As September rolls around and the new school year begins, it's essential to create a welcoming and engaging environment for your children. Icebreaker activities are a great way to help children get to know each other, build a sense of community, and set a positive tone for the year ahead. Here are five active icebreaker lessons that will get your class moving and interacting from day one.
1. Human Bingo
Human Bingo is a fun and interactive way for children to learn interesting facts about their classmates. Create bingo cards with different statements such as "Find someone who has a pet," "Find someone who loves pizza," or "Find someone who has travelled to another country." Children must mingle and find classmates who match the statements, writing their names in the corresponding squares. The first child to complete a row or column shouts "Bingo!" and shares their findings with the class.
2. The Name Game
This activity helps children remember each other's names while incorporating movement. Have your class stand in a circle and take turns saying their name along with an action that starts with the same letter (e.g., "I'm Anna, and I like to act"). The next child repeats the previous names and actions before adding their own. This continues around the circle, with each child repeating all the names and actions before adding theirs.
3. Circle of Friends
Circle of Friends is a great way to encourage children to share something about themselves while building connections. Have your class sit in a circle and pass around a soft ball or beanbag. When a child catches the ball, they must share something interesting about themselves, such as a hobby, favourite book, or a fun fact. This activity promotes active listening and helps children find common interests.
4. Line Up
Line Up is a quick and easy activity that requires children to communicate and work together. Give your class a prompt such as "Line up in order of your birthdays" or "Line up by height." Children must then arrange themselves in the correct order without speaking. This activity encourages non-verbal communication and teamwork while helping children learn more about each other.
5. Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is a great way to get children exploring their new classroom and school environment. Create a list of items or locations for children to find, such as "Find the classroom library," "Find the art supplies," or "Find a book about animals." Children can work in pairs or small groups to complete the hunt. This activity not only helps children become familiar with their surroundings but also promotes collaboration and problem-solving.
Teach Active Subscribers: Join Our Back-to-School Challenge!
If you're a Teach Active subscriber, don't miss out on our exciting Back to School Challenge! This challenge is designed to help you kickstart the new school year with fun and engaging activities that promote physical activity and learning. Participate in the challenge and share your experiences with the Teach Active community. Let's make this school year the best one yet!