Icebreaker Activities For The First School Day

Your students will absolutely love these icebreaker activities for the first school day.

Why Icebreakers For The First Day Of School?

The first day of school is an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience for many students.

I’m sure you would agree that creating a warm and welcoming classroom environment from the start will help your students feel comfortable, build connections, and set the tone for a positive school year.

That’s where icebreaker activities come in!

These fun and interactive games and activities will encourage your students to get to know each other, ease first-day jitters, and foster a sense of community.

These icebreaker activities will make the first day of school a memorable and enjoyable experience for both you and your students.

6 Fun Icebreakers For First Day Of School

1. Back to school bingo game

Bingo is a beautiful, fun, interactive whole class activity to kick start the school year. Breaking barriers and fostering a sense of belonging and community from day one.

Playing bingo as a class will also set a positive tone for the academic year ahead.

This back-to-school bingo is geared towards kindergarten – third-grade students.

SHOP BACK TO SCHOOL BINGO HERE ON TPT

2. Find someone who bingo game

“Find someone who” bingo game has a twist to the classic bingo game.

Students have to find classmates who match certain criteria listed on the squares to complete their bingo card.

I love this game because students will have to mingle and have conversations with their classmates in a fun and engaging way.

Unlike the traditional bingo game, where students have to sit and listen to the caller.

This “find someone who” bingo game encourages interaction with multiple kids, as students will have to move around the classroom and engage in conversations with their classmates to find out who has a brother, a puppy, or a cat, etc.

This bingo game will promote friendship building and classroom community as students may relate to similarities as they connect and learn a little bit more about their new classmates.

SHOP FIND SOMEONE WHO BINGO GAME ON TPT

3. Two truths and a lie

Two truths and a lie is a fun and engaging back-to-school icebreaker that encourages students to share two interesting things that are true about themselves and one lie.

This game challenges their classmates to identify the lie.

You can play two truths and a lie as a whole class, or you can break your class up into groups.

Students each take turns sharing three statements about themselves. One statement must be a lie while the other two statements are accurate. Classmates then need to guess which of the three statements is the lie.

This game not only promotes active listening and critical thinking skills, but it also helps students to know and connect with their classmates.

Building inclusivity in the classroom.

SHOP TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE ON TPT

4. Interview a friend

This is by far one of my favorite and most loved icebreaker activities. And, in reality, you can use this interview a friend activity anytime in the school year.

Basically, you will pair up students and have them interview each other. Interviewing about their family, hobbies, favorites, etc.

This activity allows students to get to know each other on a personal level. Encouraging active listening, open communication, and storytelling.

This activity aims to help students build stronger bonds with each other, fostering inclusivity and community building.

I dedicated an entire blog post on how to conduct an interview with a friend activity to make this an easier process. 

5. Riddles, Trivia, Scavenger Hunt

Riddles, I Spy, scavenger hunts, and trivia games are ideal icebreaker activities for the first school day, infusing excitement and critical thinking.

A scavenger hunt will encourage students to explore their new classroom, getting familiar with their new environment.

On the other hand, back-to-school, I Spy worksheets will require your students to tap into their observational and attention to detail skills as they search for hidden back-to-school items.

Trivia challenges will spark discussions and encourage students to share their expertise while learning from their classmates.

Shop First Week Back To School Scavenger Hunt, Trivia & More!

6. Building Vocabulary Word

Your students will absolutely love these back to school word puzzles.

Basically, your students will be given a back to school focus word where they will have to unscramble a word, using the letters to make new words.

For example, if the focus word is challenge, students can pull apart the word and use the letters to make new words, such as – change, hall, clean, etc.

Shop This Resource On TpT

First Day Of School Icebreakers Elementary

​Incorporating icebreaker activities into the first day of school is a powerful strategy to foster a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment.

These activities will not only alleviate students’ anxieties but also promote meaningful connections among classmates, setting a positive tone for the academic year.

By implementing engaging icebreakers, you will be able to cultivate a sense of community and trust, laying the groundwork for collaborative learning and student success.

Remember, the time invested in these initial interactions pays dividends throughout the school year, as students feel more comfortable, valued, and motivated to participate.​

BUNDLE & SAVE WITH THIS BACK TO SCHOOL ICEBREAKER BUNDLE

More Fun Learning Activities For Your Students

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• 70 would you rather writing prompts for kids
• Top 25 back to school read aloud books for 2nd grade
• Fun Friday activities and classroom ideas

Pin These Get To Know Your Activities For Students

Head to your Pinterest Board and save these fun icebreaker activities for the first school day.