The classroom clock ticks a little too loudly, the hum of outside activity refusing to stay muffled. A new group of pre-intermediate students sits, a mix of familiar faces and fresh ones, anxious but eager, waiting for the ice to break. As their teacher, you know the importance of making that first moment count. Here are some engaging and effective ice breakers to help your pre-intermediate students ease into their learning journey.
Ice breakers, much like the ones we use in life, are not just fun activities to start a class; they serve a profound purpose. They help students relax, build camaraderie, encourage exchange of ideas, and most importantly, it allows them to practice and sharpen their language skills in a comfortable, non-judgmental environment.
Introduction Ice Breakers
The first day of class is a blank canvas, ready for first impressions and introductions. Here are two engaging ice breakers to start on the right note.
Two Truths and a Lie
This classic ice breaker can be adapted to fit your classroom. Ask each student to share three statements about themselves. Two of these must be true, and one should be a creative lie. The rest of the class has to guess which statement is the lie. This activity not only helps students learn about each other but also encourages active listening.
To make it more challenging and interesting, you could ask students to share their statements in their target language, giving them a chance to practice their language skills.
Classroom Word Association Game
Start with a word, for example, 'home'. Ask each student to respond with the first word that comes to their mind, encouraging them to think in their target language. The next student then has to associate a word with the one that was just given, and so on. This game helps students get comfortable with the language, introduces new vocabulary, and fosters a sense of teamwork.
For a fun twist, you could ask students to come up with a story using the words that were generated in the game.
Beyond the First Day
Ice breakers aren't reserved for the first day alone. Incorporate them into your regular lessons to keep the learning environment dynamic and engaging.
Two-Minute Interview
Divide students into pairs and give each pair a topic to talk about, such as their favorite hobby, a memorable experience, or their plans for the weekend. After the given time, ask each pair to introduce their partner and what they learned about them to the rest of the class.
To make it more challenging, you could set specific parameters for the interview, such as asking for a specific number of questions, or using only a certain grammar tense.
Speed Networking
Much like speed dating, speed networking involves students moving around the class, meeting new people, and introducing themselves in their target language. To start, ask students to introduce themselves using a specific structure, such as "Hello, I'm [name], and I...", and then ask them to repeat what they've learned about someone else and introduce them to the class.
This activity encourages students to practice their language skills, learn more about each other, and build a community in the classroom.
Remember, the key to successful ice breakers lies in their ability to create a positive and supportive learning environment. By incorporating these activities into your classroom, you'll not only help your pre-intermediate students build confidence in their language skills, but also create a cohesive and engaging learning community.