Icebreakers and “Getting to Know You” exercises develop an environment that reduces anxiety and allows individuals the opportunity to get acquainted with each other. Icebreakers are fun, release tension and are designed for indirect interaction. Icebreakers are not encounter sessions. Icebreakers may be used with any group that exhibits signs of anxiety in any initial stage of development (i.e., first meetings, program boards, etc.).
Icebreakers should not be used to avoid dealing with anxiety but rather to provide your members with a less threatening environment. A non-threatening environment initiated at the start of group club and development may lead to a more open and compatible situation during the entire lifespan of the group.
- Could be excellent devices for helping members feel more comfortable with themselves and others in the group.
- Break up the "cliques," invite people to form random groupings, and help individuals meet others in a non-threatening and fun way.
- Set the tone for the time a group will be together. Icebreakers encourage people to feel "safe" and evoke lots of laughter. When people laugh, tension decreases.
Ice Breaking Activities
Find someone who is a transfer student, owns cross-country skis, has been to Europe, wears contacts, is wild about chocolate ice cream.
Form a circle by placing hands in the middle of the circle; grab someone else's hands (other than the person on either side of you). Without letting go, try to untangle the "knot."
Members create their own Coat•of-Arms by filling in information about themselves using words or drawings. Information can include hobbies, hometown, major, favorite family members, five or ten year goals, favorite book, etc.
Ask members to stand in the middle of the room and have them move to either side to indicate their choice.
- More like the present or the future?
- More like a saver or a spender?
- More like cake or pie?
Share interests, hobbies, likes, favorites, and more.
- What is something you are afraid of?
- What is your favorite dessert?
- Do you have a favorite color(s)?
- Favorite living thing? (Other than humans & pets)
- Favorite hobby?