Ice-breaking is a mode of activity that helps students and individuals become comfortable in a group. When one is a new member of a group, they have to feel welcomed, and such an activity works magic. Some of the icebreaker activities can be done individually.
Additionally, some are mental, whereas others are purely physical. An ice breaker can be any activity that will suit the intended purpose. The goal is to reduce tension and ensure those in the group can introduce, interact, and understand each other.
Facilitates Introduction
When people come together in a group for the first time, the discussion may face hindrances because of unfamiliarity or lack of understanding of one’s norms. Icebreaker activities will create familiarity by having everyone introduce themselves. Through the introduction, the tension in the room will reduce considerably.
Fostering Unity
Through ice-breaking, people will become more open about the environment that they find themselves in. When everyone feels they are ready to participate and ready to share their ideas, it makes the setting and discussions robust.
Icebreaker activities encourage the members to open up on each other, creating a relaxed mood. Through such exercises, barriers such as gender, race, and status are broken.
Assessment of Prior Knowledge
One significant advantage of using icebreakers is that you can assess your group members’ prior knowledge. Through this, you can be able to identify the strength or weaknesses of each member.
Knowing each member’s strengths and weaknesses, you will be able to help them individually and know which areas to concentrate on as a group.
Topic Sequence
When you want to introduce a new topic, an ice-breaking activity would be the best way to do it. Knowing what will be put under discussion will help with prior research. The group members will get to know the materials required to make the engagement fruitful.
Energizers
Some of the icebreaker activities are only meant to energize those in the group. Mostly this will happen where there will be some form of physical activity. Nonetheless, even where mental activities will occur, the members will need to have the energy to engage constructively. You do not want your group members dormant and grip without the necessary vigor.
Conclusion
You need to ensure that you choose an icebreaker activity that connects well with the intended purpose. It should be well related to its meaning so that the action achieves its end goal.
