250+ This or That Questions for Back to School: The Ultimate Icebreaker Guide for Teachers and Students

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Going back to school is exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. You’ve got new classmates to meet, teachers to impress, and friendships to build. This or that questions for back to school make all of this easier. They’re simple, fun, and get everyone talking without the awkward pressure.

Think about it. When you’re sitting in a new classroom, the last thing you want is someone asking you to “tell us about yourself.” That’s scary! But choosing between pizza or tacos? That’s easy. That’s fun. That’s how conversations start.

We’ve put together over 250 back to school this or that questions for the new school year. You’ll find questions for every age group, every situation, and every type of student. Teachers can use these for first day of school icebreakers. Students can use them to get to know their new desk partner. Parents can even use them at the dinner table to hear about their kid’s day. Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

What Are This or That Questions and Why Do They Work So Well?

This or that questions are exactly what they sound like. You get two choices, and you pick one. That’s it. No essays. No explanations (unless you want to give one). Just a simple choice that tells people something about you.

Here’s why they work so well in school settings. First, there’s no wrong answer. You can’t mess up when you’re choosing between cats and dogs. Second, everyone can participate. Even the quietest kid in class has an opinion about summer versus winter. Third, they’re quick. You can ask ten questions in five minutes, and suddenly everyone knows each other a little better.

We’ve all been in those awful icebreaker situations where someone asks you to share three fun facts about yourself. Your mind goes blank. You panic. You end up saying something weird about your hamster. Back to school icebreaker questions eliminate that panic. Your brain just picks one option over another. Easy.

The beauty of these questions is how they reveal personality without forcing it. When someone chooses “stay up late” over “wake up early,” you learn they’re probably not a morning person. When they pick “mountains” over “beach,” you know something about their ideal vacation. Little choices add up to big pictures of who people are.

Similar to this or that questions for elementary students, these prompts work because they meet students where they are. No pressure, no judgment, just honest preferences that help build classroom community.

How Do You Actually Use These Questions in Class?

You can use this or that questions in tons of different ways. The method you pick depends on your class size, student ages, and how much time you have. Let’s look at the most popular options that actually work for getting to know students.

The Stand Up and Move Method

This one’s our favorite for younger kids who need to burn energy. You ask a question, then students physically move to different sides of the room based on their answer. Pizza lovers go left, taco lovers go right. Simple as that.

Kids love this method because they get to move around. Teachers love it because you can see everyone’s choice at a glance. Plus, students realize they’re not alone in their preferences. That shy kid who loves reading might spot three other book lovers across the room.

Here’s a pro tip. Put tape on the floor or use existing classroom features to mark the sides. This prevents the chaos of kids wandering aimlessly. You can also add a middle zone for kids who genuinely can’t decide.

Partner or Small Group Discussions

Break students into pairs or groups of four. Give them a list of questions to work through together. This works better for older students who can stay on task without constant supervision.

Small groups feel safer than the whole class. Students share more personal stuff when they’re only talking to two or three people. They also have more time to explain their reasoning instead of just shouting out an answer.

We recommend assigning roles in each group. One person asks the questions, another keeps time, and someone takes notes about interesting answers. This keeps everyone involved and prevents one loud kid from dominating the conversation.

Digital Polls and Online Tools

If your classroom has devices, use polling apps like Kahoot, Google Forms, or Mentimeter. Students submit their answers, and you display the results in real time. Everyone sees how the class voted.

This method works great for anonymous responses. Students answer honestly about potentially embarrassing topics when their name isn’t attached. You can also save the data to look at later or create graphs showing class preferences.

Tech tools engage students who might zone out during traditional discussions. The instant results create excitement. Kids love seeing the numbers change as votes come in. Just like how this or that questions adapt to different formats, digital platforms make these activities feel fresh and modern.

Journal or Writing Prompts

Give students a this or that question as a daily journal topic. They write about their choice and explain why they picked it. This quiet activity works well for introverted students who think better on paper than out loud.

Writing prompts develop thinking skills. Students can’t just shout out an answer and move on. They have to reflect on why they made their choice and what it says about them. You’ll learn things about students they’d never share in front of classmates.

Collect journals once a week or once a month. Read them to understand each student’s personality, interests, and thought process. Some kids express themselves brilliantly in writing but clam up during class discussions.

Quick Morning Meeting Starter

Start each day with one question during the morning meeting. Go around the circle and let each student share their choice. No explanations required unless someone wants to elaborate. This takes five minutes max, but builds community over time.

The routine becomes comforting. Students know what to expect. They come to school thinking about their answer. The predictability helps anxious kids feel safe. Plus, you establish a daily practice of everyone’s voice being heard.

Mix up the question types throughout the week. Monday might be food-related, Tuesday could be about hobbies, and Wednesday focuses on school preferences. The variety keeps things interesting while maintaining the familiar structure.

50+ Food and Drink This or That Questions

Let’s start with everyone’s favorite topic: food! These questions work for all ages because everyone eats, everyone has preferences, and food debates get passionate. You’ll be surprised how strongly students feel about pineapple on pizza.

Sweet vs. Savory Questions:

Sweet breakfast or savory breakfast?
Chocolate or vanilla?
Sweet popcorn or salty popcorn?
Candy or chips?
Donuts or bagels?

Meal and Snack Choices:

Pizza or tacos?
Burgers or hot dogs?
Pasta or rice?
Chicken or beef?
Sandwich or wrap?

Drink Preferences:

Water or juice?
Hot chocolate or apple cider?
Lemonade or iced tea?
Smoothies or milkshakes?
Coffee or tea? (for older students)

Specific Food Debates:

Pancakes or waffles?
French fries or onion rings?
Cookies or brownies?
Ice cream or frozen yogert?
Pretzels or popcorn?

Fruit and Vegetable Picks:

Apples or oranges?
Strawberries or blueberries?
Carrots or celery?
Grapes or cherries?
Watermelon or cantaloupe?

Breakfast Battles:

Cereal or oatmeal?
Scrambled eggs or fried eggs?
Toast or English muffins?
Bacon or sausage?
Yogurt or cottage cheese?

Dessert Decisions:

Cake or pie?
Gummy candy or chocolate candy?
Popsicles or ice cream bars?
Cupcakes or muffins?
Pudding or Jell-O?

Restaurant and Fast Food:

Sit-down restaurant or fast food?
Drive-through or eat inside?
Chinese food or Mexican food?
Subway or Chipotle?
McDonald’s or Burger King?

Cooking and Eating Styles:

Home-cooked meals or takeout?
Spicy food or mild food?
Crunchy peanut butter or smooth peanut butter?
Ketchup or mustard?
Ranch dressing or Italian dressing?

Controversial Food Questions:

Pineapple on pizza: yes or no?
Milk before cereal or cereal before milk?
Hard shell tacos or soft shell tacos?
Deep dish pizza or thin crust pizza?
Boneless wings or traditional wings?

Food questions break the ice instantly. Everyone has opinions, and there are no wrong answers. You’ll see students light up when their favorite food gets mentioned. These fun questions for students also help you learn about cultural backgrounds, dietary restrictions, and home life without asking directly.

Similar to this or that food questions, these prompts spark lively debates and genuine conversations that extend beyond simple yes or no answers.

40+ School and Learning This or That Questions

Now let’s get into school-specific questions. These help students think about their learning preferences while giving teachers valuable insights into how kids learn best. You’ll discover who loves math, who lives for art class, and who would rather be outside all day.

Subject Preferences:

Math or English?
Science or social studies?
Art or music?
Gym or library time?
Reading or writing?

Learning Style Questions:

Group projects or working alone?
Taking notes by hand or typing?
Learning from videos or learning from books?
Visual learners or auditory learners?
Morning classes or afternoon classes?

School Day Choices:

Packed lunch or cafeteria lunch?
Arriving early or leaving late?
Indoor recess or outdoor recess?
Sitting in front or sitting in back?
Pen or pencil?

Homework and Study Habits:

Homework right after school or homework after dinner?
Study at a desk or study on the couch?
Music while studying or complete silence?
Study alone or study with friends?
Flashcards or practice tests?

Activities and Extras:

Sports or clubs?
Band or choir?
Drama club or debate team?
Yearbook or student council?
Field trips or special classroom events?

School Supplies:

Backpack or messenger bag?
Binders or folders?
Highlighters or colored pens?
Laptop or tablet?
Digital planner or paper planner?

Classroom Setup:

Desks in rows or desks in groups?
Assigned seats or choosing your own seat?
Whiteboard or smartboard?
Natural lighting or bright overhead lights?
Quiet classroom or collaborative noise?

Testing and Assessment:

Multiple choice or essay questions?
Projects or presentations?
Open book tests or closed book tests?
Tests or quizzes?
Oral presentations or written reports?

These school questions serve a double purpose. Students get to know each other’s academic preferences while teachers learn how to reach different learners. When you discover half your class prefers visual learning, you can adjust your teaching style to include more diagrams, charts, and videos.

Just like this or that questions for kindergarten adapt to younger learners, you can modify these questions for different grade levels. High schoolers might discuss AP classes versus regular classes, while elementary students might debate crayon brands. For more age-specific ideas, explore this or that questions for high school students.

40+ Entertainment and Media This or That Questions

Entertainment questions tap into what students love outside of school. These questions reveal hobbies, interests, and the media that shapes their worldview. You’ll find common ground between students who seemed completely different at first glance.

Movies and TV:

Movies or TV shows?
Comedy or action?
Animated movies or live-action movies?
Movie theater or streaming at home?
Scary movies or happy movies?

Streaming and Watching Habits:

Netflix or Disney Plus?
YouTube or TikTok?
Watching alone or watching with family?
Binge-watching or one episode at a time?
Subtitles on or subtitles off?

Music Preferences:

Pop music or rock music?
Current hits or oldies?
Concert or music festival?
Singing along or just listening?
Earbuds or headphones?

Gaming Questions:

Video games or board games?
Xbox or PlayStation?
Single-player games or multiplayer games?
Mobile games or console games?
Minecraft or Roblox?

Social Media:

Instagram or Snapchat?
Posting content or scrolling content?
Photos or videos?
Public profile or private profile?
Following celebrities or following friends?

Books and Reading:

Fiction or nonfiction?
Physical books or e-books?
Library or bookstore?
Series or standalone books?
Reading at night or reading in the morning?

Creative Content:

Creating art or viewing art?
Drawing or painting?
Writing stories or reading stories?
Taking photos or being in photos?
Making videos or watching videos?

Sports and Activities:

Playing sports or watching sports?
Team sports or individual sports?
Indoor activities or outdoor activities?
Swimming or hiking?
Skateboarding or biking?

Entertainment questions feel less like “school stuff” and more like real conversation. Students perk up when you ask about their favorite games or shows. They want to share their opinions on these topics. The answers also help you make connections to lesson content. If you know half your class loves a certain video game, you can reference it when explaining a difficult concept.

These questions work similarly to this or that questions for girls in that they tap into popular culture and current trends that students actually care about.

40+ Personality and Preference This or That Questions

These questions dig a little deeper into who students are as people. They reveal values, fears, dreams, and the traits that make each person unique. Use these after students already know each other a bit, when they’re comfortable sharing more personal information.

Social Preferences:

Big party or small gathering?
Lots of friends or few close friends?
Meeting new people or spending time with known friends?
Texting or calling?
Group chat or one-on-one conversations?

Personality Traits:

Early bird or night owl?
Organized or spontaneous?
Planner or go with the flow?
Leader or follower?
Thinker or doer?

Comfort and Lifestyle:

Stay home or go out?
Routine or variety?
Comfortable clothes or fashionable clothes?
Sneakers or sandals?
Hoodie or jacket?

Decision Making:

Heart or head?
Risk-taker or play it safe?
Ask for help or figure it out yourself?
First to try something new or wait and see?
Speak up immediately or think it over first?

Time and Productivity:

Morning person or evening person?
Early to everything or fashionably late?
Multitasking or focusing on one thing?
Work ahead or last-minute rush?
To-do lists or mental notes?

Communication Style:

Talk it out or write it down?
Direct communication or subtle hints?
Humor or seriousness?
Loud or quiet?
Lots of details or just the basics?

Values and Priorities:

Quality time or words of affirmation?
Saving money or spending money?
Adventure or security?
Fame or privacy?
Success or happiness?

Future Thinking:

Live in the moment or plan ahead?
City life or country life?
Travel the world or have a stable home?
Follow your passion or choose financial security?
Change the world or change yourself?

These deeper questions build real connections. Students realize they share values with classmates they thought were totally different. They also learn to respect different perspectives. When one student values adventure while another values security, they both learn that neither approach is wrong.

The insights from these questions help teachers understand student motivation too. A student who values security might need extra reassurance before trying something new. A student who values adventure might need extra structure to stay on track. Understanding these preferences makes you a better teacher. These student engagement techniques work well alongside similar conversation starters you might use with family members, like this or that questions for cousins or this or that questions for brother.

40+ Seasonal and Holiday This or That Questions

Seasonal questions tie into the time of year and create excitement around holidays and weather changes. They’re perfect for those back-to-school weeks when summer is ending and fall is beginning. Students love talking about seasons because they have strong opinions about weather and holidays.

Fall and Back to School:

Summer or fall?
Hot weather or cool weather?
Beach days or cozy days?
Ice cream or hot chocolate?
Flip-flops or boots?

Halloween Specific:

Trick-or-treating or handing out candy?
Scary costumes or funny costumes?
Haunted houses or pumpkin patches?
Chocolate candy or fruity candy?
Carving pumpkins or painting pumpkins?

For more Halloween fun, check out this or that questions for Halloween to keep the spooky season engaging.

Winter and Holiday Season:

Snow or no snow?
Skiing or snowboarding?
Building snowmen or having snowball fights?
Christmas or Hanukkah? (cultural sensitivity required)
Hot cocoa or apple cider?

New Year and Winter Break:

New Year’s Eve party or early bedtime?
Making resolutions or skipping resolutions?
Winter break or summer break?
Staying up late or sleeping in?
Family celebrations or friend celebrations?

Spring and End of School:

Spring or summer?
Rain or sunshine?
Flowers blooming or leaves falling?
Spring break or summer vacation?
End of school countdown or enjoying each day?

Summer Activities:

Pool or ocean?
Summer camp or staying home?
Sleeping late or early morning adventures?
Road trip or flying somewhere?
Staying cool inside or being outside anyway?

Weather Preferences:

Sunny days or rainy days?
Thunderstorms or clear skies?
Snow days or regular school days?
Windy or calm?
Foggy mornings or bright mornings?

Seasonal Activities:

Raking leaves or jumping in leaves?
Spring cleaning or keeping things messy?
Growing a garden or buying from the store?
Outdoor sports or indoor sports?
Seasonal decorating or keeping things simple?

Seasonal questions feel timely and relevant. Students naturally think about these topics as the weather changes. They also give you easy transitions into related academic content. Discussing fall can lead to science lessons about why leaves change color. Talking about winter can connect to geography lessons about climate zones.

These questions work throughout the entire school year. Use them to mark the passage of time and help students notice the world around them. They’re simple conversation starters that make students feel heard and understood.

40+ Random and Fun This or That Questions

Sometimes you just need silly, random questions that make everyone laugh. These lighthearted options work perfectly when your class needs an energy boost or when you want to end the week on a fun note. There’s no deep meaning here—just pure enjoyment.

Silly Hypotheticals:

Superpower: flying or invisibility?
Time travel: past or future?
Talking to animals or speaking all languages?
Never sleep or never eat?
Live in a treehouse or live on a boat?

Would You Rather Scenarios:

Be the funniest person or the smartest person?
Always be too hot or always be too cold?
No phone or no TV?
Rewind time or pause time?
Know everything or be able to do anything?

Animal Comparisons:

Cats or dogs?
Wild animals or pets?
Birds or fish?
Dinosaurs or dragons?
Real animals or mythical creatures?

Transportation:

Car or truck?
Flying or driving?
Train or plane?
Bike or scooter?
Walking or running?

Living Situations:

Mansion or cozy cottage?
Apartment or house?
City or suburbs?
Mountains or beach?
Forest or desert?

Talents and Abilities:

Play an instrument or speak multiple languages?
Athletic ability or artistic ability?
Photographic memory or speed reading?
Always know the right thing to say or always know when someone’s lying?
Mind reading or seeing the future?

Color and Design:

Bright colors or neutral colors?
Patterns or solid colors?
Modern style or vintage style?
Minimalist or maximalist?
Rainbow or monochrome?

Random Choices:

Pancakes or waffles? (yes, again—it’s that important!)
Socks with sandals: yes or no?
Pens or markers?
Staying up late or waking up early? (another repeat because it matters!)
Being famous or being rich?

Weird Questions:

Would you rather fight one horse-sized duck or 100 duck-sized horses?
Have fingers for toes or toes for fingers?
Sweat maple syrup or cry hot sauce?
Have a rewind button or a pause button for life?
Always tell the truth or always lie?

These random questions create the best memories. Students remember the day you asked if they’d rather fight a horse-sized duck. They’ll bring it up months later. The absurdity breaks down walls and reminds everyone that school should be fun.

Don’t underestimate the power of silly questions. They build classroom culture just as much as serious discussions do. When students laugh together, they bond. When they debate ridiculous hypotheticals, they practice respectful disagreement. These “meaningless” questions actually mean a lot.

How Do Different Age Groups Respond to These Questions?

Elementary, middle, and high school students need different approaches to this or that questions. What works for kindergartners will bore teenagers, and what engages high schoolers might confuse little kids. Let’s break down the differences.

Elementary school students (grades K-5) love concrete, simple choices. They need questions about things they can see, touch, and experience. “Dogs or cats?” works great. “Introvert or extrovert?” doesn’t make sense to them yet. Keep it simple and visual.

Young kids also need movement built into the activity. They can’t sit still for long discussions. Use the “stand up and move” method we talked about earlier. Let them jump to one side of the room or the other. The physical activity helps them learn better while burning energy.

Elementary students answer quickly without much reflection. That’s okay! They’re just starting to understand preferences and personality. Ask more questions instead of dwelling on each one. Volume matters more than depth at this age.

Middle school students (grades 6-8) can handle more abstract concepts. They’re starting to form real identities separate from their families. Questions about values, future plans, and personality traits work well now. They’re also extremely social, so peer opinions matter a lot.

This age group feels self-conscious easily. They worry about looking stupid in front of classmates. Small groups work better than whole-class sharing. Give them time to discuss in groups of four before asking anyone to share with everyone. The buffer reduces anxiety.

Middle schoolers love debating their choices. They want to explain why their answer is objectively correct. Build time for these mini-debates into your activity. It develops critical thinking and persuasive communication skills.

High school students (grades 9-12) crave authenticity and depth. Surface-level questions bore them. They need thought-provoking options that make them examine their beliefs and values. Questions about future goals, ethical dilemmas, and controversial topics engage them more.

Teenagers also value privacy differently. Some will share everything publicly, while others guard personal information closely. Offer multiple participation methods. Let them write responses privately, discuss in pairs, or share with the group. Choice reduces resistance.

High schoolers appreciate when you treat them like adults. Frame questions as genuine philosophical inquiries rather than silly games. They’ll engage more deeply when they feel respected. That doesn’t mean you can’t use fun questions—just balance them with meaningful ones.

Remember that maturity varies wildly within any age group. Some fifth-graders think like middle schoolers, while some freshmen still need elementary-level questions. Know your specific students and adjust accordingly. The grade level is just a starting point, not a rigid rule.

What Makes a Good This or That Question for School?

Not all this or that questions work equally well in educational settings. Some questions flop while others spark amazing discussions. Understanding what makes a good question helps you choose wisely and even create your own.

Good school questions are age-appropriate. You wouldn’t ask kindergartners about political preferences or high schoolers about their favorite cartoon character. Match the complexity and content to your students’ developmental stage and interests.

The best questions have no wrong answer. That’s the whole point of first day of school this or that questions. Both options should be equally valid choices. Avoid questions where one answer is obviously “better” or more socially acceptable. You want honest responses, not kids choosing what they think you want to hear.

Good questions reveal something meaningful. Even silly-sounding questions should give you insight into student preferences, values, or personality. “Cats or dogs?” tells you about their home life and animal preferences. “Pizza or tacos?” might reveal cultural food exposure. Every answer means something.

School-appropriate questions respect diversity. They don’t assume everyone celebrates the same holidays, eats the same foods, or lives in the same type of family. Build in options that allow for different backgrounds. Or ask questions in ways that let students opt out if a question doesn’t apply to them.

Effective questions generate discussion. The answer itself is just the starting point. Good questions make students want to explain their reasoning and hear others’ perspectives. “Summer or winter?” can lead to conversations about favorite activities, family traditions, and personality differences.

Avoid controversial or divisive topics unless you’re intentionally teaching debate and you’re prepared to moderate. Politics, religion, and hot-button social issues can work in appropriate contexts with proper framing. But they can also divide your classroom if handled poorly. Know your students and your skill level before going there.

The timing matters as much as the question itself. Save deeper personality questions for after students know each other. Start with light, fun questions about food and entertainment. Build trust before asking students to reveal personal values or preferences.

Balance is key. Mix silly questions with serious ones. Combine quick surface-level questions with deeper prompts that require thought. Variety keeps engagement high and prevents students from getting bored with the activity.

How Can You Create Your Own This or That Questions?

Once you understand what makes good questions, creating your own becomes easy and fun. Custom questions tailored to your specific class, subject matter, or current events make the activity feel fresh and relevant. Here’s how to do it.

Start by thinking about your purpose. Are you building community? Introducing a new topic? Reviewing material? Your goal determines your question type. Community-building questions focus on personal preferences. Academic questions connect to your curriculum.

Look at your current unit or lesson. Can you create this or that questions related to the content? Studying ancient civilizations? Ask “Greek or Roman culture?” Reading a novel? Ask “Team protagonist or team antagonist?” These questions review material while feeling like a game.

Pay attention to what your students are talking about. Listen to their conversations before class and during breaks. They’ll tell you exactly what they care about. Create questions around those interests. Current popular movies, viral videos, trending songs—these all work.

Use sentence frames to generate ideas quickly. Try these templates:

“[Blank] or [blank]?” (the classic format) “More [blank] or more [blank]?” “[Action verb] or [different action verb]?” “[Adjective] or [opposite adjective]?”

Fill in the blanks with related concepts, and you’ve got instant questions.

Modify existing questions to fit your needs. Take a generic question and make it specific to your class. “Gym or library?” becomes “Playing basketball or reading in the book nook?” Use specific locations, names, and activities your students actually experience.

Test questions on yourself first. Do both options appeal to you? Is one choice clearly superior? Does the question reveal something interesting? If you can’t answer your own question easily, it probably won’t work for students either.

Ask students to create questions too. This works wonderfully as a writing assignment or creative project. Students submit their best this or that questions, you compile them, and the class votes on favorites. Now you have a student-generated question bank that you know they’ll enjoy.

Keep a running list in your phone or planner. When you think of a good question, write it down immediately. Over time, you’ll build a massive personal collection. Organize them by category, subject, or season so you can find the right question quickly.

Join teacher communities online. Share your favorite questions and get new ideas from other educators. Facebook groups, Pinterest boards, and teacher blogs overflow with creative this or that questions. Don’t reinvent the wheel—borrow and adapt what others have created.

When Is the Best Time to Use This or That Questions?

Timing makes the difference between an activity that energizes your class and one that falls flat. Strategic use of this or that questions maximizes their impact and keeps them feeling fresh rather than repetitive.

The first day of school is perfect for these questions. Students feel nervous and awkward. Traditional introductions feel painful. This or that questions break the ice quickly without putting anyone on the spot for too long. Everyone participates and everyone learns something.

Use them during the first week to build classroom community. One question per day creates a routine that students look forward to. They come to school ready to share their opinion. This consistent activity helps establish classroom culture early.

Monday mornings need energy boosts. Students drag in after the weekend feeling sleepy and unmotivated. Start with a fun this or that question to wake everyone up and ease into the school week. It’s gentler than jumping straight into academics.

Friday afternoons are another strategic time. Energy is low, attention spans are shot, and students are mentally checked out. A quick this or that activity refocuses attention and ends the week on a positive note. Choose lighter, fun questions for Friday.

Before tests or big assignments, these questions can calm anxiety. Students stress about upcoming challenges. Taking five minutes for a silly this or that question reminds them that school should include joy alongside work. It releases tension and resets their mindset.

After long breaks—winter break, spring break, summer break—students need to reconnect with each other. They’ve been apart for weeks and the classroom community needs rebuilding. This or that questions help them remember why they like being together.

During transitions, these questions refocus attention. Students just came back from lunch and they’re hyper? Ask a question to settle them down. Switching from one subject to another? Use a relevant this or that to bridge the topics.

Before group projects, use questions to help students understand potential partners. They’ll work together better when they know each other’s preferences and communication styles. The questions facilitate better group dynamics.

When your lesson plan falls apart, these questions save the day. Technology fails, materials don’t arrive, the assembly runs long—every teacher faces these moments. This or that questions fill unexpected gaps perfectly because they require zero preparation or materials.

During social-emotional learning time, deeper questions support the curriculum. Many schools now dedicate time to SEL topics like empathy, decision-making, and self-awareness. This or that questions about values and preferences fit naturally into these lessons.

Avoid overusing them. If you ask these questions every single day, they lose their magic. Students get bored. Space them out enough that they still feel special. Once or twice a week is plenty for most classrooms.

How Do This or That Questions Help Shy or Anxious Students?

We need to talk specifically about shy and anxious students because traditional classroom activities often leave them behind. This or that questions level the playing field in ways that other icebreakers don’t.

Shy students struggle with open-ended questions. “Tell us about yourself” creates panic. Their mind goes blank. They can’t think of anything to say. But “cats or dogs?” gives them something concrete to grab onto. They definitely have an opinion about that.

The limited options reduce decision paralysis. Anxious students overthink everything. When faced with infinite possibilities, they freeze. Two choices? They can handle that. It’s a small decision that doesn’t feel overwhelming.

These questions create equality. Every student answers the same question with the same level of detail. The shy kid who says “cats” contributes equally to the loud kid who says “dogs and here’s why for five minutes.” Both answers count the same.

Quick responses work in their favor. Shy students often need time to formulate thoughts, but these questions don’t require elaborate explanations. They can participate fully with just one word. If they want to explain more, that option exists, but it’s not required.

Similar to how conversation topics to talk about with friends and family help people connect naturally, this or that questions provide the structure that anxious students crave. The predictable format feels safe.

Physical movement options help too. When you use the “move to different sides of the room” method, shy students can participate without speaking at all. Their movement is their answer. No one is staring at them waiting for words.

Written responses accommodate anxiety. Let students write their answer on a sticky note or in a journal instead of saying it out loud. They still participate, but on terms that feel comfortable. You can read their responses aloud if they want to share without speaking.

Anonymous digital polls eliminate social pressure completely. Students submit answers without their name attached. They see they’re not alone in their preferences without anyone knowing specifically who chose what. The anonymity is freeing.

Pair work reduces audience size. Sharing with one partner feels safer than sharing with thirty classmates. Start shy students with partner discussions before ever asking them to share with the whole class. Build their confidence gradually.

Seeing others answer first helps anxious students. They watch how other people respond. They realize there’s no trick to this activity. No one is getting judged. Everyone is just sharing simple preferences. Observation proves it’s safe before they have to participate.

These questions also reveal commonalities that reduce feelings of isolation. That anxious kid sitting alone discovers he shares preferences with several classmates. Suddenly he has conversation starters. He realizes he fits in after all.

What Are Common Mistakes Teachers Make With This or That Questions?

Even simple activities can go wrong if we’re not careful. Let’s look at the mistakes teachers commonly make so you can avoid them and make your this or that activities successful every time.

The biggest mistake is asking questions with obvious “right” answers. “Bullying or kindness?” isn’t a real this or that question. Everyone knows the acceptable answer. You’re not learning anything about anyone. Make sure both options are genuinely appealing choices.

Another error is asking culturally insensitive questions. “Christmas or Halloween?” assumes everyone celebrates both holidays. “Steak or seafood?” ignores vegetarians and religious dietary restrictions. Think carefully about whether your questions work for every student.

Teachers sometimes move too fast. They ask a question, get a few responses, and immediately move on. But the real learning happens in the follow-up discussion. Why did you choose that? Has anyone changed their mind? Slow down and explore the answers.

Going too deep too soon is another problem. You can’t ask personal values questions on day one when students barely know each other. Start shallow and gradually go deeper as trust builds. Pay attention to your classroom’s readiness for more vulnerable sharing.

Some teachers forget to participate themselves. You should answer the questions too! Students want to know your preferences. Sharing your answers models vulnerability and shows you’re part of the community. Don’t just facilitate—participate.

Forcing reluctant students to answer damages trust. If someone genuinely doesn’t want to participate, let them pass. Maybe they don’t celebrate the holiday you’re asking about. Maybe the question touches a sensitive topic. Respect their boundaries always.

Using the same questions repeatedly bores students. Keep a record of which questions you’ve used so you don’t repeat them too often. Fresh questions keep engagement high. Repetition makes students tune out.

Failing to address disrespectful responses undermines the activity’s purpose. If students mock each other’s choices or make judgmental comments, shut it down immediately. This activity only works in an environment of respect and acceptance.

Not connecting questions to larger lessons wastes opportunities. These questions can introduce topics, review material, or illustrate concepts. When you use them as isolated time-fillers without purpose, you miss chances for deeper learning.

Choosing questions that are too similar reduces effectiveness. Five food questions in a row gets boring. Mix categories to maintain interest. Food, then personality, then school, then seasonal—variety is essential.

How Can Parents Use These Questions at Home?

These questions aren’t just for classrooms. Parents can use them at home to connect with kids, learn about their school day, and keep conversations flowing. They work beautifully around the dinner table or during car rides.

The “How was school?” question usually gets a one-word answer. “Fine.” That’s it. Conversation over. But asking “What was better today: math or science?” gives your child something specific to discuss. They can compare and contrast, tell stories, and actually communicate.

Use these questions during meals. Everyone takes turns answering the same question. You learn about each family member’s preferences while having an actual conversation. It beats everyone staring at their phones.

Car rides are perfect for this or that questions. You’re captive together anyway. The questions fill awkward silence and help you understand what’s happening in your kid’s world. Just like this or that questions for husband and wife strengthen marriage bonds, family questions build parent-child connections.

Before bed, ask one question as part of the bedtime routine. It gives you insight into your child’s day and thoughts. The routine creates a safe space for sharing that happens every night. Kids start looking forward to it.

Long road trips need entertainment. Skip the “are we there yet” whining by playing this or that question games. Keep a list on your phone and go through them one by one. Time flies when everyone’s engaged.

These questions also help during difficult times. When your kid seems upset but won’t talk about it, shift to this or that questions. They’re non-threatening but often open doors to deeper conversations. The simple questions relax defenses.

Create family inside jokes from the answers. Remember that time Dad said he’d rather fight a horse-sized duck? That becomes a running joke referenced for years. These shared memories strengthen family bonds.

Use them to understand your child’s development. The answers change as kids grow. The five-year-old who chose “play outside” might choose “play video games” at twelve. You witness their changing interests and personality through these simple questions.

Siblings can bond over these questions too. Brothers and sisters discover commonalities they didn’t know existed. The questions reduce fighting by creating positive interactions and shared laughter.

Can These Questions Work for Online or Virtual Classrooms?

Absolutely! Virtual classrooms actually need these questions even more than in-person ones. Students feel isolated behind screens. Building community online is harder but more important than ever. This or that questions adapt perfectly to digital formats.

Use the chat feature for quick responses. Post a question and have everyone type their answer in the chat. The responses appear rapidly, creating energy and participation. Everyone can see how classmates answered without anyone speaking over each other.

Polling features in Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams work perfectly. Create a poll with two options, students vote anonymously or with names shown, and you discuss the results together. The instant data visualization engages students.

Breakout rooms serve as small group discussion spaces. Send students to breakout rooms with a list of questions to work through together. This mimics the in-person small group method we discussed earlier. Students bond in intimate settings before sharing with everyone.

Virtual backgrounds can represent answers. Tell students to change their background based on their choice. Mountains for mountain lovers, beach for beach lovers. The visual representation is fun and creative.

Reaction emojis provide quick participation. Ask the question, assign each answer to a different emoji, and have students react accordingly. “Thumbs up for pizza, heart for tacos.” Everyone participates simultaneously with one click.

Collaborative documents work for written responses. Create a shared Google Doc where students type their answers. They can add comments explaining their reasoning. Quieter students often participate more fully in writing than speaking.

Gamification platforms like Kahoot or Quizizz turn these questions into competitive games. Students race to answer, earn points, and see leaderboards. The game format increases engagement for students who feel unmotivated in virtual settings.

Consistency matters even more online. Start every class with one question. Students know what to expect and come prepared. The routine helps them transition from their home environment to “school mode.”

Record students’ answers over time. Keep a spreadsheet of responses throughout the year. At the end, share how answers changed or stayed the same. Students love seeing their growth and evolution.

Virtual classrooms struggle with engagement more than physical ones. Students zone out, turn off cameras, or multitask during class. This or that questions pull them back in with quick, easy participation that requires minimal effort but maintains connection.

What Should You Do With the Answers You Collect?

Collecting answers is just the beginning. Smart teachers use the information they gather to improve teaching, build relationships, and create better classroom experiences. Here’s what to do with all those preferences and opinions.

Take notes about students’ answers. You don’t need to record everything, but jot down interesting responses. When you learn that Sarah loves drawing, you can incorporate more visual elements in her assignments. When you discover Mike is a night owl, you understand why he seems sleepy during first period.

Create interest groups based on shared preferences. All the students who love reading can form a book club. The sports enthusiasts can plan a class game day. Natural friend groups emerge when you connect students with common interests.

Use the information to personalize examples. If most of your class prefers pop music, reference popular songs when teaching rhythm in poetry. If they’re all obsessed with a certain video game, use it as an analogy for math concepts. Relevance increases engagement dramatically.

Display responses visually. Create bulletin boards showing class favorites. Make graphs of food preferences. Students love seeing their collective opinions represented. It also makes the classroom feel like it belongs to them.

Reference answers in future conversations. “Hey Alex, I remember you said you love Mexican food. Did you hear about the new taco place opening?” These callbacks show students you actually listen and care about what they share.

Identify outliers and check in with them privately. If one student’s answers are consistently different from everyone else’s, they might feel isolated. Make extra effort to connect with that student and help them find their place.

Adapt your teaching based on learning preference questions. If most students prefer visual learning, incorporate more diagrams and videos. If they hate homework right after school, maybe allow flexible deadlines. When you listen to their preferences, they feel respected and respond with better effort.

Share patterns with the class. “Interesting! Most of us prefer working in groups rather than alone. Why do you think that is?” Analyzing collective responses teaches data literacy and self-awareness.

Save questions and answers from year to year. Compare how different classes respond to the same questions. You’ll notice trends and differences that help you understand each unique group better.

How Do You Keep This or That Questions Fresh All Year?

The novelty wears off if you don’t keep things fresh. Students will groan if you pull out the same activity the same way every week. Here’s how to keep this or that questions engaging from September through June.

Change the format regularly. Use physical movement one week, digital polls the next, written responses after that. The variety keeps students guessing and engaged. They never know quite what to expect.

Rotate question categories. This week focus on food, next week do personality, then school preferences, then seasonal topics. The changing content maintains interest even though the activity structure stays familiar.

Let students take ownership. Have them create questions, lead the activity, or choose which questions to answer. Ownership increases investment. When it feels like their activity rather than yours, engagement skyrockets.

Connect to current events. Ask questions related to what’s happening in the world, popular culture, or school events. “Spirit week costume contest: decades day or cartoon day?” ties to actual experiences.

Make it competitive occasionally. Team challenges where groups debate their answers add excitement. Or track class preferences over time and see if opinions shift. Competition motivates certain students.

Combine with other activities. Use this or that questions as a break during longer lessons. Pair them with art projects where students illustrate their choices. Connect them to writing assignments. Integration prevents them from feeling stale.

Create themed weeks. Pet week features all animal questions. Food week is all about eating preferences. Sports week covers athletic activities. Themes create anticipation and structure.

Bring in special guests. Have the principal, school counselor, or student teachers answer questions with the class. Outside voices make the familiar activity feel new again.

Just like how thank you for being a friend messages keep friendships strong through consistent appreciation, regularly refreshed this or that questions keep your classroom community vibrant and connected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are this or that questions appropriate for all grade levels?

Yes, this or that questions work for all grade levels from kindergarten through high school. The key is choosing age-appropriate content and adjusting complexity based on developmental stage. Younger students need concrete, simple choices while older students can handle abstract concepts and deeper discussions.

How many questions should I use in one session?

It depends on your time and purpose. For quick warm-ups, use one to three questions taking five to ten minutes total. For extended community-building activities, you can use ten to fifteen questions over twenty to thirty minutes. Quality matters more than quantity.

What if a student refuses to participate?

No, you should not force participation. Respect student boundaries and allow them to pass if they’re uncomfortable. Sometimes questions touch sensitive topics or students simply aren’t ready to share. Forced participation damages trust and defeats the purpose of these activities.

Can these questions replace traditional icebreakers?

Yes, this or that questions can completely replace traditional icebreakers. They’re actually more effective than activities where students share three facts or describe themselves in one word. The choice-based format reduces anxiety and encourages fuller participation from all students.

How do I handle controversial answers?

Yes, address controversial answers directly but respectfully. Acknowledge the response, validate the student’s right to their opinion, and redirect to keep things positive. Set clear expectations that all choices deserve respect even when we disagree with them.

Yes, definitely share your own answers. Teacher participation models vulnerability and shows you’re part of the classroom community. Students want to know about you too. Your sharing encourages their sharing and builds stronger relationships.

What if students mock each other’s choices?

No, do not allow mocking or disrespectful comments. Address it immediately and clearly. Explain that this activity only works when everyone feels safe sharing honestly. Reinforce that different preferences make us interesting, not wrong.

Can I use these for assessment purposes?

No, these questions should not be used for formal assessment. They’re designed for community building and engagement, not grading. Students need to feel safe answering honestly without worrying about right or wrong responses affecting their grade.

How often should I use this or that questions?

Yes, use them regularly but not excessively. Once or twice per week works well for most classrooms. Daily use might lead to boredom while monthly use doesn’t provide enough consistency. Find the balance that keeps them feeling special in your specific context.

Do these questions work for large class sizes?

Yes, this or that questions work excellently for large classes. In fact, they’re easier to manage with big groups than many other activities. Digital polls, physical movement methods, and chat responses all scale up effectively regardless of class size.

Conclusion

This or that questions for back to school transform the new school year from stressful to exciting. They help students connect with each other quickly and authentically. Teachers learn about their students without forcing awkward sharing sessions. Everyone relaxes and remembers that school should include fun alongside learning.

We’ve given you over 250 fun back to school questions organized by category, plus strategies for implementation across different age groups and settings. You’ve learned how to create your own questions, avoid common mistakes, and keep the activity fresh all year long. You understand how these simple questions support shy students, build classroom community, and even work in virtual environments.

The best part? You can start tomorrow. Pick five questions from any category we covered. Try one method we suggested. Watch your students light up as they discover commonalities and share preferences. Notice how quickly strangers become classmates and classmates become friends.

Remember that building classroom culture takes time but these questions accelerate the process. Every answer is a window into someone’s personality. Every discussion is a chance for students to practice respectful disagreement. Every shared laugh over a silly question strengthens your classroom culture.

Don’t let this resource sit unused. Bookmark this page, print your favorite questions, or write them on notecards. Make this or that questions part of your teaching toolkit. Your students will thank you for making school a place where they feel known, understood, and valued.

The school year ahead is full of possibilities. Start it right with questions that matter, conversations that connect, and activities that remind everyone why we love learning together. Here’s to a year full of laughter, discovery, and genuine human connection—one simple choice at a time.

Ready to build the best classroom community you’ve ever had? Start asking questions. Your students are waiting to share their answers.