this can be a good icebreaker
Have each new student state three things about themselves - one being untrue. The rest of the class then tries to determine which is untrue. Everyone becomes invoved and it can be a lot of fun.
Hi Judy,
Even though most icebreakers are fun. There are a lot of icebreakers that have a great purpose that will be useful in the classroom. I use a lot of fun icebreakers that create bonding experiences.
Patricia Scales
This is a great idea! I will definitely try this one, love the fact that there is a lesson included in the icebreaker.
Hi Wendi,
I love it! Great exercise and valid points can be taught from this one exericse.
Patricia Scales
On the first day of a new class, I pass out index cards to each student with a short command on each (tap pen, get up and walk to from of room, laugh loudly, etc). Each student will have a different command and I tell them on the count of three to obey the command on the card (I do not give me them any additional information prior to passing out card other than keep it to themselves). As you could imagine, after I say 3,the room becomes loud, distracting and obnoxious for short period of time. I allow this to conintue for about 2 minutes and then instruct them to return to seats. The students laugh and are in wonderment about the reason for this exercise. I tell them afterward that this is an example of classroom distraction and even go as far as speaking to the students about test anxiety and how sounds and distractions can be magnified. They usually end up laughing and discuss the duccess of the exercise and they have that "ice breaking" moment with a little eye opening education spun into it.
Hi John,
I like the humor idea. All work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy. Work hard, but laugh hard too.
Patricia Scales
I think this icebreaker works because it can involve a lot of humor and get people excited about their group. What better way to get people to relax than to kid around with them in a friendly way?
I actually see students physically relax with a loosening of their posture and literally breathing easier when on the first day of class they see that I have a sense of humor about things.
This has a nice twist. Thanks for the fun way to have fun the first day of class.
Hi Linda,
Icebreakers are a great way to build a relationship so that students are more comfortable with each other, especially when doing group work.
Patricia Scales
Thanks for the tip. I use icebreakers the first day of class so everyone can interact and possibly determine who they wish to work with in their groups for projects, presentations, case analyses,etc. I do alot of group work (think tanks)I,also, use them intermitently to break monotony and refresh those who may be getting tired.
Hi CHARMAINE,
I agree! Students tend to loosen up when the atmosphere is a little lighter by doing ice breakers.
Patricia Scales
This sounds like a good ice breaker and a lot of fun. I think I will try this in my Critical Thinking and Problem Solving course.
Priscilla Sissem
I am in agreement with your statement. Students are a lot less stressed after an ice breaker.
I have done this before, and also agree that it works well! One note to add to this subject is that a variation of this icebreaker that works well with upperclassmen is to share one thing that wouldn't typically be found on their resume. This serves two purposes - one, to get the students thinking about what they should include on their resume as they approach graduation, and two, to get a group of students who may already know each other to open up and share something that makes others in the class realize that they can always learn something new, even if it is about someone rather than something taught in class.
This does sound like a great ice breaker!!!
Hi Craig,
Students tend to open up more when they feel comfortable around their instructor and classmates.
Patricia Scales
Hi Lisa,
I concur! A great way to get students to feel comfortable with you and their classmates is to have icebreakers. It is nice to break the monotony every now and then.
Patricia Scales
Students would enjoy this and I think it would work well with adult students.
and as Lars noted, it is a good way for students to find common ground/interests with other students
In my experience ice breakers work great as they get stress and tension off and make students more comfortable with the enviornment and more willing to participate
