If you have ever joined a group where you didn’t know a single soul, you know how awkward it can be trying to step out of your comfort zone and get to know new people. One way for group leaders to help individuals get to know each other better is to play ice breaker games. These games are designed to help ease anxiety or “break the ice” and allow those in the group begin to get to know one another and not feel alienated. Ice breaker games are a fun way to begin meetings. You’ll find that these games will help everyone involved feel more at ease, open up, and give an overall relaxed feeling at your meetings. Below are some examples of games that I have played at various groups I have participated in (such as moms’ groups, bible study groups, and educational workshops).
2 TRUTHS, 1 LIE
Going one person at a time, each person states two things about themselves that are true and one that is not true. Others try to guess which thing is not true. This ice breaker can generate a lot of conversation as people elaborate on their “truths” and have the opportunity to talk about themselves. (www.partygamecentral.com)
Crazy Chairs
Set up a circle of chairs with someone seated in each chair and one person standing in the middle. The person in the middle says something about themselves. For example, “I have been to Mexico.” Everyone who has been to Mexico gets up and quickly trades chairs. One person will
be left standing and that person is then in the middle and says something about herself. It’s a fun game as you never know what the statement will be or who will be getting up. (www.creativeladiesministry.com)
Purse Scavenger Hunt
Divide your large group into two different teams (or more if you have a large
group). Give each team a small basket and a copy of the Scavenger Hunt List.
Allow each team one minute to find the items on the list. They must find the items
in the purses of the ladies within their group. When time is called, see which team has the most items.
You can make up your own list or use the one provided.
Child’s Toy (rattle, matchbox car, etc.)
LifeSavers or mints
Safety Pin
Calendar
Comb
Grocery Receipt
Pink Lipstick
Ticket Stub (to a theater, etc.)
Eyeglass Case
Pony Tail Holder/Tie
Coupon
Starbucks Card
Dental Floss
Toothpick
Needle and Thread
Postage Stamp
Rubber band
Nail File
Perfume
(www.creativeladiesministry.com)
Toilet paper game:
Pass a roll of toilet paper around and have each person tear off as much as they want. When they all have some toilet paper, start back with the first person who took some and they have to tell something about themselves for each square of toilet paper they took. (www.sundayschoolnetwork.com)
Simple Household Items
Find a variety of simple household items, easel paper, and a marker for each group. Divide everyone into groups of 4. Give each group one household item and ask them to list as many uses for this item as they can think of and write the list on the sheet of easel paper. Remind them to be creative and stretch their imagination. Realize that there is more than 1 use for items. Share with the large group when finished. You can give each group the same and see if the groups come up with different answers or use different items for each group then swap.
Peculiarities
This activity can be used at any time during a short or long session, with participants who know one another well or with complete strangers, to introduce the topic of diversity. Give each person a Peculiarities Activity Sheet and a pen.Ask participants to stand. Explain that the object of the activity is to discover peculiarities in the group. Everyone marks on his/her own sheet the items that pertain to them. Then they have to find others in the room that have marked the same categories. Include some categories that you know apply to more than one person.
Keep this quick and fun. Add peculiarities to the list relating to organizational quirks or norms, or add specific peculiarities that you know about people in the group. (www.businessfundamentals.com)
PECULIARITIES ACTIVITY SHEET
Was born on February 29.
Has or had a dog named Spot, Midnight, Lucky, or Shadow.
Is wearing an article of clothing that was chosen and purchased by someone else.
Drives a car more than ten years old.
Has run a marathon.
Likes pizza with anchovies.
Has never been out of the state.
Was born in another state.
Was born in another country.
Has won a prize.
Writes songs or poetry.
Has a twin brother or sister.
Has a shoe size of 8 or greater.
Has milked a cow.
Has been to the top of the Washington Monument.
Collects stamps or other collectibles.
Has been to a concert in the last month.
Has five or more siblings.
Prefers winter to summer.
Has been on a radio or TV show.
Skittle Skuttle Ice Breaker Activity
This ice breaker works well in small groups. Participants select a skittle candy from a dish and match to the color listed on the worksheet. They share the answer with their group.
Red – Boy! I was embarrassed when…
Orange – My strangest job ever was…
Purple – My best vacation was…
Green – Something I like to treat myself to…
Yellow – Dessert I cannot live without…
(www.businessfundamentals.com)
