| If you're a teacher, trainer, or group facilitator of some | | | | as an atmosphere of unity can promote a positive |
| sort, you probably know the value of a good | | | | learning environment. Depending on your class, you |
| icebreaker game or activity. It serves many purposes | | | | may want to avoid too much competition or activities |
| and yields valuable benefits for the group. For example, | | | | that give some groups elevated status. Don't make |
| it can engage your students and get them more | | | | people feel uncomfortable or too embarrased (e.g. |
| motivated to participate; it can get them to open up; it | | | | "share your most embarassing story" may not be |
| can help them feel more comfortable; it can promote | | | | appropriate for people who barely know each other). |
| teamwork and unity; and it can help students get to | | | | Consider what icebreaker activities can make good, |
| know each other, especially the more reticent or quiet | | | | lasting memories or can be leveraged as a |
| ones. | | | | springboard for future class discussions. Shared |
| However, there are good icebreakers and there are | | | | experiences can make for good reference points later. |
| bad ones. This article will help you pick a good | | | | A recommended icebreaker that works well (in terms |
| icebreaker game or activity for teambuilding. | | | | of teamwork and building unity) is an activity called |
| What to Look for in an Icebreaker Game or Activity | | | | "Commonalities and Uniquities". Within groups, students |
| Look for exercises that help people open up about | | | | identify commonalities they have with each other and |
| themselves, their values, opinions, thoughts, and deeper | | | | also unique gifts and characteristics that they have. |
| things (but not too deep!) that they otherwise would | | | | Students may realize that they have more in common |
| not share. This can encourage students to participate | | | | than they first might have thought, which promotes |
| more in the long run. | | | | unity. Identifying unique characteristics is also beneficial |
| Icebreakers or team building activities that promote | | | | in that people can feel empowered to offer the whole |
| inclusivity and participation by all are good games. Get | | | | group a unique perspective or skill. |
| everyone involved. Avoid games that eliminate or | | | | Hopefully this guide helps you get a sense of some |
| exclude people quickly. Also avoid culturally specific | | | | pitfalls to avoid when choosing icebreakers and |
| activities or games. Everyone should be able to enjoy | | | | activities to promote team unity. Good luck! |
| and take part. Encourage collaboration and teamwork, | | | | |