A would you rather question is a simple but powerful tool in the elementary classroom. It invites each child to choose between two interesting options, sparking laughter, conversation, and critical thinking.
In this article you’ll learn how to use “Would You Rather” in elementary school: its benefits, strategies, question ideas, variations, and tips to keep it fresh and meaningful.
Why Use “Would You Rather” in Elementary School
- Builds classroom community
When students share their choices, they learn about classmates’ preferences, backgrounds, and personalities. That helps them feel connected and respected. - Encourages critical thinking
Kids don’t just choose — they explain why. That leads them to analyze trade-offs, evaluate options, and practice reasoning. - Boosts speaking & listening skills
Each student gets a chance to speak and listen. These mini exchanges help develop fluency, vocabulary, and respectful turn-taking. - Works as a brain break or warm-up
In low-stress, playful mode, “Would You Rather” breaks up the routine and resets students’ attention without mere busywork.
Recent surveys of teachers show that over 70 % use conversational prompt games weekly to increase student engagement.
How to Introduce “Would You Rather” to Students
Start with low stakes
Begin with silly or neutral questions (e.g. “Would you rather have a pet dragon or a pet unicorn?”). That lowers anxiety. Then gradually shift to more meaningful prompts.
Model your thinking
Think aloud: “I pick option A because…” Show how you weigh pros and cons.
Use partner shares
Let students discuss with a neighbor first, then share with the class. That gives quiet students confidence.
Rotate question modes
- Whole-class show of hands
- Move to a corner of the room for Option A or B
- “Turn & talk” pairs
- Quick writes (short journal answer: “I’d rather ____ because ____”)
Designing Great Questions
To keep things fresh, mix fun, academic, and values-based prompts.
Fun & Silly Prompts
These lighten mood and draw participation.
- Would you rather have candy that never runs out or toys that never break?
- Would you rather wear your shoes on your hands or gloves on your feet?
- Would you rather have to hop everywhere or crawl everywhere?
School-Themed Prompts
These tie into students’ everyday world.
- Would you rather have homework due every day or a big test once a week?
- Would you rather read a book or watch a video to learn a topic?
- Would you rather have class outside or stay indoors all day?
Reflective & Growth Prompts
Encourage deeper thinking, values, or self-reflection.
- Would you rather be kind even when someone is mean to you or always insist on fairness?
- Would you rather try something hard and fail or stick with what’s easy all the time?
- Would you rather be a leader in one thing or good in many things?
Sample Prompts by Grade Level
Grades K-2
- Would you rather play outside or inside?
- Would you rather eat ice cream or cake?
- Would you rather have a dinosaur or a robot as a friend?
Grades 3-5
- Would you rather organize a class party or lead a group presentation?
- Would you rather learn by doing experiments or listening to lectures?
- Would you rather have extra recess or no homework for one week?
Middle & Upper (bridging)
- Would you rather have school in space or underwater?
- Would you rather always sit in front row or the back?
- Would you rather speak every language or talk to animals?
These scale in complexity and fit students’ developmental levels. (Adapted from popular lists used in classrooms.)
Tips to Keep the Game Engaging
- Use visuals or sliders
Project a slide with two images and let students vote visually. - Add timer or pacing
Give students 20 seconds to decide and share — keeps momentum high. - Let students submit prompts
Reserve two minutes for students to write their own “Would You Rather” ideas for next class. - Follow up with writing or art
After the discussion, ask students to write a prompt or draw a scene of their choice. - Combine with curriculum
Tie to content: e.g. in science class ask, “Would you rather explore outer space or the deep ocean?” Then relate to learning units. - Rotate formats
Sometimes one student answers, sometimes groups debate, sometimes silent vote. Variation keeps the spark alive.
Sample Set of 30 Questions
- Would you rather have school in a treehouse or under the sea?
- Would you rather time travel to the past or the future?
- Would you rather read or listen to an audiobook?
- Would you rather have homework every day or one big project a month?
- Would you rather be able to fly or become invisible?
- Would you rather live in space or live in a submarine?
- Would you rather only wear your favorite color or never wear it again?
- Would you rather eat pizza forever or no pizza ever?
- Would you rather be the best in one subject or good in everything?
- Would you rather help a stranger or help a friend?
- Would you rather always tell the truth or always keep a secret?
- Would you rather explore a jungle or explore a cave?
- Would you rather have a pet dinosaur or a pet dragon?
- Would you rather be super strong or super smart?
- Would you rather sit next to your best friend or next to a new student?
- Would you rather lead a game or watch someone else lead?
- Would you rather travel the world or stay in your hometown forever?
- Would you rather read only fiction or only nonfiction?
- Would you rather have free ice cream or free pizza once a week?
- Would you rather meet an alien or travel to the moon?
- Would you rather be able to talk to animals or plants?
- Would you rather never have to sleep or never have to eat?
- Would you rather always win or always learn something?
- Would you rather have the ability to time travel or teleport?
- Would you rather invent something new or discover something lost?
- Would you rather plan class field trips or plan class art days?
- Would you rather teach someone something you love or learn something from someone else?
- Would you rather solve a mystery or write a mystery story?
- Would you rather be in charge of classroom rules or class jobs?
- Would you rather travel by flying carpet or teleportation device?
Use these as starters; encourage students to expand and remix.
Measuring Impact & Reflection
After several rounds, pause to reflect:
- Which prompts led to the best responses?
- Did quieter students start speaking more?
- Did students show more depth in reasoning?
- Which genres (fun, school, values) resonate most?
Gather anonymous feedback: “Which question was your favorite and why?” Use that to adapt future sessions.
Challenges & Solutions
Some students resist choosing
Solution: allow a “third option: neither” briefly, then stress that this game values every opinion.
Over time, repetitive feel
Solution: refresh prompt pool, turn it into “Would You Rather – Daily Question” and archive past prompts.
Unequal participation
Solution: rotate who speaks first, use partner shares, call on volunteers, and encourage but never force answers.
Abstract or philosophical prompts too hard
Solution: scaffold: guide students through pros and cons, or open small group talk first.
Conclusion
“Would You Rather” is more than a silly game — it’s a powerful tool for engagement, critical thinking, communication, and community in elementary school. By mixing fun, curriculum-based, and reflective prompts, rotating formats, and involving students in question creation, you keep the activity alive and relevant. Use the sample questions, adapt by grade, and reflect on what works best in your class.
If you start with one question a week and gradually build it into your classroom culture, you’ll notice warmer connections, enhanced curiosity, and stronger student voice.
