Effective Icebreaker Activities to Support Instruction
As educators gear up for a new school year, one of the core tasks on their agenda is building strong relationships with their students. Establishing a connection from the start of the year sets the tone for effective instruction and creates a positive learning environment where students feel valued and supported. Icebreaker activities create space to break down barriers, foster rapport, and learn about students outside the classroom. Teachers can experiment with a variety of icebreakers to determine which ones provide more impactful results.
Two Truths and a Lie
This classic icebreaker encourages students to share interesting facts about themselves while strengthening their critical thinking skills. Students break into small groups and each student presents two truths and one lie about their life. Peers guess which statement is false. This activity provides insights into students' backgrounds and interests and encourages active participation.
All About Me Collage
Provide students with magazines, newspapers, and art supplies. Ask them to create a collage that represents aspects of their identity. Students can include pictures, words, and symbols that reflect their personality, hobbies, family, and aspirations. These collages can be shared with the class, sparking discussions and connections based on shared interests and experiences.
Interview a Classmate
Pair students up and give them a set of questions to ask each other, such as their favourite book, hobbies, or dream vacation. Students then introduce their partner to the class, highlighting interesting facts from the interview. This activity encourages active listening, communication skills, and empathy while fostering a sense of classroom community.
Would You Rather
This fun and light-hearted icebreaker prompts students to make choices between two options, such as "Would you rather have super strength or the ability to fly?" or "Would you rather travel to the past or the future?" Students take turns answering the questions and explaining their choices, providing insights into their preferences, personalities, and values.
Scavenger Bingo
Create bingo cards with different characteristics or experiences, such as "plays a musical instrument," "has a pet," or "has travelled outside the country." Students mingle around the room, asking their classmates if they fit any of the descriptions on the bingo card and writing down their names. The first student to fill their bingo card wins a prize, and everyone gains a better understanding of their classmates' backgrounds and interests.
Incorporating these icebreaker activities into the first days and weeks of the school year sets a positive tone. As students share about themselves, connect with peers, and have space to be heard, a supportive and inclusive classroom community is established. Effective instruction relies on a foundation of strong relationships. Icebreakers are an invaluable tool for forging these connections from day one.
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With over 13 years on the Accreditation Review Panel for the Ontario College of Teachers and a history of teaching at the University of Toronto and York University, Nina's voice is grounded in extensive experience. She has significantly contributed to professional learning at the Ontario Public Supervisory Officers’ Association (OPSOA) and served as a coach for the Ontario Principals' Council. Recognized for impactful partnerships with community agencies and families, Nina is a driving force behind fostering public confidence and elevating student achievement.
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