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

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.

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.

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

Have kids write their answer and explain why

Great for daily bell ringers or early finisher 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

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?

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?

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?

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?

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!

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!

"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.

Yes! This list includes questions tailored for kindergarten through middle school, so you can choose age-appropriate prompts for your classroom or child. They're designed to be fun, imaginative, and school-safe.

Use the prompts as writing exercises, drawing challenges, or group games. Students can explain their answers, act them out, or even design creative projects based on their choice making learning fun and interactive.

DIY offers a full Would You Rather Challenge where kids can respond to fun prompts and even post their answers as creative projects. It’s safe, screen-free, and designed for ages 4–13.

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

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.