It's almost time to get to know your new students! Many teachers do icebreaker activities throughout the first day so that both the teacher and the new students can get to know each other and learn all the new names. We asked our teacher friends for their favourite icebreaker activities and they delivered!
1. Two Truths and a Lie
Each person in the group gets a turn. One at a time each student tells the group two things about themselves that is true and one thing that is untrue. Everyone in the group has an opportunity to try to guess which statement was the lie.
2. Favourite Things
Hand out a "Few of my Favourite Things" list for students to fill out. Collect them all, then read them aloud and have students guess whose was whose.
3. Red Solo Cup Challenge
Students needed to work together using a rubber band and string to lift cups and put them into formations. For more directions click here.
4. Four Corners
Each person divides a piece of paper into four boxes. For each square, each person will describe themselves in the form of drawings. Choose these four topics in advance. For example, in the top left square, everyone could draw “favorite hobbies.” Share with the class.
5. Bippity Boppity Bumble Bee
Sit in a circle. Students say the rhyme while patting their thighs. Then one of the students says their name, and the rest of the class claps out the syllables in their name, then snap the syllables in their name, and then whisper their name. Go around the entire circle.
6. "Getting to Know You" or "Find a Friend" BINGO.
Students need to walk around and talk to classmates to fill in BINGO squares such as "a person who can play an instrument", "has more than two siblings", "lives on a farm", or "speaks another language".
7. Create a cooperative art decoration for the classroom
8. Math About Me
Have the kids use numbers to share about themselves. For example, they draw the number 7 and say their age is 2+5=7. Click here for more details.
9. Secret Cue Cards
Before any type of expectations are created, have students tell you what they wish you knew about them by writing them down on cue cards. No one but the teacher will see them. It's a nice way to potentially see behind the scenes.
10. Spaghetti Challenge
11. Saving Fred
Students need to get a gummy life saver around a gummy worm, without touching him or the lifesaver, and get him safely in his “boat” (which is a cup). For more info click here.
12. Zip Zap Zop!
Students stand in a circle and the first person says “Zip” and points to someone. Then that person says “Zap” and points to another person and then that person says “Zop” pointing to another person! Then that person would start at “Zip” again. You keep going till someone messes up and then they sit down! It’s really a lot of fun!!!
13. "My favourite icebreaker is our back to school open house, when the kiddos are free to come in and meet their new friends, get familiar with me, and explore our classroom. We do this on an evening the week before school starts and it makes the world of a difference come the first day. The kiddos are comfortable and eager to get back to exploring!"
14. Cercle de ressemblances/seul sur mon île
Kids stand in a circle and state a fact about themselves trying to get other kids to Step into the circle with them. Then we do the reverse and kids try to think of a fact that makes them unique.
BLOG FAQ
Icebreaker Activities for the First Day of School
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How does "Two Truths and a Lie" work as an icebreaker? In this activity, each student shares two true statements about themselves and one false statement. The rest of the group tries to guess which statement is the lie. It's a fun way for students to learn interesting facts about each other while practicing discernment.
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What is the "Favourite Things" icebreaker? Students fill out a list of their favorite things, which are then read aloud anonymously to the class. The class tries to guess who wrote each list based on the preferences shared. It's a simple yet effective way to discover common interests among classmates.
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Can you explain the "Red Solo Cup Challenge"? In this team-building activity, students work together using rubber bands and string to manipulate red solo cups into formations. It promotes collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills while engaging students in a fun and hands-on challenge.
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What is the "Four Corners" icebreaker about? Students divide a piece of paper into four sections and draw representations of themselves based on predetermined topics like hobbies or favorite foods. They then share their drawings with the class, sparking conversation and connections based on common interests.
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How does "Bippity Boppity Bumble Bee" work? Students sit in a circle and recite a rhyme while performing actions. One student says their name, and the rest of the class claps out the syllables, snaps the syllables, and whispers the name. It's a lively way to learn names and practice rhythm.
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What is "Getting to Know You" BINGO? Students mingle to fill in BINGO squares with facts about their classmates, such as musical talents or family size. It encourages interaction and helps students discover shared experiences or interests.
These icebreaker activities can set a positive tone for the school year by fostering connections, teamwork, and a sense of belonging among students.
