Best Icebreakers for TEFL Classrooms

TEFL Express
Aug 24, 2017 · 3 min read

Looking for an exciting way to begin class in your TEFL classroom? As the upcoming school year quickly approaches, it’s time to start preparing for your new class. English teaching can be fun and this is one the most fun times of year! A new class, a fresh start — let’s start it the right way! If you’re new to English teaching, don’t fret! Everything will be great if you are prepared and enthusiastic for this new adventure! Give this article from TEFL Express a read to learn how to be the best TEFL teacher possible!

Icebreakers are great ways to introduce your students to each other and to yourself. It creates a more fluid TEFL classroom. Remember: one of the most important aspects of TEFL classroom is that your students feel comfortable with you and with each other! When students feel comfortable, they are more likely to be present in the classroom and absorb the information being taught to them.

The Three Best Icebreakers for the TEFL Classroom

In my experience as a TEFL teacher, these icebreakers have always been the best ways to start out a new semester! I think they’ll work for you in your TEFL classroom, too!

1.) Two Truths and a Lie: Each student writes 3 statements about themselves on a sheet of paper. 2 of these phrases are true and the other is false. We go around in a group and each students tells the class their 3 sentences. Then, the rest of the class guesses which one is a lie. This is fun and almost always includes lots of laughs from your students. Note: this can be used as a warm-up, too!

2.) Finish the Story: For this icebreaker, you can write a short phrase on the board. For example: “The young turtle” From there on out, each student continues to write a small portion of the story. By the time each student has gone, you will have a great story about a young turtle! This also includes lots of giggles from your students and you!

3.) Would You Rather: This is a classic! Each student can make up questions for one another. For example: “Would you rather have popcorn kernels stuck in your teeth for the rest of your life or cheese doodle dust stuck on your fingers forever?” Again, this is usually a crowd favorite and will instantly have your students laughing and enjoying themselves, while practicing their English skills at the same time!

There are lots of other icebreaker games available to use in your TEFL classroom — these are just a few suggestions I have! The point is to make your students feel at home in your classroom, so whichever way you choose to do that will work!

I hope this helps you and best of luck on the upcoming school year!

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TEFL Express is an award-winning, fully accredited TEFL/TESOL course provider. Gain the skills & confidence to teach English as a foreign language abroad.

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