Back-to-School Riddles for Kids (With Answers!)

Discover 20+ fun and engaging back-to-school riddles for kids with answers!

These riddles are perfect for easing your students back into a classroom setting during the first week of school. They’re not only hilarious, but they will also encourage creativity, boost your students’ critical thinking, and start conversations with their new classmates. Building friendships and teamwork as a class.

Why Riddles Are Great For Back-to-School?

First of all, I think riddles are a beautiful way to break the ice and get your students comfortable with both you and their new classmates. 

It’s also a low-pressure brain exercise that challenges kids to think outside the box in a playful way.

No grades, no tests—just fun.

And lastly, riddles are just plain fun. Who doesn’t love a good groan-worthy pun every now and then?

Funny Back-to-School Riddles for Kids 

Here are over 30 funny and creative back-to-school riddles I’m confident that your students will love.

Riddle 1. What school supply is always tired?

Answer: A knapsack!

Riddle 2. Why did the student eat his homework?

Answer: Because his teacher said it was a piece of cake!

Riddle 3. What did the pencil say to the paper?

Answer: “I dot my i’s on you!”

Riddle 4. Why did the book join the school band?

Answer: Because it had too many notes!

Riddle 5. What’s a math teacher’s favorite type of tree?

Answer: Geometry!

Riddle 6.. What did the calculator say to the student?

Answer: “You can count on me!”

Riddle 7. Why don’t scissors ever win arguments?

Answer: Because they always get cut off!

Riddle 8. What do you call a nervous pencil?

Answer: Sketchy!

Riddle 9. Why did the ruler get a job at the school?

Answer: It always measures up!

Riddle 10. Why was the music teacher stuck outside the classroom?

Answer: Because she left her keys on the piano!

Let’s Keep the Laughter Going!

Already cracking up?

Perfect!

But we’re not done yet.

These next riddles are perfect for morning meetings and first-day-of-school activities.

Riddle 11. What’s a school bus’s favorite part of the school day?

Answer: When it gets to go home!

Riddle 12. Why did the teacher wear sunglasses in class?

Answer: Because her students were so bright!

Riddle 13. What kind of school do surfers go to?

Answer: Boarding school!

Riddle 14. Why did the student take a ladder to school?

Answer: Because he was going to high school!

Riddle 15. What do you get when you cross a teacher with a vampire?

Answer: Lots of blood tests!

Transitioning Into More Riddle Fun

See what I mean? These riddles are perfect for easing back into learning while keeping things light. If you’re still with me (and I hope you are!), let’s dive into a few themed sets — organized by subject! Because why not sneak in a little learning while the giggles are flowing?

Classroom Riddles

These riddles are all about the classroom itself—desks, pencils, books, and more.

Riddle 16. I hold your books and come with straps. I go on your back, what am I?

Answer: A backpack!

Riddle 17. I come in many colors and help you draw. But I’m not a crayon. What am I?

Answer: A marker!

Riddle 18. You use me to erase, but I’m not magic. What am I?

Answer: An eraser!

Reading Riddles

Perfect for library time or storytime transitions!

Riddle 19. I’m filled with pages, words, and fun. Open me up when your work is done.

Answer: A book!

Riddle 20. I have a cover, but I’m not a bed. I’m full of stories that you can read in your head.
I live on a shelf and love quiet places.
What am I?

Answer: A book!

Math Riddles

Let’s sneak in some numbers while we’re giggling.

Riddle 21. I’m a shape with three sides and three points—what am I?

Answer: A triangle!

Riddle 22. I help you add, subtract, and divide. You can press my buttons. What am I?

Answer: A calculator!

Riddle 23. What did zero say to eight?

Answer: “Nice belt!”

Bonus: Riddle Ideas for the First Day of School

Here are a few ways to incorporate riddles into your back-to-school routines:

Riddle of the Day Board – Post a new riddle each morning and have students guess the answer by first recess.

Riddle Scoot Game – Place riddles at different stations around the classroom for your students to solve in pairs or small groups.

Welcome Letter with Riddles – Add a few riddles to your welcome-back letter or email to make it more engaging.

Riddles For The First Day Of School

Sharing some silly riddles is such a simple yet powerful way to help your kiddos feel relaxed and excited about being back in the classroom. Whether you’re reading these aloud during circle time, morning meet-ups, or waiting for the bell to ring.  Let me assure you that you’re not just telling jokes. You’re helping build confidence, your classroom community, and curiosity.

One Last Riddle Before You Go…

Riddle 24. What’s always in school but never gets graded?

Answer: The bell!

Now it’s your turn. Do you have any favorite back-to-school riddles? Drop them in the comments and let’s keep the giggles going!

More Fun Back-to-School Resources For You

Here are some related posts you may be interested in for your students:

• First week back to school fun packet
• All about me activities that build confidence in the classroom
• Classroom management activities for kids
• Free back-to-school activity mat
• 16 Free back to school coloring pages

Pin These Back-to-School Riddles For Kids

So go ahead, pin this post, print out your favorites, or just memorize one or two to share with your students. And while on Pinterest, please consider following me for more fun and engaging kids’ activities.