Break the Ice, Build the Bond

Starting a new class can be exciting—and a little daunting. Students walk into the room wondering who their teacher is, what the class will be like, and whether they’ll feel comfortable speaking up. Teachers, meanwhile, are eager to learn about their students, build rapport, and create a welcoming environment from the very first moment. 

ETS Senior Coordinator and Global Partner Enablement Peter Westerhuis always begins with an icebreaker that’s both personal and interactive. It’s not just about warming up—it’s about setting the tone for a communicative, inclusive classroom. Westerhuis has a unique way of doing this, in an activity he calls Answers About Me. 

In this article, we’ll share a few icebreakers contributed by ETS colleagues that work across age groups and classroom settings. Each one is designed to help students connect, communicate, and feel at home from day one. 

Activity 1: Answers About Me 

This activity helps students get to know you while encouraging natural conversation and curiosity. 

Step 1: Write a Word on the Board 

Start by writing 10–12 words or numbers that relate to you. For example: 

Peter | Vancouver | 43 | Lyon | Seoul | green curry | Virgo | heights | rowing | Pompeii | Michigan | Dutch | Lord of the Rings 

Then say: 
"These are answers. Can you guess the questions?" 

Encourage students to ask questions. If a question matches one of the words, cross it off and share a short story or anecdote. The goal is to foster a conversational atmosphere—not just “Yes” or “No” responses. Humor and unusual facts help students feel comfortable and curious. 

Step 2: Students Create Their Own Lists 

Ask students to write 10 words or numbers about themselves. These can be anything: 

• Number of siblings
• Favorite food
• A place they've visited
• Their dog's name
• An allergy
• A hobby or fear

Give prompts while they write to spark ideas. 

Step 3: Small Group Conversations 

Put students into groups of three. Each student asks questions based on the others’ lists. Encourage follow-up questions and full-sentence answers. Afterward, students try to recall what they learned about each other—using second person (“You have two brothers,” etc.). 

Step 4: Introduce a Peer 

Each student chooses one person from their group to introduce to the class. This builds confidence and shifts the focus from self-presentation to celebrating others. Give time to prepare and practice in groups. 

Optional Homework 

Ask students to write you an email introducing themselves. Encourage them to include: 

• Learning preferences
• Challenges or goals
• Health concerns or pronouns
• Anything they'd like you to know

This creates a personal connection and gives you a reference point for their progress.

Activity 2: Police Lineup (A Twist on 2 Truths & a Lie) 

This variation is perfect when students need to move around or re-energize. 

Step-by-Step: 

1. Each student writes a true, unique sentence about themselves—something surprising or funny. 
2. Collect the sentences with names. Check for clarity and grammar. 
3. Randomly select one sentence and call four students to the front—one is the true author, the others are decoys. 
4. Read the sentence aloud. The class asks questions to figure out who’s telling the truth. 
5. After questioning, the class votes. The real author reveals themselves. 
6. Award points to students who guessed correctly. 

This activity builds speaking, listening, and critical thinking skills—and creates lots of laughter and bonding. 

Activity 3: Personal Object or Picture Sharing 

ETS Academic Relations Manager Celestina Cardoz Maury used this icebreaker with her students in the French collège section, in Business School, and even as an introductory activity for new colleagues! This shows how adaptable the activity is—it works with learners of different ages and contexts. 

How it works: 

Students are asked to bring in one small object or a picture from home that represents something important to them. It could be: 

• A favorite book 
• A souvenir from a trip
• A photograph
• Anything meaningful

Why this icebreaker is effective: 

This activity helps students build personal connections by sharing objects or pictures that represent something meaningful to them. Bringing an item provides a low-pressure way for students—especially those who are shy—to participate, as the focus is partly on the object itself. 

It encourages storytelling, giving students practice in: 

• Expressing themselves 
• Listening to others
• Developing communication skills

It’s always nice to hear about classmates’ hobbies, traditions, cultures, and experiences. This fosters empathy, celebrates diversity, and promotes intercultural understanding. It goes a long way in creating a welcoming and inclusive classroom community. 

Final Thoughts 

Icebreakers aren’t just fun—they’re foundational. They help establish trust, encourage participation, and give you valuable insight into your students’ personalities and language abilities. More than warm-up activities, they set the tone for a classroom where students feel safe, curious, and ready to engage. 

When students share stories, laugh together, and learn about one another, they begin to form a community. That sense of connection is essential for language learning—and for any learning, really. Whether you're teaching teens, adults, or professionals, these activities help break down barriers and build a space where communication can thrive.