Back to School Scattergories – 4 Free Printable Game Boards

Back to school Scattergories is a fun and simple way to kick off the school year with some friendly competition and quick thinking.

Whether you’re in the classroom or at home, this printable is a great addition to your first day of school worksheets.

With categories like school supplies, subjects, and classmates’ names, it’s an easy icebreaker that helps kids warm up to learning again, without feeling like a lesson.

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How to Play Scattergories

This back to school Scattergories printable comes with four game boards, each built around a themed word: READ, PLAY, STAR, and MATH.

Each letter acts as the starting point for a list of school-themed categories.

Players race to come up with unique answers for each category that begin with the given letters. If no one else writes the same word, you score a point.

It’s quick to set up, fun to play, and a great way to start the year with some laughter and learning.

The printable is free for personal or classroom use only. Scroll to the bottom of this post to access the PDF.

Game Categories

Here’s a quick look at what your students (or family) will brainstorm:

• School subjects – Math, science, art, or anything taught in class.
• School supplies – Think pencil cases, rulers, and everything in between.
• Cafeteria food – From pizza to mystery meat—whatever fits.
• Book titles – A great excuse to mention favorites or recent reads.
• Classroom items – Desks, whiteboards, glue sticks, etc.
• Teacher names – Mr. Smith or Ms. G—it’s all fair game.
• School activities – Recess, assemblies, talent shows.
• Colors – Good for younger players or a mental break.
• Classmates’ names – Perfect as an icebreaker on day one.
• Sports – Soccer, baseball, dodgeball—bring on the P.E. vibes.

Educational Benefits of Scattergories

Classroom Scattergories helps kids build vocabulary, stretch their thinking, and make quick decisions under pressure. Each category encourages them to use what they know in creative ways, whether they’re naming books, school supplies, or sports.

Because the game rewards unique answers, it pushes kids to think beyond the obvious. That kind of flexible thinking builds confidence and problem-solving skills they’ll use across subjects.

Playing in a group also supports communication and social development. Kids learn to take turns, listen to others’ ideas, and celebrate clever answers—all while having fun.

It’s a simple way to support learning at home or in the classroom without it feeling like schoolwork.

Fun Prize Ideas for the Winner

Add a little extra excitement to your game by offering a small prize to the winner. Here are a few fun (and affordable) ideas that work well in classrooms or at home:

• Mini school supplies – Think gel pens, erasers, or pencil toppers
• Stickers – Easy, mess-free, and always popular
• Small fidget toys – Great for early finishers or focus breaks
• Inexpensive trophy – Kids love recognition, even for silly wins

These little extras can make Scattergories even more fun, especially during that first week when everyone’s still adjusting.

More Free First Week of School Activities

Looking for more easy ways to ease into the school year? These printables are all classroom-friendly and great for early routines:

• Start with a back to school word scramble to get kids thinking and laughing as they unscramble school-themed words.
• Use the back to school word search as a calming activity that still builds focus and vocabulary.
• Reinforce key terms with a back to school crossword puzzle that encourages problem-solving and spelling.
• Get students writing from day one with back to school writing prompts that invite them to reflect on goals, memories, and more.

These pair well with the Scattergories game for a mix of independent and group-friendly activities.

Get the Free First Day of School Scattergories Here!

Ready to grab your free printable? Just pop your name and email into the form below, and it’s all yours!

If you don’t see the form below, click here to get the free school scattergory boards.

Try These Seasonal Scattergories Printables Too

If your kids enjoy the back to school version, they might also like these themed sets:

• Summer Scattergories – Great for camp days or rainy afternoons
• Fall Scattergories – With categories tied to leaves, pumpkins, and autumn fun
• Halloween Scattergories – A spooky twist perfect for October classroom parties

Last Updated on 25 May 2025 by Clare Brown