TEACHER BLOG
9 Creative Ways to Break the Ice in Your Classroom
Jawaher Bucheeri
15 May, 2023
As a 6th grade English teacher, I know the importance of creating a comfortable and engaging classroom environment. And what better way to do that than with icebreaker activities? As the school year comes to a close and students prepare for their final exams, it can be easy to forget the importance of socializing and building relationships within the classroom.
In this article, I'll be sharing 9 fun and engaging classroom icebreaker activities that you can use to help create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for your students.
1 - TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE
This classic icebreaker game never gets old! Ask each student to come up with two true statements and one false statement about themselves. Then, have the class guess which statement is the lie. This game not only helps students get to know each other, but also helps build critical thinking skills.
2 - WOULD YOU RATHER?
This game is perfect for getting students talking and sharing their opinions. Ask students to choose between two options and explain why they made their choice. For example, "Would you rather be able to fly or be invisible?" This game can be adapted to fit any subject matter, making it a versatile choice for any classroom.
3 - THE NAME GAME
This is a great game for helping students learn each other's names. Have each student say their name and something that starts with the same letter as their name. Then, go around the room and have each student repeat the names and items of the students before them. This game not only helps students learn each other's names, but also improves memory skills.
4 - HUMAN KNOT
Have students stand in a circle and hold hands with two people across from them. Then, challenge them to untangle themselves without letting go of each other's hands. This game promotes teamwork and problem solving skills.
5 - THE INTERVIEW GAME
This game is perfect for getting students to share more about themselves. Pair up students and have them take turns interviewing each other about their likes, dislikes, hobbies, and goals. Then, have each student introduce their partner to the class. This game not only helps students get to know each other, but also improves communication skills.
6 - PICTIONARY
This classic game is a fun way to get students to work together and improve their communication skills. Divide the class into teams and have each team take turns drawing and guessing the drawings. This game can be adapted to fit any subject matter, making it a versatile choice for any classroom.
7 - JENGA QUESTIONS
Write conversation starters or questions on Jenga blocks and have students take turns pulling out a block and answering the question or starting a conversation based on the prompt. This game not only helps students get to know each other, but also improves listening and speaking skills.
8 - CHARADES
This game is a fun way to get students to work together and improve their communication skills. Divide the class into teams and have each team take turns acting out words or phrases while the rest of the team guesses. This game can be adapted to fit any subject matter, making it a versatile choice for any classroom.
9 - MEMORY LANE
Have students bring in an item from home that represents a special memory or experience they have had. Then, have each student share their item and the story behind it with the class. This game not only helps students get to know each other, but also improves public speaking skills.
As teachers, it's our responsibility to create a safe and engaging classroom environment for our students. By using these 9 fun and engaging icebreaker activities, you can help your students feel comfortable and build relationships with each other.
These activities can also improve critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and memory skills. So, go ahead and try out these icebreaker activities in your classroom - you won't regret it!
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WRITTEN BY
Jawaher Bucheeri
Hello, I'm Joo. I work as an English Teacher and Department Coordinator in a public school in Bahrain. My motto is, "if you're bored, so are they." I strive to connect with my students and make learning fun, meaningful and engaging.