2021 First-Day-of-School Icebreaker Activities

This school year, more than ever, building a sense of community in the classroom is essential to restore a sense of camaraderie among students as they return to the classroom, in some cases for the first time since spring 2020. Try these first-day-of-school icebreakers so you can get to know your students better—and as a way to help them introduce themselves to one another.

2021 Back-to-School Icebreakers

Below is a compilation of activities to try on the first day of class for elementary, middle, and high school. Building relationships is a cornerstone of social and emotional learning and can help your students regain some sense of normalcy in the 2021–2022 school year.

6 Back-to-School Icebreakers for Elementary Students

Teachers can use these fun back-to-school icebreaker activities for elementary students in the classroom or remotely.

July 30, 2020
3 First-Day-of-School Icebreaker Activities for Middle School Students

Use these classroom icebreakers to have students introduce themselves to you—and each other—without using the traditional "Hi, my name is..." activity.

July 02, 2019
5 First-Day-of-School High School Icebreaker Activities

These icebreakers for students in Grades 9-12 will help them get to know one another while having fun and also getting creative.

Richard Blankman
Shaped Editor
August 19, 2020
3 First-Day-Jitters Activities for Back-to-School

While each group of students will be different, there are some great back-to-school activities you can implement in your classroom year after year.

August 16, 2019
All About Me Activities: Celebrate What Makes You 'Different'

Explore All About Me activities for elementary and middle school students. Help your students to celebrate what makes them different.

October 01, 2019