Start the new school term with fun and engaging lessons
Thomas Courtley
Education Specialist
Starting a new term brings a mix of anticipation and nerves for students. Icebreakers are a fantastic way to create a friendly and inclusive atmosphere from the start. These activities help students get acquainted, and set the tone for a collaborative and engaging learning environment. Below are five specially designed icebreakers to kickstart the new term, ensuring your students feel energised and connected.
Would you rather?
In the 'Would you rather?' activity, students will learn about each other through a fun and interactive decision-making process. The teacher will present various options, such as "Would you rather visit the city or the countryside?" or "Do you prefer reading books or watching films?" This activity helps students find common ground with their peers, making it easier to start conversations and form friendships.
Scavenger hunt
In this scavenger hunt activity, students will engage in a fun and interactive challenge where they upload pictures that relate to specific commands displayed at the top of each slide. You can define the 'search area' to suit your needs, whether it's limited to the classroom, extended to the faculty, or even spread across the entire school. You can save this lesson as a template and customise the instructions to match your search area.
Get energised with...
This activity invites students to express themselves through dance. Each student will have the opportunity to demonstrate a dance move they enjoy or feel comfortable with. This icebreaker promotes a lively and supportive atmosphere where students can share a bit of their personality in a non-judgmental setting. It encourages self-expression and helps break down social barriers. By the end of the activity, they will have a positive vibe, perfect for the start of the term.
The journalist
In this activity, students will act as journalists for a day by interviewing a classmate and writing up their interview to share with the class. Their articles should meet key success criteria: relevance to the audience, based on reliable sources, and structured with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Students will learn to how be objective, accurate, and free of bias, with their claims supported by evidence: all great skills to have. Encourage your students to be a journalist for a day!
Emoji rebus
The Emoji rebus is a creative ice breaker that challenges students to decode film titles represented by emojis. The teacher will present a series of emoji puzzles, such as a snowflake emoji and a man emoji to represent 'The Snowman'. Students will work individually or in small groups to solve these puzzles, fostering teamwork and critical thinking. This activity is a fun lesson starter to energise the class, stimulate their minds, and encourage collaboration.
Lesson suggestions: icebreakers, starters, and more
Check out our collection of ready-made icebreakers and energising activities to start the schools year with the right attitude.
If you like the look and interactivity of these lessons, why not try creating your own to add even more excitement and engagement to your classroom?
