Every teacher knows that an icebreaker is an essential activity that needs to be done on the first day of school. Returning to school after a long summer break causes everyone a bit of anxiety.
Students are nervous about who their teacher is going to be and whether they will have friends in their classroom, so doing icebreakers will calm their nerves (and your own) and create an inviting classroom environment where students are excited to be back in the classroom.
When Should You Play an Icebreaker Game?
It’s helpful to do an icebreaker in the morning and another one after recess on the first day of school. I also find it beneficial to include a few more icebreakers throughout the first week.
You should play an icebreaker game after you have introduced yourself and have gone over some norms and procedures. Don’t start your first day immediately with an icebreaker. When your students sit down they are all ears, so play an icebreaker game after they have been listening to you talk for a while.
What Are the Best Icebreaker Games to Play?
The best icebreaker game for the first day of school should be a game that allows students to get to know one another. There are so many you can use, but here are some of my favorites.
#1 Name Game
Believe it or not, I actually remember playing this game when I was in elementary school as a child. It’s a classic because it works! I promise that this game will have you learning your students’ names instantly. It is simple to play and your students will learn each other’s names quickly too.
How to play:
Choose a student to go first and they say their name. For example. “Lisa.” Then the second student will say Lisa’s name and their name. “Lisa. Michael.” Then the third student says, Lisa, Michael, and their name.
The game continues until the last student has said everyone’s names and their. I finish the game by saying everyone’s names at the end.
Tips for Success:
If a student can’t remember someone’s name when it’s their turn, let the student who has that name give a hint: the first letter of their name. If the student still can’t remember the name, allow the other students to say their name for them.
#2 Classroom Survey
This is a fun Get-to-Know-You activity that allows your students to walk around and mingle. In addition, they practice graphing data and get to color.
How to play:
1. Hang survey questions around your classroom and students will answer each question with a dark-colored marker using a tally mark.
2. Pass out one completed Classroom Survey sheet for partners to analyze.
3. Students complete a graph based on the tally marks with a partner.
To make your life easier, I’ve created survey questions and an “Analyze Data Sheet” in English and Spanish which is included in my Classroom Survey Icebreaker resource.
#3 Roll a Category
This is a fun, interactive game that gets students thinking creatively.
How to play:
On the whiteboard, write numbers 1-6. Below each number write a row of categories (e.g., favorite book, hobby, dream vacation) and create another row under the numbers with random letters.
Students roll a die to select a category and then roll again to select a letter. They have 3 minutes to write down answers.
Tips for Succes:
- Play two songs while students walk around the classroom and make their choices.
- Do an example of how to graph results before students work independently
To simplify things, you can get this game with categories and letters already chosen for you HERE.
#4 Find Someone Who… Ice Breaker Game
This game is an oldie but a goodie that many teachers use. It gets students out of their seats and talking to different classmates.
How to play:
Give each student a “Find Someone who…” worksheet with prompts (e.g., “Find someone who has a pet,” “Find someone who loves pizza”). Students walk around and find classmates who match the prompts and write their names down.
When their sheet is completely filled with names they must sit down.
Tips for Success:
- Model how to ask questions with a volunteer.
- Remind students that they must ask the name of the person who matches the prompt and get the spelling correct.
- Make sure to join in the fun to model how to approach and speak to classmates.
#5 Cup Stacking Activity
This is a team-building icebreaker game that will create some laughter in your classroom. I like to save this one for the end of the day.
How to play:
Students work in teams of 3-4 and their goal is to be the first team to stack up cups using one rubber band with strings.
Two Variations:
1. Prepare all the rubber bands with the strings already tied to them. The amount of strings depends on the amount of students playing.
2. Provide string, scissors, and one rubber band and challenge your students to think of a way to stack the cups without actually touching the cups.
Variation 2 will require less work on your part and more critical thinking for your students. This year I’m going to try variation 2. I’ll let you know how it goes!
Final Thoughts
The first day of school can be a nerve-wracking experience for both students and teachers, so playing some icebreaker games is an effective way to alleviate some of that anxiety and foster a sense of community.
These icebreakers help students get to know one another, encourage teamwork, and keep the classroom atmosphere lively and inclusive. They integrate data analysis and creative thinking, making them both fun and educational.
Need Back to School activities to make your first week easier? I have a resource in my store that you can use year after year. You got this! Giselle
For more blog posts about Back-to-School, check out: