Icebreakers

Icebreakers for new classes.

We are all unique!

Invite students to list some traits that make them unique. From that list, I create a bingo-like card with a square for each student; I write one fact from each student's list in one of the squares. Then the fun begins! Students must ask one another if they "sleep with a stuffed lizard" or another question that relates to the information in one of the squares. When students identify the person who matches the information in a square, that person writes his or her initials in the box. Set a time limit and see who collects the most initials before time runs out. We learn some very interesting things about one another. This activity reveals commonalities and creates lively conversation

Chivalrous Couples (Physical Activity)

One person with a loud voice will stand on a chair or other high place so that they can be seen above the heads of the group. After you have explained the game and everyone is ready the person on the chair will call out one of the following couples: Knight and Queen, Prince and Princess, and Horse and Rider. When one of these three couples is called people must get into pairs. If Horse and Rider were called one of the people in the pairs will be the Horse and one will be the Rider. Then the pairs will get into the correct formation.

Each of the three chivalrous couples has its own formation that goes with it. The Knight and Queen's formation is one person as the "Knight" down on one knee and the other person as the "Queen" sitting on the "Knight's" knee. The Prince and Princess formation is one person as the "Prince" will have the the other person, the "Princess," in their arms. The Horse and Rider formation is the "Horse" will be standing up and the "Rider" will be riding piggy-back on the "Horse."

The last pair to get into the correct formation is either out of the game or they "Take 5" off to the side of the group. After one chivalrous couple has been called and one or two pairs of people have been eliminated have the group mingle. Then randomly call another couple. Have the group try to get into pairs with different people at every round. Play as long as it is still fun and exciting.

Hint: If you have kids and adults or big and small kids let them know that it will be easier to have the littler person of the pair as the "Queen," "Princess," or "Rider."

Clump (Physical Activity)

Have everyone stand at least five feet apart, so that when you spread out your arms, you're not touching anyone else's arms.

The leader then shouts out: "Clump of [some number]"

Everyone then has to huddle together in a group huddle or "clump" of that many people. There should usually be people left over because there aren't enough people to form a full clump.

If you can't form a clump, then you're out! The game ends with a clump of two, and those two win the round!