7 Happy Hour Topics Teachers Can Discuss Besides School

By Diana Eastman

We’ve all been there. We text our teacher friends to meet us at our favorite happy hour spot, and we all swear we won’t bring up grades or students or curriculum or anything else that is school related. 

And then 8 minutes in, we’re discussing IEP’s and math standards and test scores. So the next time you’re out with your teacher friends and swear not to talk about school stuff, here are 7 fun things you can talk about besides school: 

Start A Band 
Go around the table and take turns listing the first two objects that come to mind to create the name of the next indie rock band. Will it be Fork Pepper? Iphone Wallet? Or maybe Napkin Purse? After everyone goes, take a vote to see who wins! Chances are, the name of the band will forever be an inside joke between you. 

Lip Sync Fun 
Pick a person or group of people across the room and make up a conversation for them based on their facial expressions and body language. Don’t get too crazy or they'll catch you! 

Hobbies and Interests 
Since you’re not talking about work, talk about what you do when you’re not working. Ask people about their favorite sports teams, hobbies, favorite movies and what they do on the weekends (besides lesson plan and grade papers). Ask about pets, people love talking about their four-legged family members. 

Travel 
Share your best and worst travel story. Tell ‘em about the time the kid threw up on you on the plane (wait until after dinner for this one) and then tell them about the time you faced your fear of heights and went bungee jumping. Find out who has traveled the farthest, compare travel methods (road trips vs. air travel) and share tips on where to go and what to do. 

The Good Ol’ Days 
Start naming things that remind you of your childhood, and people will quickly join in your game of “remember when.” Before there were fidget spinners and Snapchat, what did you do to stay entertained? Discuss horrible fashion trends that you’re embarrassed you tried or toys/gadgets that you loved the most. Even if your peers are of all different ages, talking about the good ol' days is something everyone can get in on. 

Most Embarrassing Moments 
Muster up the courage to share one of your most embarrassing moments with the group. It shows vulnerability and trust, while also providing a pretty good laugh for everyone else. After you share, someone else may share theirs, and you may learn a few new things about your coworkers that you never knew before. 

Would You Rather? 
Get peoples’ brains working by asking “Would You Rather?” type questions. You’ll learn a lot about your coworkers when you hear some of their answers. Saying “Neither” or “None” isn’t an option, they have to pick one! Here are a few to get you started: 

 • Would you rather have a dog with a cat’s personality or a cat with a dog’s personality? 

• Would you rather have a Lamborghini in your garage or a bookcase with 9000 books?  

• Would you rather have free Wi-Fi wherever you go or have free coffee where/whenever you want? 

 • Would you rather have no one to show up for your Wedding or your funeral? 

Talking about favorite foods, places, movies, music, and celebrities are all great ways to get to know your co-workers and avoid talking about work. Chances are, the conversation will flow towards work since that is what you all have in common, and mentioning a funny story or observation about your day isn’t off limits, but don’t let it linger there. Instead, use some of these creative ideas to re-direct the conversation so you’re talking about things that really matter to everyone and that help form deeper connections between coworkers.