Why are Ice Breaker games necessary in communities?
In communities, ice breaker games are essential for bringing people together, facilitating communication, and fostering collaboration to build a stronger and more effective community. Whether in university clubs or professional settings, these activities contribute to breaking the ice, helping teams bond faster. In this article, I’ll share some ice breaker activities that we’ve enjoyed and found effective in various teams over the years.
Are you ready to try out activities suitable for both online and physical events?🎡
The importance of icebreaker games in communities
🤝 Creating Connections Between People
🎙️ Strengthening Communication
🌎 Improving Group Dynamics
🧘🏻♀️ Providing an Environment of Comfort and Trust
🎉 Increasing Fun and Motivation
🤩 Encouraging Community Participation
🧊Ice Breaker Games
🎈Musical Balloons (Physical)
We write the names of the participants on the balloons. Then, the balloons are thrown into the air by the participants and mixed. Then the participants choose one of these balloons and give it to the owner of the balloon.
🎶 Let the music begin😎
Purpose: To enable participants to learn each other’s names and communicate.
Number: At least 10 people
Duration: 10 minutes
Applicability level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🧻 Toilet Paper (Physical)
The person leading the game gives a roll of toilet paper to the participants sitting in their seats. He asks them to tear off as many pieces as they want from the roll. After everyone has received their papers, the person leading the game asks each participant in turn to tell something about themselves according to the number of pieces of paper they have torn off. By sharing at least one thing about themselves with other participants, participants can get to know each other better and establish closer relationships.
❗️Note: This game can also be used in international activities as an intercultural learning tool with various modifications.
Purpose: To enable participants to get to know each other better
Number: At least 10 people
Duration: 10–30 minutes depending on the number of participants
Materials: One roll of toilet paper
Applicability level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🕊️Take a step forward! (Physical)
We are all equal, but some are more equal than others. Through this event, participants will experience what it is like to be someone else in society.
You can find more details about the game from the link.
Applicability level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gartic.io (Online)
You must log in to the platform from the Gartic.io link and send invitations to the participants. Then, you should ask the people who log in to the game to take turns drawing something they want and explain it to the people in the room. 🎈 The person who knows gets the points! 👯
Purpose: Getting together, having fun.
Number: Maximum 50 people
Duration: May vary depending on the participant.
Applicability level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
City Guesser (Online)
This app aims to create an atmosphere where you can chat while also asking for feedback on a topic. You must select a country you want to visit from the City Guesser application. You can then share your screen with the participants and ask them the questions you are curious about.
Purpose: Evaluation, learning the opinions of the participants.
Number: No number of participants!
Duration: 20–30 minutes
Applicability level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Marshmallow Tower (Physical)
In the Marshmallow Tower experiment, a group of students attempt to build a tower, usually using spaghetti noodles and marshmallow candies. The main goal is to create the most solid and stable tower that can reach a certain height. I had the chance to apply this test both in competitions and in classes while I was a graduate student.
Purpose: Teamwork and creativity
Number: Groups can be 3–4 people.
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Material: 20 spaghetti, 1 meter, 1 rope, 1 scissors, 1 marhmallow
Applicability level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tom Wujec: Build a tower, build a team!
Childhood Photos (Online)
The childhood photo guessing game is a fun type of game that involves a group of people seeing each other’s childhood photos and trying to guess which person belongs to which photo.
📸Collect Photos
🧐Prediction Tour
🤩Announce Correct Answers
🎡 Unforgettable childhood memories can be given as an example😉
Purpose: Team bonding and fun
Number: There is no limit.
Duration: 1 hour
Material: Childhood photos and fun slide
Applicability level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Online Ice Breaker Suggestions
🎯Online Imaginary
🎮Target Board
🎖️Mentimeter
Physical Ice Breaker Suggestions
🎡Mixer
🙋🏻Human Billboards
🎭Creative Drama
If you want me to share more ice breaker games in detail, you can write in the comments🌼
You can write in the comments the games you have used and would like to recommend💙
See you in my next medium article 💌
🎡 bento.me/kubrabilgic
