- Similar & Unique. I have only done this activity with teachers in trainings, but it would definitely work in an upper elementary through secondary class setting. Each student will write three things they enjoy doing on a piece of paper without sharing. The first one should be something that a lot of other people probably enjoy as well. The second item should be something that fewer people enjoy doing, and the final item should be something that hardly anyone enjoys doing. Collect the papers and read them off (until you sense boredom and then save them for later). Have everyone stand up and read off one person’s first item. If it applies to them, keep standing, if not, they sit down. Read items two and then three. Usually, there is only one person remaining at the end, but sometimes there are a couple. Everyone points to the person they think it is. Then ask them a question about one of their pastimes.
- 3 truths and a lie. I suppose this is an oldie but goodie. The students write three truths about themselves and one lie. I always model first. I usually write down that I broke a high jump record, love to surf in Bali, I hated reading in grade school, and I am a master at braiding hair. Then the students choose which one is the lie. For me, it’s the braiding hair, I have three boys and I’m useless with hair. After each guess, I explain more about the fact. It helps the students get to know me better. Then they do their own lists, have a chance to stump the class, and explain more about the truths.
- Conversation Starters. Over the last ten years or so, there have been many family games sold that are similar to this. Games like Would You Rather, Table Topics, etc. all are designed to get kids talking on a topic. I have chosen a few conversation starters, such as; What is one food you eat every day?, Who would you rather babysit you – Willy Wonka or Nanny McPhee? etc. In small groups, students choose their card, read, and think of their answer, then each student is given one minute to read their conversation starter and share their answer. No one else can share during that minute. Students love this and I make it a writing activity later! (If you’re interested in virtual writing training with more ideas, click here.)
- Would you Rather. Yes, this is a game you can buy, but I also have books (here) that ask the same questions. Turn this into a get to know your classmates’ lesson. Pose a Would You Rather question and let each person decide how they feel, then start the music and have them walk around the room until the music stops. Share thoughts with the person closest to them. If they agree, jump up in the air and give a high five if they disagree have them shake hands and say I hear you. Repeat with a new question.
- Minute to Win It. These games are fun for the young and the old – promise! It might not be as much of a get to know each other like the other activities, but it definitely hits on team building and working together with friendly competition included. You can Google different Minute to Win It games and challenges, just pick the ones that speak to you. You can make it a competition or not.
- Classroom Treasure Hunt. Creating an old fashioned treasure hunt is a great way to get students to know where everything is kept in the classroom. In the past, I’ve set up a hunt that has students learn where the extra paper is kept, where the trash bins are, where to turn in homework, etc. In each area, I had a poster that had the rules or expectations for that area and each student signed the rules in that area. Even better than one in the classroom is a whole school treasure hunt. This one shows them where the nurse is, where the playground is, what our fire route is, etc.
- Where We Come From Map. We are at an international school, but in some of my other experiences, this would have worked just as well. I have a map up on the wall, and students put extra-large pushpins on the map with where they’re from. This can be multiple pins or just one. Sometimes I have them write their name on the pin and other times not. We leave it up for a while, the students love to see it and talk about it. They love being unique, but they also love it when they find a classmate from the same area. This last year, two of my students found out they were cousins and had NO IDEA! I start each morning with a two minute Google Map street view of someone’s pin, so all students can experience each other’s home towns.
- Describe Me (adjectives – App Smash). As part of Literary Fusions, we train teachers on the ‘fine art’ of App Smashing, but here is a quick post write up for you. Check it out – this would be great for learning virtually as well.
- Candy Share (Skittles based on color). You can never lose when you give kids candy. So, buy Skittles or Starburst or any candy with multiple colors. Have each kid choose one. Then, and only then, put up a slide of what question matches each color. For example, red = What was the best thing you did over the summer? Green = Who is your role model and why? etc. Everyone in the group answers a different question, they get to know each other over candy.
- Inside-Outside Circle. Create two circles (one inside the other). Have the inside circle face the outside circle so that kids are partnered up. Then pose a question or statement for them to discuss for one minute. Then the music plays and they walk in their circle in opposite directions. When the music stops, they turn to find a new partner and discuss a newly posed topic.
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