Fun Classroom Introductions for the First Day of School

Engage the adults or younger students in your classroom on the first day of school by helping them get to know each other with one of these 10 fun introductions for the classroom. When students know who they are sharing the classroom with, they engage more quickly and learn faster.

People may laugh when you mention using an icebreaker in the classroom, but such activities can make you a better teacher by helping your students get to know each other better. When students are more comfortable in their surroundings, it's easier for them to learn—and for you to teach.

01

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Two Truths and a Lie

Students laughing — Ann Rippy/The Image Bank/Getty Images

This is a quick and easy introduction game sure to foster lots of laughs. It's an easy game to play and you won't need any materials, just a group of people. It is ideal for 10 to 15 people. If you have a larger class, divide students into manageable groups so it doesn't take longer than 15 to 20 minutes to get through everyone.

02

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People Bingo

Bingo is one of the most popular ice breakers because it’s so easy to customize for your particular group and situation, and everyone knows how to play it. Buy your bingo cards, or make your own.

03

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Marooned

People on island waving white flag — Gabriela Medina/Getty Images

This icebreaker is a great introduction when students don’t know each other, and it fosters team building in groups that already work together. You'll likely find that your students' answers are very revealing about who they are and how they feel about things.

04

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Two-Minute Mixer

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You may have heard of eight-minute dating, where 100 people meet for an evening full of very brief "dates." They talk to one person for a brief period and then move on to the next prospective partner. Eight minutes is a long time in the classroom, so make this icebreaker a two-minute mixer instead.

05

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The Power of Story

Man with beard and curly hair gesticulating — Westend61 / Getty Images

Students bring to your class varied backgrounds and worldviews. Older students bring an abundance of life experience and wisdom. Tapping into their stories can deepen the significance of whatever you've gathered to discuss. Let the power of story enhance your teaching.

06

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Expectations

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Expectations are powerful, especially when you're teaching new students. Understanding your students' expectations for the course you're teaching is the key to success. Find out on day one by combining expectations and introductions.

07

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If You Had a Magic Wand

Fairy with magic wand — Milan Zeremski/Getty Images

If you had a magic wand, what would you change? This is an exercise that opens minds, considers possibilities, and energizes your group.

08

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The Name Game

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You may have people in your group who hate this icebreaker so much that they’ll still remember everyone’s name two years from now. You can make it harder by requiring everyone to add an adjective to their name that starts with the same letter, such as Cranky Carla, Blue-Eyed Bob, and Zesty Zelda.

09

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If You Had Taken a Different Path

Main St. and School St. sign — VisionsofAmerica/Joe Sohm/Photodisc/Getty Images

Almost everyone has wished at some point that they had taken a different path in life. This icebreaker allows participants to share their name, a little about the path they chose to take in life, and which path they would choose today. Ask them to explain whether the alternate path is related to the reason they are sitting in your classroom or attending your seminar. This icebreaker works best with adult students or upper-level high school students.

10

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One-Word Icebreaker

USCGC Polar Sea Icebreaker in the arctic pack ice of Beaufort Sea — Daniel J. Cox / Getty Images

You can't get more basic than a one-word icebreaker. This deceptively simple icebreaker will help you more than any painstakingly prepared activity, and it works with students of all ages. You can figure out the one word to solicit the reactions of your students on the fly and then devote the rest of your preparation time to the content of your classroom lecture.