Here are three icebreakers that can be adapted to students of almost any age and that can serve a useful purpose throughout the term, not just on the first day. The more you know about your students and the more they know about each other, the better chance you have of creating a positive, tightly knit community in your class.

1. Have students write three statements about themselves. Two should be true and one should be false, but plausible. They should share first with a partner, and then with a group. There are many variations on this activity. For example, a group can make up statements about itself for other student groups to examine for veracity.

2. Put students into groups of three or four. Have them determine ten (more if you have time) things that they have in common. If they write their answers on a large sheet of paper, you can display them. Variations on this activity are to have students determine what their class has in common with the rest of the school or with students everywhere or with other members of the human race.

3. Another effective icebreaker is to have students participate in an informal scavenger hunt. You can ask students to find which classmate wears a certain size shoe, is a good cook, likes tacos, has never seen the ocean, or is a youngest child. Here are some other suggestions you can adapt.

Who?...

• Was born on a holiday

• Has a dog or cat

• Is named after a family member

• Has ridden in a taxi

• Can ride a bike

• Likes unusual pizza

• Was born in another state

• Has milked a cow

• Can whistle well

• Has the most siblings

• Has been on TV

• Has met a celebrity

• Has won a prize

• Has no favorite color

• Plays a sport

• Has read a certain book

• Likes to hike

• Can tap dance

• Has ever broken a bone

• Has a special talent

• Can keep a secret

• Has an unusual talent