The Cup Game

*I learned this icebreaker in 2000 and have used it to help group members become “unstuck” in their communication with one another

Target Audience: Appropriate for students in grades 9 through 12

Purpose/Goal:  A fast-paced activity that requires each member to acknowledge one another.  With increasing speed, the game challenges each person to keep up with the pace and stay in sync with one another

Materials: Durable plastic cups

Duration: Duration is dependent upon the group and how long they would like to play the game

Description:  The facilitator will teach the rhythm to the group and ensure everyone understands.  Once the group feels confident enough they will play several rounds of the game each at increasing speeds.  If a player is knocked out of rhythm they are then “out” for the subsequent rounds.  This can turn into a playoff style game

Timed Goal-Setting

*I will often use this simple icebreaker to assess group dynamics and to start conversations among members

Target Audience: Appropriate for students in grades 9 through 12

Purpose/Goal:  This activity is a very simple way of getting the group to jump into a topic very quickly

Materials: No materials needed; dry erase board and dry erase markers optional if recording of ideas is necessary

Duration: This is a timed activity on purpose.  The shorter the duration of time, the more pressure the group feels to accomplish it’s task and therefore increases the intensity of conversation; recommended 5 to 10 minutes

Description:  The facilitator will assign a task (e.g. create a group name, develop a goal, etc) and tell the group they have a limited amount of time to complete it

Getting to Know You Icebreakers

Communication-Building Icebreakers