Summary:
This is the third lesson of a series of ice breaker lessons that you can use with a variety of different children/adolescents over the start of the new year. Ice breakers are great for encouraging cooperation, getting to know each other, feeling comfortable in a group environment and many, many more benefits. If you like this lesson, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Australian Curriculum Links:
- This lesson has a large amount of correlation to the ‘Personal and Social Capability’ section of the Australian Curriculum. Click here to access the information.
Lesson:
Introduction:
In a whole class setting, explain to the children/adolescents that they are going to (we are going to) participate in some ice breaker activities. Explain the importance on always being enthusiastic throughout the lesson. Reassure that we are not trying to embarrass anyone and highlight that the main purpose is to get to know everyone just a little bit better than before.
Body:
- Announce, ‘You’ve been exiled to a deserted island for a year. In addition to the essentials, you may take one piece of music, one book (which is not the Bible) and one luxury item you can carry with you i.e. not a boat to leave the island!
- Ask the students, “What would you take and why?’
- Allow a 5-10 minutes for your students to draw up their list of three items. Make sure that they can clearly articulate why they would take each item by asking them to write a few sentences for each item to help explain it. (Great if teachers join in here as well)
Conclusion:
- Share your three items and why you would take them with you. (Great opportunity to model what is expected of each student)
- Now ask children to share their items and reasons with the rest of the class.
Assessment:
- Anecdotal notes on listening, speaking and taking turns.
- Look for higher order thinking skills and children giving assistance to others.
Resources:
- Paper
- Pens / Pencils
