Back-to-School Would You Rather Questions to Break the Ice

Why Start the Year with “Would You Rather” Questions?

Back-to-school season can be exciting but also a little nerve-wracking for kids. New faces, new routines, and unfamiliar classrooms can make even confident learners feel unsure. That’s why starting the year with fun, low-pressure activities is key.

One of the easiest ways to get kids talking? “Would You Rather” questions. These imaginative prompts are funny, engaging, and perfect for breaking the ice. Best of all, they work across all age groups and you don’t need any prep time or special materials.

Why ‘Would You Rather’ Works So Well in the Classroom

Whether you’re teaching kindergartners or middle schoolers, “Would You Rather” questions offer real benefits:

✅ They’re safe and inclusive: There’s no right or wrong answer

🧠 They spark critical thinking and creativity: Kids explain their choices and learn about others

😄 They’re fun! Laughter and curiosity help build classroom community

Use them as quick warm-ups, writing prompts, or whole-class games with no screen required.

How to Use “Would You Rather” Questions at School

First-Week Icebreakers

Ask 1–2 questions each morning during circle time or morning meetings

Let students answer by raising hands, standing in corners, or holding up color cards

Writing Prompts or Journal Starters

Have kids write their answer and explain why

Great for daily bell ringers or early finisher activities

Group Games or Partner Activities

Split students into pairs or small groups to share and compare answers

Use them as team-building games during recess or downtime

Remote or Hybrid Learning

Share questions on slides, in chat, or through tools like Flipgrid

Use one question a day as a fun asynchronous prompt

50+ Back-to-School Would You Rather Questions (by Age Group)

For Kindergarten – Grade 2 (Ages 4–7)

Would you rather use crayons or markers forever?

Would you rather have two recesses or two snack times?

Would you rather wear pajamas to school or your superhero costume?

Would you rather sit next to the teacher or your best friend?

Would you rather have lunch in the cafeteria or on the playground?

For Grades 3–5 (Ages 8–10)

Would you rather never have homework or never take tests?

Would you rather be the line leader or the calendar helper every day?

Would you rather carry a giant backpack or roll a tiny suitcase to school?

Would you rather eat only lunchables or school lunch all year?

Would you rather have art class every day or gym class every day?

For Grades 6–8 (Ages 11–13)

Would you rather switch schools or switch grades?

Would you rather be the class clown or the class president?

Would you rather present a project solo or do a group project with strangers?

Would you rather always be early or always be late to class?

Would you rather redo last school year or skip ahead one year?

STEM + Creative Bonus Questions

Would you rather design your own backpack or invent a homework robot?

Would you rather time-travel to your first school day ever or your graduation day?

Would you rather explore a school in space or a school under the ocean?

Would you rather build your own school or your own library?

Would you rather write your own school rules or rewrite the school menu?

Tips for Creating Your Own Would You Rather Questions

Mix funny and thoughtful: Blend silly scenarios with questions that make kids think

Tie in school themes: lunch, lockers, subjects and recess are great starting points

Let kids take the lead: Invite them to write their own and ask classmates

Use visuals: Pair questions with images, emojis, or drawings for younger kids

Keep the Conversation Going Beyond the First Week

“Would You Rather” questions aren’t just for the first day they’re a great ongoing classroom tool. Try:

A “question of the day” bulletin board

A student-led weekly icebreaker

Turning answers into drawings, skits, or comic strips

Using answers as creative writing prompts

🔄 Keep the rotation fresh and seasonal with holiday or subject-themed questions!

Want to Make It a Project?

Turn answers into creative challenges! Let kids:

Act out their answer

Draw a scene based on their choice

Build a craft or model inspired by it

Record their response as a short video

Then, share it as a personal project on DIY!

FAQs on Back-to-School “Would You Rather” Questions

Why use “Would You Rather” questions in the classroom?

"Would You Rather" questions help students open up, laugh together, and learn more about each other making them the perfect icebreaker. They're inclusive, low-prep, and help build classroom communities from day one.

Are these “Would You Rather” questions appropriate for all ages?

Yes! This list has questions suited for kids from kindergarten to middle school, so you can pick the right ones for your classroom or child. They are made to be fun, creative and safe for school.

How can I turn these questions into a learning activity?

You can use the prompts for writing exercises, drawing challenges, or group games. Students have chance to explain their answers, act them out, or create creative projects based on their choices. This makes learning fun and interactive!

Where can I find more Would You Rather questions for kids?

DIY has a complete Would You Rather Challenge that kids can join, where they answer fun questions and share their replies as creative projects. It is safe, doesn’t need screens and is made for children aged 4 to 13.

Back-to-School Would You Rather Questions to Break the Ice - Printable

Try the Would You Rather Challenge on DIY

Ready for even more fun prompts? Try the Would You Rather Challenge on DIY! Kids can answer creative questions, post their responses, and explore how others answered all in a kid-safe, creativity-first platform designed for learners 4–13.