The list of discussion questions on this page is part of a publication called Number One ESL Discussion Book & Reference Guide.
1. What is your earliest childhood memory?
2. What were some of your favorite games or activities to play as a child?
3. Can you recall a particularly memorable family vacation from your childhood?
4. How do you think your upbringing has influenced the person you are today? What lessons did you learn from your parents or caregivers during your childhood?
5. Did you have any childhood role models? Who were they? Why were these people your role models?
6. Can you share a funny or embarrassing childhood story?
7. What was your favorite subject in school when you were a child? Why did you like __________?
8. What pets did you have growing up? How did they impact your childhood?
9. Describe your childhood home and neighborhood: Did you live in a house or an apartment? How many people lived in your home? Where in the city was your neighborhood? How far from school did you live? How did you get to school every day?
10. What special traditions did you have in your family when you were growing up?
11. How do you think smartphones and tablets have changed the childhood experiences of today’s children compared to when you were young?
12. What was your favorite book or movie as a child? Do you still enjoy it now?
13. Can you recall a time when you got into trouble as a child? What happened?
14. What was your favorite meal or snack as a child?
15. What hobbies or interests did you have as a child?
16. How did you spend your holidays when you were a child?
17. Can you share a memory of a significant accomplishment from your childhood?
18. Did you have any close childhood friends? How did you meet them? Do you still have contact with them?
19. How did your family celebrate important milestones, such as graduations or birthdays, when you were a child?
20. What was your favorite toy or possession as a child? Do you still have it?
21. Can you recall a time when you had to overcome a fear or challenge as a child?
22. How do you think your childhood experiences compare to those of children today?
23. Did you have any nicknames (like “Carrot” or “Penguin”) or special terms of endearment (like “Baby” or “Honey”) as a child? Who gave them to you? Do people still call you by your nickname today?
24. What do you miss most about being a child?