Ice Breakers
I have found that after an introduction of myself performing an ice breaker allows the students to let his or her guard down. Starting a new class can be very nerve racking. I do my best to be transparent when it comes to my experiences in the field it show the students that I am human too.
Frederick,
Thank you for sharing these activities with us. They have many different applications for instructor use so I know they will be helpful to instructors looking for new ideas about how to include all students as well as learn a little more about their life experiences.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have several activities I like to use. I teach a creative course, so having each student create a brief story out of elements that are chosen by the group totally at random works really well (and with all age groups too, I might add). Each student reads his/her story out loud. Another one that has been enlightening is having each student write down a general time line of his/her life so far, and then break that into 3 acts. Each student shares. The danger of that exercise is that sometimes you find out maybe more than you wanted to. But I have to add that's only happened once or twice. Nevertheless, you glean information that will aid in the future of the class. And one last one: Ten Questions. You ask each student to answer a series of unexpected questions and they give unrehearsed answers. If the questions are good but at the same time there's an element of silliness, that one can be a lot of fun.
Jamie,
They are fun to do and the get the students interacting with each other on day one. Sharing a laugh while learning about classmates sets the tone for an engaging class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Linda,
This is a great way to start a new class. I like the way you are learning the names of your students while also learning about them. This creates a comfortable setting for your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have found ice barkers work well following a first day introduction. Not only do I incorporate them the first day of class to aid in alleviating first day jitters but to also support curriculum goals. As a massage therapy instructor promoting activities for students to move in ways that creates kinetic energy reinforces the mind, body connection.
Ice breakers help me tremendously in learning about the students. I am terrible with names but if I have the students write out a name tag on the first day and have them write a descriptive word about themselves using the first letter of their name. I then go around the room and they introduce themselves and explain why they used that particular descriptive word. For example, my name tag might read "Loquacious Linda" and explain that, since I lecture for hours at at time I am very talkative. I find this gives me insight into what they think of themselves and also helps me remember their names.
Alonzo,
Letting students talk about their backgrounds and experiences is a great way to not only learn more about them it also helps them build their confidence in sharing in the class. This is a good way to start a new class because you have confident learners.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
like to introduce myself and give a brief background of myself and then have the students each tell about them selves - why are they here?
sometimes have the students break into groups of 2 and tell something intereting about themselves - hobbies, etc....
Hi April: The Internet also has a slew of Ice Breakers that instructors can use on the first day of class. One of my favorites is to had out a penny to each student and then have him/her "give me a penny for a thought". This can relate to any subject but I try to encourage the conversation to be about what it's like being in college on the first day.
Tell a joke to the students changes the atmosphere in the classroom on the first day.
Annshawn,
Thank you for sharing your success with ice breakers with us. I am a big fan of them because they are fun and get the students interacting with other. There are so many ice breakers out there that with a little effort every instructor can find some that will work in his or her class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Harlan,
This is a simple comfortable and easy way to ease the students into the new course. In addition, you learn a lot about them during the introduction phase as they about you.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Yes, I love doing ice breakers as well. It really sets the tone for the class. I actually purchased a book for ice breaking techniques. It as been very helpful. There are also a lot of resources online.
Once i have introduced myself to the class I have them each introduce themself and tell something unique about them that most people dont know. It seems to work well.
April,
Introductions and ice breakers are great ways to set the tone for the class to come. Having some fun and sharing a laugh or two is a good way to help everyone get over their nerves and realize how they fit into the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
