Icebreaker Facilitation Guide
Icebreaker Connection
Teacher Facilitation Guide • 15 Minutes
OBJECTIVE
Students will build connections and rapport by participating in a group icebreaker and sharing personal interests through a guided profile activity.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Establishing a safe, welcoming environment early in the school year is critical for student engagement and emotional safety. This quick session lowers social barriers and highlights commonalities among 5th graders.
PREP & MATERIALS
- Printed copies of "Connection Profile" worksheet
- Pencils for all students
- Timer or stopwatch
Lesson Flow
1
Introduction
1 min
Gather the class and briefly explain that today is about "mapping our classroom community." Explain that knowing each other makes our classroom a stronger, more fun place to learn.
2
Two Truths and a Lie
4 mins
Model the game yourself first. State three "facts" about yourself (two true, one false). Have the class vote on the lie. Then, select a few students to go quickly, or have students play in small pods of 4 to maximize participation in the short timeframe.
3
Profile Completion
5 mins
Distribute the Connection Profile worksheet. Students work independently to fill in their details. Encourage them to be specific—instead of just "Video Games," maybe "Playing Minecraft with my brother."
4
Community Sharing
4 mins
Ask for volunteers to share one interesting fact from their sheet. Use a "speed round" format to hear from as many students as possible. "Stand up, share, sit down!"
5
Closing
1 min
"We have an amazing group of explorers here! Keep these profiles in mind as you chat during lunch or recess today."
Connection Profile Worksheet
Connection Profile
Let's get to know our classroom community!
NAME:
DATE:
Favorite Hobby
What is something you love doing in your free time?
Pets & Pals
Do you have any pets? If so, what are their names? (If not, what's your favorite animal?)
School Favorites
Which subject in school do you enjoy learning about the most?
Wild & Unique Fact
Tell us one interesting, surprising, or special fact about yourself!
Community First
Stay Curious
Welcome Home
Icebreaker Slides
Classroom Connections
Let's Get to Know Each Other!
Two Truths & A Lie
01
Think of three facts about yourself.
02
Two are true. One is a lie!
03
Tell your facts. Your classmates will vote on the lie.
PRO TIP: Try to make your lie sound like something you would actually do!
The Connection Profile
Fill out your profile worksheet with your favorite things. We will share one interesting fact from your sheet soon!
5 Minutes
Work Independently
Speed
Sharing!
Choose one thing from your profile to share with the class.
"One thing you might not know about me is..."
Floor is yours!
Welcome Home
We are a community of explorers, artists, and thinkers. Let's make this the best school year ever!