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Whether you’re a mom looking for a fun way to bond with your kids or a teacher seeking a way to spark conversation amongst your students to help them make new friends, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve I’ve gathered up all the best conversation starters for kids of all ages. Plus, I’ve create a set you can download and print to get the conversations started today!
Use Conversation Starters for Kids to Learn & Grow
Conversation starters for Preschoolers to develop early language skills. And conversation starters for Kindergartners to expand their vocabulary. Even printable conversation cards for kids to gain social-emotional learning and empathy. Here you’ll find tons of thought-provoking questions for kids of all ages — and their parents, too! So, let’s get started…
First, Some Tips for Using Conversation Starters
Before we get started, here are some simple tips to help you get the most out of the conversation starters below.
Ask Open-Ended Questions — Skip the yes or no questions or questions that require one-word answers and ask questions that require more detailed answers instead. For example, instead of “Who is your favorite teacher?”, say “Tell me about your favorite teacher.”
Add “Why?” — If you do find kids answering with simple words, you can always encourage more in-depth conversation by adding the simple question of “Why?”
Encourage Positivity — While all emotions are valid and important to explore with children, there may be times or environments when you will want to steer kids towards more positive conversation. For those times, try wording questions like “Tell me/us what you like about…” or “Tell me/us a good memory about…”
Or, Be Prepared for Negativity — On the other hand, negativity and strong emotions are inevitable sometimes. So you just have to be prepared and support kids when they’re having them. Mostly, kids need to feel listened to and have their feelings validated. So listen and show empathy without interrupting or shutting them down or “correcting” them.
The Ultimate List of Conversation Starters for Kids — of All Ages!
Now, let’s get to the fun. We’ve created some free printable conversation cards for kids that can be found below. But, if you’re looking for inspiration to create your own question cards or just need some good ideas for quick conversation beyond “How was school today?”, try some of these great questions categorized by conversation starter topic.
Alternatives to “How was your day?”
First, let’s explore some alternatives to the typical “How was your day?” to get your kids talking more after school.
1. What made you laugh today?
2. What made you happy today?
3. Who did you play with at recess today?
4. What is the best thing that happened today?
5. What is the worst thing that happened today?
6. What is something new you learned today?
7. What question(s) did you ask the teacher today?
8. What made you feel proud today?
9. What made you feel frustrated today?
10. What do you feel grateful for today?
Questions About Themselves
Now, what is the topic we humans naturally like the most? Ourselves! And kids are no different. It’s always easy to get kids talking by asking them questions about themselves. Plus, it’s a great way to get children thinking reflectively and exploring their role in the world.
11. What three words best describe you?
12. What is your best quality or the best thing about you?
13. What makes you different?
14. What makes you happiest?
15. What frustrates you the most?
16. What makes you laugh?
17. What is the funniest thing you’ve ever done?
18. What do you find really easy to do?
19. What is challenging for you?
20. What is your biggest pet peeve (thing that annoys you)?
Favorites (and Least Favorites)
Some of the best topics for sparking conversation in kids are asking about their favorite things! On the other hand, you can ask about their least favorite things, too. But, if you do, just be prepared for potential negativity.
21. What is your favorite toy and why?
22. What is your favorite game (or video games) and why?
23. What is your favorite place and why?
24. What is your favorite cartoon character and why?
25. What is your favorite TV show or movie and why?
26. What is your favorite song or kind of music and why?
27. What is your favorite book and why?
28. What is your favorite color and why?
29. What is your favorite candy and why?
30. What is your favorite food or meal and why?
31. What is your favorite restaurant and why?
32. What is your favorite ice cream flavor and why?
33. Who is your favorite teacher and why?
34. What is your favorite subject in school and why?
35. What is your favorite part of the day and why?
36. What is your favorite day of the week and why?
37. What is your favorite holiday and why?
38. What is your favorite gift you’ve ever received and why?
Most Important Things & Memories
Now, another good conversation starter topic for kids is asking about what’s most important to them. Plus, these topics often encourage them to share positive memories, too.
39. Do you have any pets? If so, what do you like about them? If not, what pet would you like to have?
40. Do you have any siblings? If so, what do you like about them? If not, do you wish you did?
41. What is your favorite thing about your parent(s)/guardian(s) (or another special adult)?
42. Who do you consider a good friend? What do you like about them?
43. Do you play a musical instrument? If so, why that one? If not, what instrument would you like to play?
44. How do you usually celebrate your Birthday?
45. Tell about a family vacation you’ve been on. Or, tell about one you wish you could go on.
46. Tell about a family tradition your family has. Or, tell about a tradition you wish your family had.
Imaginative & Creative Conversation Topics
Conversation is also a great way to get kids exploring and expanding their imagination and creativity. So, these questions are designed to elicit creative responses, which often result in some giggles, too!
47. If you could have the perfect day, what would it be like?
48. If you could live anywhere, where would you live and why?
49. If you were your parent for a day, what would you do?
50. If you were the president for a day, what would you do?
51. If you could change your name, what would you change it to and why?
52. If you could have a super power, what would it be and what would you do with it?
53. If you were a robot, what would your skills be and why?
54. If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?
55. If you were a toy, what would you be and why?
56. If you were a color, which would you be and why?
57. If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would you choose and why?
58. If you could be a character in a cartoon, TV show, or book, who would you be and why?
59. If you wrote a book, what would it be about and what would the title be?
60. If you could go back in time, what era or event would you go back to and why?
61. If you could meet anyone from any time period, who would it be and what would you ask them?
62. If you could go on a shopping spree, which store would you choose and what would you buy?
63. If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?
64. If you could have three wishes granted, what would they be?
Looking to the Future
Now, you can also use conversation starters to get kids looking ahead. And talking about their goals and dreams can help kids build excitement and hope for the future.
65. What do you think you will be like when you are an adult?
66. What do you think your family will be like when you are an adult?
67. What job do you hope you have when you are an adult?
68. Where do you hope you live when you are an adult?
69. What kind of house do you hope you live in when you are an adult?
70. What kind of car do you hope you drive when you are an adult?
71. What do you think a day might be like when you’re 18?
72. What do you think a day might be like when you’re 50?
73. What do you think a day might be like when you’re 100?
74. What do you think will be different about the world when you are an adult?
Exploring Emotions
And, if you’re up for it, try some of these topics about emotions that encourage social-emotional learning. But, some are more suited to older kids and teens, so use discretion and your understanding of your kids’ maturity level.
75. Who is someone you look up to and why?
76. What do you think makes someone brave?
77. How do you usually show someone you care about them?
78. Have you ever had difficulty with friendships? If so, how did you handle it?
79. What makes someone a good friend?
80. Do you ever feel jealous of others? What makes you feel that way?
81. Is there anything about yourself you wish you could change?
82. Have you ever experienced peer pressure? If so, how did you handle it?
83. Have you ever been bullied on social media? If so, how did you handle it?
84. What really annoys you and why?
85. What makes you feel anxious or worried? And how do you handle it?
86. What is your biggest worry about adulthood?
87. What makes you feel better when you’re sad?
88. How have you helped someone recently?
More Meaningful Conversations
And, here are some weightier topics to inspire more meaningful connection. But, again, some are more suited to older kids and teens, so use discretion.
89. What do you think would make the world a better place?
90. What law would you change if you could? Or, what new law would you create?
91. What school rule would you change if you could? Or, what new rule would you create?
92. If you could create a charity, what cause would it support?
93. Would you ever want to be famous? If so, for what? If now, why not?
94. Who are your heroes? What qualities do you admire in them?
95. How would you change schools to make them better?
96. Do you believe in aliens? If so, what do you think they are like?
97. Do you believe in spirits or ghosts? Why or why not?
98. Where do you think we go after we die?
99. If you only had one month to live, what would you do?
Free Printable Conversation Cards for Kids of All Ages
Now, get the conversation started today with these free printable conversation starters for kids!
First, download the printable conversation cards file. Then, print them and cut them out. Finally, add them to a mason jar in the middle of your dining table to inspire some family fun at mealtime. Or, if you’re a teacher, keep them in your classroom for an instant activity the kids will love!
Now, Get Your Free Printable Conversation Starters Here:
Conversation Starters & Games on Amazon:
If you don’t want to use these printable conversation starters, check out these games and toys on Amazon that will inspire some conversation with the kids…
Let’s Mingle Kids Conversation Card GameLearning Resources Conversation CubesTableTopics Family – 135 Conversation Starter CardsReally Good Stuff Morning Meeting Chips for KidsOUR MOMENTS Families: 100 Conversation Starter Cards for Families and KidsSkillmatics Card Game – Train of Thought, Family Connection & Conversation StartersOpen The Joy Let’s Chat 3–1 Conversation Starters Cards for KidsBestSelf Little Talk Deck – Kids Conversation Cards for FamiliesSmart School Beach Ball Conversation Starter GameSUSSED Wacky Conversation Starters Card Game
Like this Resource? Save It & Share It!
Then, don’t forget to save this resource to come back to. And, share it with friends! Simply use the buttons at the top or bottom of this post. Or, click here: Share on Facebook | Tweet It | Pin It | Email to a Friend
And, Find More Kids Conversation Ideas from B-Inspired Mama:
- Fun After School Conversation Starter Game
- 10 Family Dinner Time Question Alternatives to “How Was Your Day?”
The Educational Tourist says
I can’t tell you how much I love this idea! We travel a lot which gives us lots of time to talk. Conversations starters can be so much fun especially when you are at dinner waiting on the food. I’m always on the lookout for new conversation starters. I’m going to share a link to this on my blog!
Krissy of B-Inspired Mama says
Yes, conversation starters are perfect for printing and carrying on a ring in your purse when your traveling and waiting in restaurants or bored on a flight or long car ride. Thanks for stopping by and for sharing!
Danielle Priser says
I provide a healthy lifestyle for my family by teaching them the importance of cooking for yourself. The less you depend on prepackaged foods with all those chemicals- the better!
jenn b says
I try to always buy organic and have healthy snacks on hand
Gabby K. says
I provide a healthy lifestyle by cooking dinner at home and encouraging family walks when the weather permits.
Cass Sudduth says
We try to limit the candy intake. We keep fruits and veggies on hand for and alternate snack option.
Noelle Cagle says
We don’t really watch TV, but we try to use creativity to fill our time.
Kim D says
I make dinner from scratch to avoid processed junk 🙂
Sherri says
We make everything from scratch – no processed foods here 🙂
Fiona N says
I provide a healthy lifestyle for my family by trying to cook homemade food as much as I can no matter how busy I am!
Thank You for the chance
Chelsea A says
By getting out of the house regularly instead of just sitting on our tablets/video games.
Tara says
I try to set a good example for my kids by eating healthy!
Tara says
I only keep healthy snacks in the house! No cookies or chips here!
Tasha Wilkerson says
We make a huge effort to have at least 4-5 colors on our plate for dinner each night.
Cheryl Larimer says
I do most of the cooking and shopping in our home. I check labels at the store and try to bring as much natural and fresh food home as possible. I cook without adding salt and make sure we have fruit and veggies at every meal and around for snacking.
Patricia Delgado says
We always make time for a family dinner because it’s very important. We have 2 hours at least of physical play each day. I involve the kids in the preparing and choosing of the meals so they can make healthy choices and I give them a daily multi vitamin.
Trisha Burgess says
We try by always having healthy options at eye level! If you see it you’re more likely to enjoy it! It works for us!
Sara R says
We keep junk food out of the house. Out of site, out of mind!
Wehaf says
We try to make good food choices, and we are very active – walking, hiking, biking, etc.
Joy Q says
I provide a healthy lifestyle for my family by buying organic and cooking healthier foods.