K-2 students can get really overwhelmed during the first days back to school. They are often nervous to leave their grown-ups and get back into the routine.
Of course, I always include engaging back to school icebreaker activities for my elementary students during the first week of school.
My students get so excited about learning and getting to know each other with these fun back to school icebreakers. Here are some of my favorite icebreaker activities that are perfect for the first week of school.
All About Me Collage
In my first-grade class, I believe in celebrating the unique qualities and interests of each student. An “All About Me Collage” lets students visually represent themselves. This is the perfect back to school icebreaker activity for the first week of school.
Each student gets a piece of construction paper and creates a collage that represents who they are. I bring out kid-friendly magazines or they can draw their own images to represent their hobbies, favorite things, dreams, or values. Once the collages are complete, students share their collage and explain how their collage shows who they are. I use this to celebrate individuality and foster a sense of belonging and understanding within our classroom community.
Related Product: All About Me Book Printables
Back to School Icebreaker Puzzle
Another awesome back to school icebreaker is a team-building puzzle activity during the first week of school. Each small group of students gets a jigsaw puzzle. Their task is to work together to solve the puzzle within a given time frame. As a challenge, you can add additional parameters for older students (like time limits or completing the puzzle without speaking).
As they collaborate, they learn the importance of communication, cooperation, and problem-solving skills. I love how they appreciate each other’s strengths and support one another in their efforts.
Related Product: Logic Puzzles for 1st Graders
“Find Someone Who” Back to School Icebreaker
In order to help my first-grade students connect with one another, I often use the “Find Someone Who” icebreaker activity. First, create statements or characteristics that are relevant to your students’ lives and interests. For example, “Find someone who has a pet dog” or “Find someone who enjoys drawing.”
I distribute the lists to my students and ask them to move around the classroom, finding someone who matches each statement. Once they find someone who matches, they chat to learn more about each other. I love this back to school icebreaker to make connections! {You can snag this one for free down below!}
Related: Back to School Bulletin Board Ideas
Two Truths and a Lie
To add an element of surprise and intrigue to the first week of school, I like to play “Two Truths and a Lie” with my first-grade students. This is perfect for every grade level! Each student comes up with two true statements and one false statement about themselves.
They take turns sharing their statements with the class, and the rest of the students try to guess which statement is the lie. This activity not only enhances their listening skills but also sparks curiosity and encourages them to interact with each other through questions and discussions. I always like to play along too!
Classmate Back to School Icebreaker Interview
Another fantastic icebreaker activity that I love to incorporate during the first week of school is the Classmate Interview. I pair up my first-grade students and give them the task of interviewing each other. They take turns asking questions like “What is your favorite animal?” or “What do you hope to learn this year?” They jot down their partner’s responses and then switch roles.
Afterward, the class comes together and each student introduces their partner and shares something interesting they learned during the interview. I love using this activity because the students get to know each other. Even adults can benefit from this back to school icebreaker!
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Engaging Back to School Icebreaker Activities for Elementary Students Recap
With these back to school icebreaker activities, the first week of school becomes even more exciting and engaging for my first-grade students.
These unique icebreakers enhance the sense of community and connection among my students, setting the stage for a successful and enjoyable school year.
Tell me which one is your favorite in the comments.
