I have to make a confession: I hate first days of class with new groups of students.😟 Why? Well, I don’t know them yet so I really don’t know what to prepare for that first and slightly awkward day… What might they like and what not? I want to keep it fun and engaging but also want them to feel that they have actually learnt something new. Too much pressure for teachers who tend to overthink everything!
They usually have high expectations of the first session and no doubt everyone will ask them: ‘So, how was your first day at the English school?’
It was icebreakers that saved me! They are fun, engaging, you get to know them better and they get to know each other, as well as finding out what their English level is, how fluent they are, how much vocabulary they know, how confident they are, etc.
To help make that crucial first day a little less daunting and a lot more fun, here are some icebreakers that will turn your ESL classroom into a welcoming and engaging space from the get-go.
Memory Circle
Have your students form a circle and add a personal fact about themselves one by one. As the circle continues, each student must remember and repeat the facts shared by their classmates before adding their own. This activity not only enhances listening skills but also ensures that each student feels acknowledged and included. It’s a great way to build a sense of community and trust among your students.
What’s in the Bag?
Bring a bag filled with items that represent various topics or interests (like a book, a toy, or a photo). Students pick an item from the bag and share a related story or fact about themselves. This activity sparks curiosity and provides a platform for students to express their personalities and experiences. It’s an excellent way for students to learn about each other in a relaxed, fun setting.
This or That
- Preparation: Create a list of simple, engaging questions that present two choices. The questions should be relevant and appropriate for the age group and setting. For example:
- Cats or dogs?
- Beach or mountains?
- Pizza or pasta?
- Summer or winter?
- Reading a book or watching a movie?
- Setup: Have the students stand in the middle of the room or divide the room into two sides, one for each option.
- Gameplay: Read out each «This or That» question one at a time. After each question, students move to the side of the room that corresponds with their choice. This physical movement helps make the activity dynamic and engaging.
- Discussion: After each question, take a moment to discuss why students chose their options. This encourages conversation and allows students to share their preferences and learn more about each other.
- Variations: To add more depth to the activity, you can ask follow-up questions about their choices or have students explain their reasoning to the class. You can also have students come up with their own «This or That» questions.
Funny Questions:
1 Instructions: Prepare a list of light-hearted, imaginative questions (you can write them on post its or make cards), such as “If you could hang out with a cartoon character, who would it be?” or “If you had a superpower, what would it be?”
2 Setup: Students sit or stand in a circle.
3 Gameplay: Pose a question to the group. Each student takes turns answering the question.
4 Discussion: Encourage students to elaborate on their answers and engage in friendly banter. This icebreaker is perfect for breaking the tension and creating a relaxed, fun atmosphere!
Find Someone Who
1 Instructions: Create a list of statements or descriptions like “Find someone who has visited another continent,” “Find someone who speaks more than two languages,” or “Find someone who plays a musical instrument.”
2 Setup: Distribute the list to each student or write it on the board. Ensure everyone can see or has access to it.
3 Gameplay: Students mingle and talk to each other to find classmates who match each statement. When they find someone, they write that person’s name next to the statement on their list. Each statement should ideally correspond to a different person.
4 Discussion: After everyone has completed their lists or the allotted time has passed, gather the group together. Ask students to share interesting facts they learned about their classmates. You can also have students introduce each other based on the information gathered.
Two Truths and a Lie
Have each student share three statements about themselves—two true, one false. The class guesses the lie. It’s a fun way to learn surprising facts about each other!
Save this post for your first week back and share it with fellow teachers who might appreciate a smoother start! What are your go-to icebreakers?
If you want to have a look at some resources you can use for the first week of back to school, check them out on our TPT store:
