“We never know how our small activities will affect others through the invisible fabric of our connectedness. In this exquisitely connected world, it's never a question of 'critical mass.' It's always about critical connections.”
- Grace Lee Boggs
We all know how important it is to cultivate and maintain a healthy and vibrant classroom community where students feel seen, heard, and valued. When all members of your classroom can trust both their peers and their teacher, they’re more likely to engage, participate, and flourish throughout the year.
One way to cultivate trust is by engaging in collaborative, community-oriented activities where students have the opportunity to connect with and learn about one another. To help you along, we have pulled together some of our favorite creative icebreaker activities designed to foster a trusting and connected classroom environment. We hope you and your students enjoy these opportunities to build relationships and spaces of belonging!
1. Name Tent Introductions
Start the year with a creative, personalized spin on a name tag! Ask students to create a “name tent” with their name on one side and answers to three fun, open-ended questions on the other (e.g., “What’s an activity you enjoy?” or “If you could have any superpower, what would it be?”).
When students share their answers with the class, it not only helps everyone learn names and accurate name pronunciation but also opens a window into students’ unique personalities and interests.
2. Concentric Circles
We often feel a sense of belonging when we connect with those around us. Take some time to let students engage in one-on-one conversations to learn small but meaningful details about each other—favorite foods, dream travel spots, or things they want to learn.
Form two concentric circles with students facing each other. After a prompt is provided, each pair has 30 seconds to share their answers. Then, rotate one circle clockwise to switch partners for the next round. Oftentimes, connections formed between peers in activities like this can lay the groundwork for a classroom where everyone feels seen and heard.
3. Human Bingo
Create a “bingo” card filled with various interests or experiences (e.g., “Has siblings,” “Plays a musical instrument,” or “Has been to a concert”). Students stroll around the room asking classmates questions to find people who match the descriptions on their cards. This low-stakes ice-breaker encourages students to talk to one another while also highlighting the diversity and similarities within the class.
4. Identity Charts
Identity charts help students reflect on the various factors that make up who they are, both from their own perspective and from society’s. Students create a visual chart using words and phrases that describe themselves—interests, values, and cultural identity—as well as labels they feel society places on them. Sharing identity charts with classmates can help break down stereotypes and build deeper relationships, laying the foundation for a trusting and welcoming classroom.
This is a higher-stakes activity that helps build self-awareness and empathy while encouraging students to reflect on how identity is shaped and perceived. We recommend this activity as an excellent follow-up to a classroom contracting session.
5. Class Playlist
One of the most engaging ways to bring people together is through music! Ask each student to choose a song that represents them and create a class playlist. Play the songs throughout the next few weeks and ask students to share why they chose their song. This will not only encourage students to think about their identity but also fosters empathy as classmates gain insight into each other’s lives through music.
6. Four Corners
Use this teaching strategy as an effective icebreaker! Designate four corners of the classroom to represent levels of agreement: Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree, and Strongly Disagree. Then, call out low-stakes statements like “I am a morning person,” or “I love scary movies,” and have students move to the corner that best represents their stance on that statement. After everyone is settled, ask a few students to explain their choice.
This is a low-pressure way for students to share their opinions while realizing that even if they differ, everyone has a place in the room. It also encourages active participation and movement, which can help ease new school year jitters.
7. Two Minute Interview
Students interview classmates to learn about one another while also practicing being active listeners. This exercise builds trust by encouraging students to listen closely to one another and show that they care about their peers’ stories. Ask students to respond to low-pressure questions such as “What was the last film or book that you really enjoyed? Can you tell me what you liked about it?”
The two minute survey can foster empathy and highlight the importance of each student’s unique contribution to the classroom community.
8. Class Timeline
Create a long timeline on a wall or bulletin board. Ask each student to add one significant event from their life—anything that shaped who they are today. Students can share their event with the class as they add it to the timeline.
The visual timeline not only helps students reflect on their lives, but it also illustrates that each person has a different journey. This activity can be a powerful reminder that our shared classroom space is made up of a variety of experiences and perspectives.
9. Barometer Activity
Set up an imaginary barometer in the room to help students express their opinions about classroom climate. Designate one side of the classroom as “Strongly Agree” and the other as “Strongly Disagree.” Ask students to line up along the continuum based on how they feel about a particular statement, such as "Classrooms should always be quiet.” or “All opinions should always be welcomed.” Afterwards, ask a few students from different points along the line to explain their positions, promoting a discussion that highlights the many voices in the room.
Looking for more? Please be sure to visit our Activities for the First Days of School section of the Back to School: Building Community for Connection and Learning toolkit where you will find more Facing History & Ourselves community building ideas and activities!
