There are many circumstances in which strangers meet as a group for the first time, and someone has to deal with the problem of the best way to “break the ice.”
That’s where “get to know you” games can really help.
Whether the group comprises of students in college, participants in “bonding” workshops, or business colleagues in a seminar, getting to know each other early on is critical.
What is the target of these games and what can they achieve? Some of the objectives are:
• Helping a new group get to know one another.
• Helping new members to integrate into a group.
• Helping young people feel comfortable together.
• Encouraging cooperation.
• Encouraging listening to others.
• Encouraging working together.
• Encouraging young people to break out of their cliques.
• Developing social skills.
• Building a rapport with leaders.
• Creating a good atmosphere for learning and participation.
At Life Daily we are well aware that not all getting to know you games will suit all groups. So our team has divided the games into those that only require writing or speaking, and others that involve some form of physical activity.
You will have to decide which game, or combination of games, is suitable for your group.
These are our suggestions:
1. Name that person
Divide the group into two teams and give each person a blank card. Ask them to write five little known facts about themselves. For example, I have a pet tortoise, I was born in Sweden, and my favorite food is sushi etc.
Divide the group into two teams. A member from each team draws a card and tries to name the person from the other team in as few clues as possible. Award points based on how quickly they discover the identity.
2. Tall stories
One person starts a story with a sentence that ends in SUDDENLY. The next person then has to add to the story with his own sentence that ends in SUDDENLY. Continue the story until everyone has participated. Naturally, the story becomes more bizarre as each sentence is added. For greater effect, record the game and play it back.
3. Once upon a time
Each person has to think of the name of a person, a place or a thing; they tell this to the rest of the group. One of the group tells a story beginning “once upon a time…..”. However, within 10 seconds they must make reference to the person, place or thing, and must use all of the subjects within 30 seconds.
4. Object stories
Collect together a number of objects and place them in a bag The objects can include everyday items i.e. a pencil, key-ring, mobile phone, but should also include some more unusual ones such as a seashell, a wig or a family photo.
The bag is passed around and each person takes an object without looking. One person is selected to begin a story which includes this object. After 20 seconds, the next person takes up the story and speaks for another 20 seconds, incorporating the object they are holding. This continues until all the objects have been used.
5. Add words
This is a simple game that can be a lot of fun. The first person says a word, for example ‘The’. The second person says the first word and ADDS a second word of their choice, and so on. The object is to create a reasonably intelligible sentence. The fun is putting twists in the sentence so that the others have a hard time coming up with a word that fits.
And these are the more physically active games:
6. Backward clumps
Divide the group into pairs. Each pair sits on the floor with their partner, backs together, feet out in front, and arms linked. Their task is to stand up together. Once everyone has done this, two pairs join together and the group of four try to repeat the task. After they succeed, add another two and try again. Keep adding people until your whole group is trying to stand together. A sure ice-breaker!
7. Balloon hugging
Select three couples and give each couple three balloons. The couple must blow up and knot all their balloons. Then place one balloon under each armpit, and one between their bodies as they face each other. The couple then has to burst the three balloons simultaneously by hugging each other. The winning couple is the pair who burst all their balloons in the quickest time.
8. Pass the orange
A traditional favorite! The group forms a circle and the first person is given a large orange which they need to pass this around the circle. However, it has to be passed using only chin and neck. If the orange is dropped, it must be returned to the previous player in the circle and the game restarts.
9. Pass the Polo
The group lines up two teams. Give each person a toothpick, which they must hold in their mouth. The first person places a Polo mint on the toothpick and passes the Polo down the line, without using hands..If anyone drops their sweet, the team must start again from the front of the line with a new Polo.
10. Knots
Divide your group into teams of 6-8. Each team forms a small circle. Each person extends their right hand across the circle to hold the left hand of the other team member opposite them. They then extend their left hand across the circle and hold the right hand of another group member. The task is to unravel the spider’s web of interlocking arms without letting go of anyone’s hands. There is a three minute time limit to complete the task.
Well, if your group hasn’t “bonded” after these “get to know you games” they probably never will!
Which games do think will best suit your group? Do you know of other games which we didn’t include that could be great ice-breakers? You can share that information simply by using our comments feed below.
