Fresh Alternatives to Get-to-Know-You Activities

Do the traditional get-to-know-you activities feel a bit stale to you?  Are you looking for some fresh ideas to get your students interacting with you and each other?  If so, then check out these multi-age activities!

Minute to Win It Team Building 

For each activity, you can set a timer for the traditional minute, or you can choose the amount of time appropriate for the groups.  I like to have them strategize at the end of the round to see how they could better improve for the next round.

Chain

To be done in small groups: Set a timer for a minute. Then, each player must make a chain of paperclips. At the end of the minute, have teams count their paperclips and strategize about how to make a longer chain in the next round. 

Captain Kirk

The players are asked to discover a new planet (balloon). One player blows up the balloon as soon as possible and ties it off.  The other players "inhabit" the planet by drawing as many people on it as possible with a felt-tip marker.

Get Them Moving With....

Pool Noodles

Here's a fun way to use pool noodles to get students up and moving.  I love how the instructor gives modifications for students to work in teams or alone.  I also love that pool noodles are on sale during this time of year.

Switch Sides If...

I was inspired to share this activity with you when I read this post by Mommies Hobbies.

This is a really cool activity that works with any age.
First, divide your classroom into two sides.  You can even put painter's tape in the middle to make a visual divide.
Next, have students stand on whatever side they want.
Then, say "Switch sides if..." and insert get-to-know-you statements such as:

• You prefer country music to rock music
• Your best friend goes to this school
• Your favorite subject is science
• You have more than one sibling
• You were born in a different state
• You have lived in this area for at least five years
• You are a morning person
• You play sports 

What would you add to this list?  I always need fresh ideas to keep things interesting at the beginning of the year!