First Day Ice- Breakers

The first day in the classroom is all about building trust, breaking the tension, and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Ice breaker activities are a great way for language assistants to introduce themselves, learn names, and encourage students to start speaking English right away in a fun and relaxed way.

Here are some age-appropriate first day ice breakers you can use:

Infantil (ages 3–6)

• Name + Action Game – Each child says their name with an action (e.g., clap, jump). The group repeats it.

• Hello Song Circle – A simple greeting song: “Hello, hello, what’s your name?” → child answers.

• Pass the Ball – Students pass a ball around, saying their name (or “I like ___” for older Infantil students).

  
  

Primary (ages 6–11)

• Name Chain – Students repeat the names before theirs, building a chain around the circle.

• Find a Friend Who… – Bingo-style prompts (“likes pizza,” “has a pet”) get students asking each other questions.

• Would You Rather? (Quick Version) – Fun choices like “Ice cream or pizza?” Students vote by raising hands or moving to a side of the room.

  
  

Secondary (ages 12–16)

• Two Truths and a Lie – Students say three facts about themselves; classmates guess the false one.

• Speed Chats – Students pair up for 1–2 minutes to answer quick prompts (“favorite film,” “best holiday”), then rotate.

• Desert Island (Mini Version) – In pairs: choose one item they’d take to a desert island and explain why.

By starting the year with these simple, fun ice breakers, language assistants can create a classroom environment that feels welcoming, supportive, and full of energy. These activities not only help students feel comfortable using English from day one, but also build connections, spark curiosity, and set the tone for a positive and engaging school year. A great first day can make all the difference and a few minutes of laughter and interaction can go a long way!