Three Easy Icebreaker Games for the First Week of School
- Doug Harvey
- Aug 4, 2024
- 2 min read
The first week of school is an exciting time, but it can also be a bit overwhelming for both students and teachers. One great way to help everyone feel more comfortable and start building a positive classroom community is by playing icebreaker games. Here are three easy icebreaker games you can do in the first week of school to help your students get to know each other and have fun.
Front Vs. Back
How to Play:
- Start by asking a question that has two possible answers, like "Do you prefer cats or dogs?" or "Do you like pizza or burgers?"
- Designate one side of the room as "Front" for one answer and the other side as "Back" for the other answer.
- Students move to the side of the room that matches their preference.
Why It Works:
This game gets students moving and interacting with each other. It helps them find classmates with similar interests and gets everyone talking. Plus, it's a great way to learn more about your students' likes and dislikes.
2. Two Truths and a Lie
How to Play:
- Arrange students into small groups.
- Each student writes down two true statements and one false statement about themselves.
- One by one, students read their three statements aloud.
- The group tries to guess which statement is the lie.
Why It Works:
This game is a fun way for students to share interesting facts about themselves and learn about their classmates. It encourages participation, helps break the ice, and sparks conversations. Plus, it’s a great way for you to learn some fun facts about your students.
3. Stand or Sit
How to Play:
- Prepare a list of questions or statements, such as "Stand if you have a pet," "Stand if you love ice cream," or "Stand if you have traveled to another country."
- Read each question or statement aloud, and students either stand or sit based on whether it applies to them.
Why It Works:
We love activities that are interactive and get students moving! It helps them learn more about each other in a visual way and encourages classroom participation and engagement.
Conclusion
Icebreaker games like these are simple yet effective ways to start building a positive classroom community. They help students feel more comfortable, encourage interaction, and create a fun atmosphere right from the start. Give these games a try during the first week of school and watch your students begin to form connections and friendships.
Try Our Free Icebreaker Game!
The games we've described are simple to create and facilitate. We understand how busy teachers are, so we've made a digital version of "Front Vs. Back" available for FREE download! We hope this resource is helpful for you on your teaching journey. 😎
