Group items tagged

Icebreakers, Warmups, Energizers, & Deinhibitizers Why use icebreakers? * Create a positive group atmosphere * Help people to relax * Break down social barriers * Energize & motivate * Help people to "think outside the box" * Help people to get to know one another

Since we published the first edition of getting-to-know-you "icebreaker" activities in 1997, we received more than 100 ideas from classroom teachers. The ten icebreakers that appear below are ten of the most original and powerful ideas we've seen through the years.

"Last week I asked for your ideas on how you make connections with kids on the first days of school. I am overwhelmed by the response. With right at 80 ideas there is surely something here for everyone, or at least a new idea to try."

In a learning community, ice breaker activities loosens the group dynamic with an engaging activity that pertains to the topic being studied or a topic that is completely irrelevant to the learning material. It causes people's shoulders to relax, mouths to grin, and warms up the room and provides a segue to the task or topic for discussion. Whether you are in a traditional classroom setting, or an online learning community, ice-breakers play a vital role in developing a sense of community in a learning environment