so how was school today?

I recently read this article from my son’s school newsletter and thought I would share it. It is written by the Assistant Head of Junior Preparatory Years 2 – 4 of The Scots College and the idea behind it is to ask more specific questions about your child’s school day rather than simply, “How was school today?” which often results in a response of “good” and not much more.  

25 Ways to Ask Your Kids “So How Was School Today?”

1. What was the best thing that happened at school today? (What was the worst thing that happened at school today?) [I often play this game of highs and lows with my kids: What was your high today? What was your low?]

2. Tell me something that made you laugh today.

3. If you could choose, who would you like to sit by in class? (Who would you NOT want to sit by in class? Why?)

4. Where is the coolest place at the school?

5. Tell me a weird word that you heard today. (Or something weird that someone said.)

6. If I called your teacher tonight, what would she tell me about you?

7. How did you help somebody today?

8. How did somebody help you today?

9. Tell me one thing that you learned today.

10. When were you the happiest today?

11. When were you bored today?

12. If an alien spaceship came to your class and beamed someone up, who would you want them to take?

13. Who would you like to play with at recess that you’ve never played with before?

14. Tell me something good that happened today.

15. What word did your teacher say most today?

16. What do you think you should do/learn more of at school?

17. What do you think you should do/learn less of at school?

18. Who in your class do you think you could be nicer to?

19. Where do you play the most at recess?

20. Who is the funniest person in your class? Why is he/she so funny?

21. What was your favourite part of lunch?

22. If you got to be the teacher tomorrow, what would you do?

23. Is there anyone in your class who needs a time-out?

24. If you could switch seats with anyone in the class, who would you trade with? Why?

25. Tell me about three different times you used your pencil today at school.

You can see how these may be useful in opening up more meaningful dialogue between yourself and your child. I’m going to give them a try to curb groundhog dog questions and answers. Hey, with a bit of modification, what not try some out on your partner?!? Could provide for some humorous or creative responses…