Icebreakers for first class
Not only do I go over the syllabus, course outcomes, policies, etc. I also try to do some sort of an icebreak just to loosen up the students and have a little fun at the same time. Things I've done are - 2 truths and a lie - where the student tells everyone 2 truths and one lie about themselves and everyone needs to try to figure out which one is the lie - scavenger hunt - where they have to go around talking to their classmates to find certain things such as (1) Someone who has a brother - (2) Someone who has never traveled outside our state, etc. I've also done things like ask a question to students to answer as they introduce themselves - if they could travel anywhere - where would they go and why. This tends to spark some discussion and get discussion going.
Hi Heather,
Thank you for sharing these great ice breakers. They really help to get students introduced to each other and settled into the course. I know they are going to be of value to new instructors as they look for ways to get their classes off to good starts.
Gary
I love these icebreakers. Ia also encourage students to share information that helps them to see that there are others in class with similar interests/situations. Students returning to school after a long absence often feel as though they are the only one in that situation, same for single parents - I want them to know they are going to find support among their peers.
I've also used 2 Truths and a Lie and it can be effective, including when people already know each other.
I've also had people create their own "shield" on flip chart paper - in the different quadrants, ask them to fill in such things as hobbies, experience, what they already know about the subject, what they would like to get out of the class, et cetera.
I like to have my students share what they did before they enrolled in the school, and what they plan on doing once they're finished. Many of my students are career-changing adults--I always ask them what caused them to come to culinary school, especially if they were previously in a completely unrelated field.
The icebreaker I have used in the past is to find out why they picked this field of study, what they want to accoplish in life , what their goals are in life after the course, and where they would like to be in seven years after the course is completed
Hi Scott,
I bet you get some very interesting stories from these life experienced students that are coming back to school in culinary arts.
Gary
I often teach psychology, so I like to ask the following questions: 1)Why are you in school? 2)What is your major? and 3) What is your favorite childhood experience? The students seem to bond very quickly with all three questions... Many of them share the same reasons for coming back to school, students can find out what other students in the class share their major, and the sharing of childhood stories is always quite fun.
These are great, Heather!! I'm going to have to try some of these...my students seem to be having trouble getting acquainted with the different personalities they are having to deal with, and they sometimes clash. I'll definitely look into using one of your icebreakers to get them to communicate more effectively! Thanks!!
Your icebreaker session is an good idea to start knowing your students and at same time them knowing you. It certainly would help ease up the first day nervousness.
I'm learning quite a bit about ice-breakers which
quite honestly never came into my mind as I've been so wrapped up in HOW to teach (this will be my first quarter). Any suggestions for a class who have been together for 3 quarters and know each other very well, but a teacher who has never met any of them before? Also, how do you maintain leadership in the class from day one as a new teacher, when the students consider themselves "pros".
Heidi
Hi Heidi,
I would use some type of ice breaker dealing with "Letting me get to know you.". You could have the students share their general backgrounds and then have them share some interesting fact about their lives, something interesting they have done, interesting point about their work experience, anything along that line. This exercise will generate a lot of discussion and laughter so it will set them and you at ease.
To establish yourself as the class leader I would tell them that you recognize that they are "pros" in their field and in the course you are teaching you are going to help them to move even further up in their knowledge and skills in their professional development. What you are doing is showing them respect in and in return you working on earning their respect for what you are going to share with them. In essence you are going to sell them on "value added" knowledge.
Gary
I like the part about asking a question during their introduction. I will try that next start, Thank you.
This is my first time teaching. For my icebreaker, I'm going to have the students pair off and ask each other a few questions. Then they will "introduce" each other. I hope it works!
Hi Krysti,
I know it will. After their introduction time as pairs you might each person share some interesting fact, such as hobby, pet, travel, etc. they learned from talking with that other person. This is always a lot of fun and gets the entire class together and listening to each other.
Gary
Great idea! Thanks! I'll try it.
I love icebreakers, I always go over the syllabus but then I do hands on activity. The hands on activity gives me a good idea of who they are, what if any special requirements that they will need. In my opinion, everyone has a story, dream, or expectations the want from their self and I like to know what their goals and ambitions are.
~Cassey Newberry
This comment was helpful. I am a new instructor and the schedule for the first day leaves a lot of time. These are very good ideas to be productive and create a lighter atmosphere!
I do many icebreakers on my first day of class. Our students are in cohorts, so not should they get to know me, but they need to get to know each other since these are the people they are going to be spending the next year with. Some icebreakers that I use is also the 2 truths, 1 lie, a scavenger hunt and then I have each student write on a piece of paper how they are feeling, i.e. nervous, excited, scared, and place the paper in the bag. I then pull a few of these papers out of the bag just to address these issues and to show the students they may not be the only one who is nervous or scared. It works well and shows the students that I care about how they are feeling or thinking, as well as, how they are doing in class.
Hi Jennifer,
These are great ice breakers. Thanks for sharing them with us. I know they will be of help to other instructors that are looking for ice breakers to use in their classes.
Gary
