Icebreakers can be useful to help your class get to know one another and be more comfortable with each other. They are a great way to begin class and to introduce a topic in the first couple weeks of the course. Consider the level of risk associated with each icebreaker and class comfort level in order to select the right activity for your class:

Low Risk

No physical contact, sharing impersonal information (name, major, where you are from, etc.)

• Blow Pop Game
• Catch Me If You Can
• Celebrity Guessing Game
• Evolution
• Going on a Picnic
• Group Juggle
• Name Tag
• Snowball
• Stranded On An Island
• WORDLES instructions
  • Wordles List

Medium Risk

Still no physical contact, sharing of a bit more personal information

• 20 Questions
• Draw A Successful URI Student
• Have You Ever
• Human Scavenger Hunt
• I Am
• Intro by Two
• On the Bus Off the Bus
• React and Act
• Speed Dating
• Tattoo
• Thumb Ball
• Two Truths and A Lie

High Risk

Physical contact, sharing personal information

• Energizer
• Ha Ha Ha
• Hula Hoop Challenge
• Human Knot
• Shoulder Tap

Remember that icebreakers are supposed to be fun so if someone feels uncomfortable sharing then they don’t have to participate. This concept is referred to as “Challenge by Choice.” As with name games, make icebreakers personal to you and your students.