The first weeks of school are all about helping students feel comfortable in a new classroom community.
While routines and expectations are important, students also need opportunities to connect with one another in simple, low-pressure ways.
That’s one reason This or That questions are such a popular back-to-school activity.
They’re quick, engaging, and easy to use throughout the day. Most importantly, they help students share their personalities, discover common interests, and build relationships with classmates.
What Are This or That Questions?
This or That questions ask students to choose between two options.
For example:
- Pizza or tacos?
- Beach or mountains?
- Dogs or cats?
- Reading or drawing?
- Summer or winter?
Unlike more structured icebreakers, students can respond quickly and jump right into conversation.
The simplicity makes these questions accessible for all learners.
Why Students Love This or That Activities
One of the biggest advantages of This or That questions is that every student can participate.
There are:
- No right answers
- No academic pressure
- No lengthy explanations required
Students simply make a choice and share their thinking if they want to.
The activity feels more like a conversation than an assignment.
That often leads to laughter, surprising discoveries, and meaningful classroom connections.
Building Classroom Community Through Shared Interests
When students discover they have something in common, relationships begin to form naturally.
A simple question about favorite foods, hobbies, or books can spark conversations that continue long after the activity ends.
Students may discover:
- Shared interests
- Similar hobbies
- Favorite books
- Common experiences
At the same time, they learn that differences can make conversations more interesting.
A strong classroom community values both similarities and differences.
Encouraging Student Voice
The first weeks of school set the tone for classroom participation.
This or That questions give students a safe opportunity to speak up and share their opinions.
Because the questions are lighthearted and low-risk, even quieter students are often willing to participate.
These small moments help build confidence and establish a classroom culture where student voices matter.
Easy Ways to Use This or That Questions
One of the best things about This or That activities is their flexibility.
Morning Meeting
Use one or two questions to start the day with conversation and connection.
Bell Ringers
Display a question as students enter the room and discuss responses after attendance.
Brain Breaks
Use quick questions to reset energy between lessons.
Four Corners Activity
Assign each answer choice to a different area of the room and let students move to show their choice.
Partner Discussions
Students compare answers and discuss their reasoning.
This or That vs. Would You Rather
Teachers often ask which activity students enjoy more.
The truth is that both work well for building classroom community.
This or That
- Faster responses
- Great for quick discussions
- Easy for all students to join
Would You Rather
- Encourages deeper discussion
- Invites students to explain reasoning
- Often sparks longer conversations
Many teachers enjoy using both throughout the first weeks of school.
Together, they create multiple opportunities for students to connect and learn about one another.
A Ready-to-Use This or That Resource for Grades 3–5
If you’re looking for a low-prep way to encourage conversation and community-building, a ready-to-use This or That Questions for Back to School resource can save time while keeping students engaged.
Teachers often use This or That questions during:
- Morning meetings
- Bell ringers
- Brain breaks
- Indoor recess
- Community-building activities
The simple format makes them easy to implement throughout the school year.
You can also pair it with your Would You Rather and This or That Bundle for even more discussion opportunities.
Additional Back-to-School Resources
Looking for more ways to help students connect during the first weeks of school?
You may also enjoy:
- 11 Back-to-School Activities for Grades 3–5 That Build Classroom Community
- Student Interest Surveys for Grades 3–5: Building Connections from Day One
- Find Someone Who Activities for the First Week of School in Grades 3–5
- Would You Rather Questions That Help Students Connect During the First Week of School
Final Thoughts
Building classroom community doesn’t have to be complicated.
Sometimes the most effective activities are also the simplest.
This or That questions create opportunities for students to share, laugh, and learn about one another in ways that feel natural and fun.
During the first weeks of school, those small moments of connection can make a big difference.
Free Multicultural Bell Ringers for Grades 3–5
Looking for an easy way to continue building classroom community throughout the year?
Grab my free 20 Days of Multicultural Bell Ringers featuring:
- Identity and belonging prompts
- Global awareness topics
- Student discussion questions
- Critical thinking activities
- Low-prep morning work
Perfect for morning meetings, bell ringers, and classroom discussions.