5 Exciting Icebreaker Challenges for Back to school

Back to school is a time of fresh beginnings, nervous anticipation, and endless possibilities. As a teacher, setting a positive and welcoming tone from the first day is crucial. One of the best ways to do this is through engaging in icebreaker challenges that help students get to know you, each other, and the classroom environment. Below are five creative icebreaker challenges that will not only break the ice but also foster a sense of community and excitement as you embark on this academic journey together.

01. "Favorite Bookshelf" Showcase

Create a shared Wakelet collection where students and the teacher add their favorite books, along with a short review or reason why they love them.

This digital bookshelf can spark discussions about reading preferences and help students discover new books to enjoy throughout the school year.

Example - NESCol Staff Recommended Reads

02. "Favorite Quotes" Collection

Ask students to add their favorite inspirational quotes to a shared Wakelet collection. Encourage them to explain why they chose that quote and how it resonates with them.

This collection can serve as a source of motivation and positivity throughout the school year.

Example - Quotes

3. "Getting to Know You" Collaborative Playlist

Start the school year with music! Create a shared Wakelet collection where each student can add a song that represents them—whether it’s a favourite tune, something from their culture, or a song that describes their personality.

As they add their selections, ask them to write a brief explanation of why they chose that song. This collaborative playlist breaks the ice and allows students to connect over shared musical interests.

Example - Wynford Music

04. "My Dream Job" Exploration

Ask students to create a Wakelet collection about their dream job. They can include research on the job, educational paths, famous people in the field, and why they’re interested in it.

Sharing these collections allows students to learn about each other’s aspirations and could inspire future career-focused discussions or projects.

Example - What is your dream job? Research activity

05. "Recipe Swap"

Invite students to share a favorite family recipe in a Wakelet collection. They can upload pictures, videos, or just a written recipe, along with a short story about why it’s special to them.

This activity allows students to share a piece of their culture or family tradition with the class.

Example - Recipes