Time to break the ice: best to worst icebreakers

Olivia Stokes, Print A&E Editor • September 12, 2024

Sitting in class on the first day of school, you look around the classroom hoping to see even one familiar face. The nerves set in when you realize you don’t know anyone in the class. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, the teacher announces that the first activity is an icebreaker. Unappealing questions are answered by dreadful and embarrassing responses in a class full of strangers. Here are the best and worst of them.

1. This or that questions

Questions like “Beach or Mountains” and “Chocolate or Vanilla” are easy questions with one-word answers. If you have to share with the whole class, it's over quickly and likely will not lead to follow-up questions. Most “This or That” questions are fun and lighthearted: an enjoyable way to start the school year.

2. What did you do over the summer?

Coming off the high of fun summer vacations and activities, getting to share your experience with new classmates can be a great way to start conversations. Moreover, sharing this information with the class is easy and can be short if you want it to be.

3. Four corners

The four corners game asks a question similar to a this or that question, but each corner of the room is a different answer. This gets everyone up and out of their seats but doesn’t force anyone to speak out to the class. It's fun, and usually a short activity that doesn’t leave people feeling uncomfortable.

4. Bingo

Bingo is another game that gets people moving around the class and gives everyone a chance to introduce themselves without teacher interference. People can start to learn each other's names since a part of bingo is asking each classmate a question and then writing their name in that box. Some people may not like it because they have to introduce themselves, but it is important to develop these social skills earlier rather than later.

5. Lining up in alphabetical order

Lining up in alphabetical order lies in the second half of the list because some people don’t mind it, whereas others aren’t fond of it. The teacher usually checks at the end if everyone did it correctly which forces people to participate. This also allows people to get up and move, which can be nice after sitting at a desk all day.

6. Two truths and a lie

Two truths and a lie is a game that is often played as a class. One person gives their three facts and the rest of the class has to guess which is the lie. It can be uncomfortable to share what can be personal information with a class of thirty people all staring at you. Having the class go around and guess what the answer is can be embarrassing for the one sharing.

7. Memory games

The bottom of the list goes to memory games. These are the worst icebreakers a teacher can give during the first week of school. Memory games can range from repeating the name of everyone in front of you or going beyond that and attaching something else to their name. It is hard to remember everyone’s name that you just met, let alone have to repeat it to the entire class.

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About the Contributor

Olivia Stokes, Print A&E Editor

Senior Olivia Stokes is excited to participate in her first year with The Pitch as a Print A&E Editor. Along with writing for The Pitch, Stokes enjoys playing soccer and spending time with friends.