Back to School Discussion Prompts

Our back to school discussion prompts are for use at the beginning of a school term or year, i.e., in August and September or January. They encourage children to reflect and also energise and motivate them for the school term or school year ahead. A desire to learn, plan ahead and set goals are key elements of a ‘growth mindset’. These help equip children with positive and clear thinking skills, and drive to succeed in life.

What is the best thing about going to school?

Discussion is likely to range from an opportunity to learn, to meeting, making and socialising with friends. Some may also raise the idea of equipping themselves for life beyond school. This type of a question helps encourage a positive mindset, and appreciate the virtuous circle of meeting and making friends, discussing sharing interests, and learning from multiple sources – other children, as well as parents and teachers.

What did you learn during the holidays?

Discussion is likely to cover about people, places, and about sports, hobbies, and more. A question of this nature helps children realise that it is easy to learn things without even trying to. This encourages reflection and a questioning mindset. And in turn this helps them learn. All should be applauded.

For more holiday related teaching resources look at those from the adventure Spid the Spider Goes on Holiday.

What do you want to learn this year?

Again discussion is likely to cover school topics, such as reading, writing, and perhaps for some to master a new subject such as playing the piano, sports. Setting goals encourages a ‘growth mindset’ too. According to Malcolm Gladwell in his book Outliers it typically requires 10,000 hours of effort to become ‘world-class’ at something. Though he adds that this must be ‘quality’ time.

Assuming 40 hours week is invested then this is equal to around 5 years of elapsed time! It is a reason why world champions usually (but not always) start young. It is not uncommon for top athletes to reach the Olympics at an early age. For example, aged 15, Australian swimmer, Shane Gould won three gold medals. At the age of 14, Russian gymnast, Nadia Comăneci achieved the first perfect score of 10, as well as three gold medals.