When kids enter the art room for the first time, no matter if they are new to school, or in the 5th grade, it’s normal for them to feel anxious. After all, if you throw a bunch of us adults in a room, it’s natural for us to feel the same way.
As teachers, we want to encourage students to get to know each other in a safe, and fun, way. One way to do that is through icebreaker activities.
Icebreakers can serve many incredible long-term goals:
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- Increasing empathy that students have for each other
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- Get students talking
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- Decrease anxiety in the classroom
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- Help to form new friendships in students
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- Encourage laughter, conversation, and movement
But when those little faces are looking at you, you might be looking for some ideas. These 7 icebreakers for your art room are a perfect way to get started.
It’s a zoo out there…
Younger kids will love standing up, and introducing themselves with their favorite animal – complete with animal sounds and movement. The next child says the names and animals that came before, complete with all of the animal noises and movements.
This is a great way to get kids remembering names, something about their classmates – while being super silly, and getting those wiggles out at the same time.
If you want to get sillier, encourage kids to come dressed up as one – or with a hint!
The art room looks a little… strange
Before students come in, flip some posters upside down, change words around, mis-label things like the trash or the paint. Make the entire room a little wacky!
Let students know how many things are out of place and see how many they can find. Or don’t tell them, and then pair them up with another student or the rest of their table to see who finds the most!
10 things about me – and about you
It’s one thing for students to introduce themselves with their favorites, but can they find a 10 things that everyone at their table has in common?
This one is perfect for older students – and it’s also an exercise in listening. And as students hear other kids loving the same characters, the same foods, the same sports – it will also help to form new friendships. It may also be that they’ve been on the same vacations!
To make it easier and usable for younger students, cut the number down to 3-5.
Want more?
Click the image below to download your FREE handout – 7 icebreakers for the art room, perfect for kicking off your school year, and for using in any new social situation with kids (and psst…adults might like them too).
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Don’t forget to tag us at @soulsparklettes on social media if you try these icebreakers with your students – we’d love hear how it goes!
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