Icebreakers - when and how often?
I'm curious whether many of you use icebreakers only on the first day of class, or whether they are a recurring part of your curriculum.
I find that it depends upon a number of factors, including the size of the class, the personalities of the students, and at what time and how often the class meets. The subject matter can also be a factor. For instance, I taught a once-a-week speech class last quarter, and I included short icebreaker activities in nearly every class session (I felt this was especially appropriate for speech because knowing more about their classmates would help the students to become less nervous about speaking in front of them).
Any thoughts?
Hi Tanya,
I like "two lies and the truth". Here the students share with another student three things about themselves. Two of them are not true and one of them is. It is up to the other student to guess which one is the truth. This generates a lot of laughter and talking. I then pull the whole class together and we share some of the truths we have learned that seemed to be more like lies.
Another one I use is inner circle outer circle. I put the students into two circles. A large circle and a smaller circle inside of that. I have each student face outward from the inner circle. They introduce themselves and tell two important things about their lives. Then they move over one space and share with another student. If the class is small enough I have students move around the entire circle. If I have a large class I spend about 15 minutes letting them move and talk. Again a lot of fun and helps the students get to know each other.
Hope this gets you started with using ice breakers to start off classes.
Gary
What are some of your favorite icebreakers?
I usually have a power point up with general info about me and talk about my experience in the real world. I also give them a little personal info (Things I like to do (example camping, fishing, etc)). I then have the students one at a time to give me a little info about them, so if other students in the class have similar interests maybe they can work together.
I agree the students love getting involved and the change does them good.
I consistently use ice breakers in those classes where there is frequent group interaction planned throughout the semester. I have found that using various techniques is a viable way to create groups for in-class activities.
Hi Shantana,
Good point about ice breakers. I use them throughout the course as well. When my students start to wear down I pull out an activity that gives them a bit of a think break even though we are doing things that revolve around the course content.
Gary
I think ice breakers are a great way to literally break the ice!! I use them with my business as well. There are numerous ones out there to use. It eases the tension of students as well as the instructor by getting to know each other while having fun. Also ice breakers can be related to the course or subject matter at hand.
With my classes being groups that often know each other and being hands on I usually just use the ice breaker on the first day of class. Just so they can feel more comfortable with me, and I can learn a little bit about them.
I think in depends on the class. I normally used the first day, when they are getting stress out or just to take a break when I see that it has been to much information in one day
Hi Erik,
I think it depends on the class and the students. Your use of the ice breakers for the speech class is right on because they need to get settled in and ready to present. This helps to settle their nerves before they have to get in front of their peers.
I use ice breakers when I sense the students are wearing down on me. This is generally around 3/4 the way through the course. Something to change the pace a bit, have fun and let them relax while having a laugh or two.
Gary
