps children reflect on their friendships, providing insights into their social preferences and the activities they enjoy, which can strengthen familial bonds.

6. Did you meet anyone new today? What were they like?

Inquiring about new acquaintances encourages children to discuss their social environment, fostering openness about their experiences and feelings towards inclusivity.

7. Can you tell me about a fun game or activity you played during recess?

This question allows children to express their creativity and enjoyment, revealing their interests and play dynamics within their peer group.

8. Who did you share your lunch table with today?

Asking about lunch companions can provide insight into a child’s social circle and help parents understand their child’s sense of belonging in the school community.

Academic Engagement Questions

To assess a child’s academic involvement and interests, use specific questions. These questions to ask children about school can provide detailed feedback on their educational experiences.

9. How’s math (or another subject) treating you—too simple, or does it make you think hard?

This question encourages children to evaluate their academic challenges, allowing parents to gauge their child’s engagement and understanding of subjects.

10. What subject did you enjoy the most today, and what made it interesting?

By asking about their favourite subject, children can articulate their passions and interests, providing parents with a clearer picture of their educational preferences.

11. Did you learn anything new today that you found exciting?

This question promotes curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, encouraging children to share their discoveries and reinforcing the value of education.

12. What was your favourite project or assignment this week?

Inquiring about specific projects allows children to reflect on their achievements and creativity, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment in their academic efforts.

Emotions and Well-being Questions

Exploring emotions and well-being through questions to ask children after school can offer crucial insights into their overall emotional state and satisfaction with their school experience.

13. What made you feel proud today?

This question encourages children to recognise and articulate their achievements, fostering self-esteem and a positive self-image.

14. Did anything make you feel upset or frustrated?

Children can express their feelings and experiences by addressing negative emotions, allowing parents to offer support and guidance in navigating challenges.

15. How do you feel about your teachers? Do you have a favourite?

This question helps children articulate their perceptions of authority figures, providing insights into their classroom dynamics and emotional well-being.

16. Are there any school rules that surprise you compared to home rules? Do you think they’re fair?

Discussing school rules encourages critical thinking and reflection on fairness, allowing children to express their views on authority and governance in their educational environment.

How To Have a Conversation With Your Children About School Effectively

Besides knowing practical questions to ask children about school, engaging in meaningful conversations about school requires a thoughtful approach.

1. Choosing the Right Time and Setting: Select a calm, relaxed time to discuss school, such as before bedtime or during a quiet moment at home. To reduce stress and enhance openness, avoid discussing their day immediately after they come home.
2. Start by Talking About Your Day to Connect: Begin the conversation by sharing your own experiences. This approach makes the discussion feel more mutual and less interrogative, encouraging your child to open up about their day.
3. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Use questions that require more than a yes or no answer to elicit detailed responses. Open-ended questions encourage children to share their thoughts and feelings more thoroughly.
4. Listening Actively: Pay close attention to your child’s responses and show empathy. Active listening involves acknowledging their feelings and responding thoughtfully, which helps build trust and communication.

At UNIS Hanoi, the Primary Years Programme fosters inquiry and communication from a young age, encouraging students to express their experiences and interests. The Middle Years Programme continues to develop critical thinking and reflective dialogue skills, preparing students for more in-depth conversations. The IB Diploma Programme further refines these skills, focusing on balanced communication and intellectual engagement in preparation for higher education and beyond.

How To Have a Conversation With Your Children About School Effectively

These 15+ questions to ask children about school can help you understand your child’s experience and foster open communication. Parents should consistently engage in open dialogues with their children to foster a supportive environment. Maintaining ongoing communication helps address concerns early and supports their overall well-being.

For an educational journey that ignites curiosity, fosters personal growth, and shapes future leaders, apply to UNIS Hanoi – where every student’s potential is nurtured to its fullest. Explore how our innovative programmes align with these effective communication strategies and support your child’s development!