Activities
Tired of icebreakers that make your students cringe and roll their eyes? Same. The first days of school should feel welcoming, not awkward. These quick, low-pressure icebreakers are designed to spark connection without the cringey moments. No embarrassing games or forced fun, just simple ways to help students feel seen and part of the classroom community from day one.
Set the tone for a welcoming classroom with these 10 ice breakers that students might actually like.
1. Finish the song lyric
In this game, students get one line from a song and use their imagination to write what they think comes next, then draw a picture to match. It’s a creative, low-pressure activity that gets everyone laughing and connecting right off the bat.
2. Class expectations scavenger hunt
This activity is perfect for a range of grade levels! Students work in teams to explore the classroom and find hidden clues or answers related to routines and expectations. It’s an engaging way to review important procedures while getting students up and moving.
3. Choose three
During “Choose Three,” students choose three random objects from their backpack or desk and share them with their group. No take-backs once they’ve revealed their items! Then, you present a fun scenario (like “Which object would you bring to a desert island?”), and they raise the item they think fits best. Students can then discuss their choices in small groups before sharing a few responses with the class.
4. Emoji & meme check-in
For a lighthearted way to help kids express themselves and connect through humor, show students a selection of emoji cards and funny, school-appropriate memes that express different moods or feelings. Ask them to pick the emoji or meme that best shows how they’re feeling today, then share why with a partner or small group.
5. Icebreaker Uno
Use these cards to encourage students to get to know each other during a classic round of Uno.
6. Mystery partner
In this game, students write three little-known facts about themselves on a card. Shuffle and redistribute cards, then have students mingle to find the person whose facts they have. Great for movement and discovery!
7. Modern Four Corners
Students love the classic Four Corners game! Update it with a digital twist this year. Continue to play the original where students physically move to a corner that represents their feelings OR, instead of physically moving to corners, students can respond to prompts using a digital polling tool like Mentimeter, Kahoot, or even a simple Google Form projected on the board. Each poll option represents a “corner.”
After voting, students can discuss their choices in small breakout groups or pairs to explain why they picked their answer.
8. All about that name
For this icebreaker, students share the story or meaning behind their name (or a nickname), or something they like about it. This activity is meaningful and great for personal connection. Extend this ice breaker by having students research more about what their name came from.
9. Jar of joy
Create a jar of joy with several questions to get students chatting. You can pass the jar around, form small groups or even have students sketch responses to randomly pulled questions.
10. Playlist picks
Ask students to name a song or artist they love. Create a collaborative class playlist throughout the week and play it during independent work or transitions. Students can explain their picks and discover shared music tastes.
Building a classroom community doesn’t have to be awkward. With the right icebreakers, you can create real connections from day one. No cringe required. Here’s to a fun, fresh start!
