Free Back to School Ice Breaker!

Get to know you games can be hit or miss, but this back to school ice breaker will DEF be a hit!

Ever been to a professional development session where they make you stand up and participate in an awkward activity? #ihatethat

Ugh… Don’t make your students feel like that!

Instead, give them a game that is fun, lively, and easy to do! Try playing Back to School BINGO—an ice breaker that transforms those first-day jitters into excitement and connection.

The Best Back to School Ice Breaker…

• Encourages Interaction: Gets students moving and talking, helping even the shyest ones feel comfortable.
• Builds Community: Helps students find common ground and appreciate each other’s unique qualities.
• Fun and Engaging: Turns the first day into a lively, enjoyable experience.
• Easy to Implement: Requires minimal preparation, making it a hassle-free addition to your first day plans.
• Inclusive: Every student participates, ensuring no one feels left out.

Here’s our favorite one…

Back to School BINGO is an interactive game where students learn fun facts about their classmates. Each BINGO card is filled with prompts like “Has more than one pet,” “Went swimming over the summer,” and “Has a sister.” Students move around the classroom, chatting with their peers to find classmates who match the prompts and filling in their BINGO cards with names.

How to Play

1. Hand Out the BINGO Cards: Give each student a BINGO card and explain that they need to fill each box with the name of a classmate who matches the description in the box. Download for primary or upper elementary – It’s totally free!
2. Let Them Mingle: Allow students to move around the classroom, asking each other questions to find classmates who match the prompts on their cards.
3. Add a Personal Touch: Students put a star next to the prompts that are true for themselves, making the game more personal and engaging.
4. Celebrate Together: The game can end when a student completes a row, column, or diagonal on their BINGO card. You can also keep going until several students get BINGO to maximize interaction.

This is easy, fun, and a great game to use as a back to school ice breaker!

The first day of school can be nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t have to be. With Back to School BINGO, you can create an atmosphere of excitement and camaraderie that helps students feel at ease and eager to learn more about each other. It’s simple, effective, and most importantly—fun!

Ready to make the first day of school unforgettable? Download Back to School BINGO and watch your classroom come alive with energy and smiles from day one!