How to Create an Icebreaker for the First Day of School

Students are often nervous on the first day of school. It doesn't matter whether they are starting kindergarten or college, most of them are shaking in their boots. Read on for a few pointers to break the ice on the first day of school and make everyone feel a little more relaxed.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Paper and pen
• Chalkboard
• Sense of humor
• Handouts
• Index cards

1. Interview each other. Have the students interview one person and be interviewed by one other person. This way they come in to contact with at least two other people in the room. Prepare the questions ahead of time or let the students ask their own questions. You should provide at least one silly question though, so you will get them laughing. I use "Tell one thing strange about yourself."
2. Play human bingo. Provide a handout to each student that is divided into squares that say things such as "I play a musical instrument" or "I am an only child." Students must circulate the room and have other students sign off in the squares that describe them.
3. Tell your worst fears. Pass out index cards and have the students write their worst fear for the class on the card. No names! Have students crumple up the card and throw it in the wastebasket. Finally, take the cards out of the trash and have a class discussion addressing (and hopefully dispelling) each fear.
4. Tell two truths and one lie. Pass out index cards to students. The students then write down three facts--two truths and one lie--on the card. Students then read their cards to the class and the class has to decide which fact is a lie. This activity can be a lot of fun and provide much needed laughter in the classroom.

Tips & Warnings

• Students have an average attention span of 15 minutes. Keep them talking and laughing!
• Check out the Internet for more great icebreaker activities.
• Don't let students ridicule one another.
• Don't spend the entire class on the icebreaker. Remember this is just a warm-up to the day's lesson!