The first day of school is filled with so many emotions – worry, excitement, fear, anxiety, sadness, etc. Sometimes, not every kid wants to engage in the epic all about me sharing activity. However, icebreaker activities could be more enticing allowing students to unwind and adjust to their new classroom. I wanted to share these fun and engaging no-prep/low-prep icebreaker activities for the first school day.
Why start the first school day with icebreaker activities?
Icebreaker activities for the first school day are phenomenal for building a positive classroom community and forging friendships and connections from day one.
Icebreaker activities are also ideal for breaking down negative thoughts that students may have filled themselves with before starting school. Such as, my teacher is not fun, the kids in my class are mean, or perhaps making friends will be challenging.
Icebreaker activities for the first school day are perfect for setting an inclusive and supportive environment where your students feel safe, secure, loved, and supportive.
Here are some icebreaker activities for the first school day to set the right tone in your classroom:
1. Back to school bingo game:
Bingo is a beautiful, fun interactive whole class activity to start the school year, breaking the barrier and fostering a sense of belonging and community from the first day.
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. As a result, 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. 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 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. Challenging 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 out of the three statements is the lie.
This game not only promotes active listening and critical thinking skills but it 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 an interactive activity where you will pair up your students and have them interview each other. Asking them about their family, hobbies, favorites, etc. Allowing 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.
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!
Conclusion
So there you have it! Five fun and engaging icebreaker activities for the first school day you can use to not only help your new students break barriers and adjust to their new class but also foster classroom community, friendship building, and inclusivity. Laying the foundation for a successful academic year ahead and creating an environment where students feel safe, loved, valued, and supported.
BUNDLE & SAVE WITH THIS BACK TO SCHOOL ICEBREAKER BUNDLE
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