THE BEST BACK TO SCHOOL ACTIVITIES! | Icebreakers and Community Building Games

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  • Опубліковано 5 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 246

  • @Noelle_FromHell
    @Noelle_FromHell 5 років тому +260

    I don't plan to become a teacher but your content taught me how hard teachers work

    • @desireeromero2384
      @desireeromero2384 5 років тому +1

      Me as well

    • @tpsu129
      @tpsu129 5 років тому +4

      Why not?
      We have cookies, and donuts, and candy, and every delectable delight you can think of.

    • @jahanarafaizal2023
      @jahanarafaizal2023 3 роки тому

      ua-cam.com/video/NSYqJ_KMbrE/v-deo.html🙂

  • @AlaynaMarley
    @AlaynaMarley 5 років тому +74

    Michelle! These games are AMAZING! Not only am I an assistant teacher in elementary school, but my husband and I are also the youth leaders at our church and these ice breaker and team building games are perfect for both age groups! Thank you SO MUCH for sharing this valuable information!

  • @BrittanyNicole2001
    @BrittanyNicole2001 5 років тому +12

    I love your channel just seeing how you interact with your students how much love and compassion that you've given has taught me a lot and I hope to be a fantastic teacher one day just like you. Thank you so much for everything couldn't have done it without you teaching me new things every single day and of course your bright beautiful smile keeps me going forth thank you so much, I appreciate all that you do.

  • @melanieprice9176
    @melanieprice9176 5 років тому +63

    I am a 17 year old living in the UK and am wanting to become a teacher and you are so ejspiring and are part of the reason I want to become a teacher thank you for being amazing

    • @brokenchalksofia
      @brokenchalksofia 5 років тому +8

      I'm a teacher in the UK! Stay inspired, we need wonderful and motivated teachers to be :)

    • @emlaurenbrewin
      @emlaurenbrewin 5 років тому +1

      I'm just about to start uni in a couple of weeks to become a teacher! Can't wait!

    • @brokenchalksofia
      @brokenchalksofia 5 років тому

      That's brilliant, good luck!

    • @SuperTeachersUnite
      @SuperTeachersUnite 5 років тому

      Hi Mel! I'm sure you're going to be a Super Teacher! Well done on choosing the best career ever! All the best for your future.

    • @Heather-zc9we
      @Heather-zc9we 4 місяці тому

      @@brokenchalksofia wondering if ou have become a teacher or if you went on another path.

  • @kristenalmonte1110
    @kristenalmonte1110 2 роки тому

    Lots of the activities are old school still and do not engage kids that may not go many places in the summer, etc. So glad I tuned in here.

  • @christinecarlson8496
    @christinecarlson8496 5 років тому +1

    Thank you for the fresh new ideas. After teaching for 11 years, it is fun to switch things up. I love that these games don't require a lot of materials and students will find these a activities to be new and engaging!

  • @sharlenecuret1495
    @sharlenecuret1495 2 роки тому

    Thank you for sharing. These activities saved me my first week of school. I used them as fillers in case there was any down time and they were a hit. I teach multigrades 3-5 so having something that will keep the interest of all the age ranges was great!

  • @agathaklassen5466
    @agathaklassen5466 5 років тому +3

    I actually did Saving Fred with my students last year after seeing it in one of your videos, and they loved it. It was great seeing how each group had different ways to save Fred. They however were begging to eat Fred throughout the activity. Also, I love how you end the video by telling us to put on our positive pants. I had a student come to school with a not so happy attitude to school on a Monday, remembering your ending, I told the student to put on their positive pants and change their mindset. My students were quite taken aback by the wording of my suggestion they listened to why I was telling them to change their attitude and we ended up have an amazing day.

  • @KM-ye9so
    @KM-ye9so 5 років тому +4

    I love these! Also, as a student (and soon to be student teacher) who is physically disabled, thank you for the disclaimer considering that not all students have the same physical abilities! So important to note before community building activities!

  • @gabyrique2363
    @gabyrique2363 4 місяці тому

    I am an ESL teacher in mexico and these great warm up ideas wil be of a lot of help. Thank you for sharing.

  • @chloe_3787
    @chloe_3787 5 років тому +3

    I’m in high school and in a lot of our classes, we write two truths and a lie cards at the beginning of the year or semester (we’re on block scheduling) and throughout the duration of the class, our teacher reads one when we have down time. We take turns guessing who it belongs to, and whoever is guessed, makes the next guess. It’s fun because sometimes even the person who wrote it forgets it was them. Plus it’s a really good break from class.

  • @jackiecrampton4779
    @jackiecrampton4779 2 роки тому

    WOW... wonderful! I am planning to use all of these games in the 1st two weeks of school. My Year 4 class will love them! Thank you!!

  • @dancingdiva90950
    @dancingdiva90950 5 років тому +7

    The human knot can also result in no solution. We had that happen at a sleep away camp

  • @samanthakeller448
    @samanthakeller448 4 роки тому

    This sounds like a variety of fun activities. I will try a couple as space allows or play them at home with my own kiddos instead of them watching television or texting on their phones. Thank you for sharing.

  • @karladawnjones718
    @karladawnjones718 3 роки тому

    I work in an after school program and these are so perfect for my kiddos! We have limited resources and using other teacher spaces where we cannot touch anything and cannot store anything. Often I do know what space I will be in until the day of. Also, I may have to combine group and I have kids that are not usually together. But, I can always carry index cards and writing utensils in my back pack!

  • @KellieCross-w2x
    @KellieCross-w2x Рік тому

    These were just what I was after!!! Thank you SO much!! I know we're going to have some fun, learn about one another and build some solid community skills!!!

  • @russellpalatiere8852
    @russellpalatiere8852 5 років тому +1

    Love all the icebreakers and community building activities!! I wish we did these when I was going through school. It would have made our classroom community more tight-knit. It is always more fun when the teacher participates because the students get to know their teacher and their traits. Two truths and a lie is probably my favorite icebreaker. I did this with college kids as a fraternity advisor and the creativity was endless. I did a human knot when I was in a FCA camp in high school with other runners and it was interesting to see who was a leader and who was a listener.

  • @ThatGirlWithTheCoffee
    @ThatGirlWithTheCoffee Рік тому

    This or That can also be done as standing vs sitting, in case any of your students have mobility issues, or your furniture is too bulky to move around/ built in!

  • @brokenchalksofia
    @brokenchalksofia 5 років тому +23

    Love those icebreakers! Even if I don't use them as icebreakers, they can be go-to activities to get students to recall information of a topic.

    • @SuperTeachersUnite
      @SuperTeachersUnite 5 років тому +1

      This is a Super idea!!! I'm definitely use it for recall exercises. Thanks for this helpful comment.

    • @brokenchalksofia
      @brokenchalksofia 5 років тому

      @@SuperTeachersUnite That's great! Let me know how it goes :)

    • @hebaemad25
      @hebaemad25 5 років тому +1

      Genius

    • @belearning973
      @belearning973 3 роки тому

      @@SuperTeachersUnite Great ideas! If you want to end a zoom class with a song, you can try this one. ua-cam.com/video/SM7_690xar4/v-deo.html

  • @angieniko8844
    @angieniko8844 3 роки тому

    Great ideas! Thank you for sharing fun and interactive activities. My favourite one is Saving Fred.

  • @yariquiros214
    @yariquiros214 4 роки тому

    I'm studying to be an english teacher in Costa Rica. And I Love so much your videos, they help me to get creative ideas for my students and also encourage me to work hard to create a comfortable and fun environment for them. Thank you ❤

  • @Chrissi15
    @Chrissi15 5 років тому +17

    Brilliant ideas! I'm going to try the index card tower and saving Fred!

    • @SuperTeachersUnite
      @SuperTeachersUnite 5 років тому

      I'm doing a teacher development workshop tomorrow and I'll definitely use the index card tower for the ice breaker.

    • @swethakalluri1476
      @swethakalluri1476 5 років тому +1

      @@SuperTeachersUnite how did it go? I'm thinking of doing this with my kids soon

    • @SuperTeachersUnite
      @SuperTeachersUnite 5 років тому

      @@swethakalluri1476 It worked super well. My cards were a bit flimsy but luckily there were prestick on the tables so the teachers reinforced their towers with that. Really a cool activity.

  • @taradaniels1886
    @taradaniels1886 5 років тому +8

    i live in australia, im going into year 10 and i’ve just done my time table which help me get into teaching!

  • @yavannareynolds9785
    @yavannareynolds9785 3 роки тому

    I love how much thought you put into the student's individual comfort level. Thank you! These activities will be great as we all get used to being back in school together again.

  • @kaleigh4081
    @kaleigh4081 5 років тому +4

    Great ideas!! I'm even going to try some of these activities in my ESL classes with adults. The index card tower is perfect!

  • @kathleenoldewurtel8067
    @kathleenoldewurtel8067 5 років тому +4

    Thank you for the amazing ideas! I like the index card tower activity, but I think my favorite was Saving Fred. I think my 6th grade students will love it! I am so grateful I found your videos. I also purchased your Trasketball on tpt and can't wait to use that as well. Thank you so much!

  • @davillamitchel4269
    @davillamitchel4269 5 років тому +1

    Nice...definitely using some of these to help with my classroo management and lesson planning. Also going to help my students release some tension before an afternoon lesson.

    • @SuperTeachersUnite
      @SuperTeachersUnite 5 років тому +1

      Great idea! I didn't think of these activities as classroom management strategies. These would be great as a reward for good behavior.

  • @kathryngarcia3899
    @kathryngarcia3899 2 роки тому

    Thanks Michelle! You are saving my day! My first 2 weeks were so jammed packed . I am excited to do these activities now.

  • @nataliaskolnik8166
    @nataliaskolnik8166 Рік тому

    Thank you, I use some of these in my advisory classes, but I just learned quite a few more ideas. Thank you!

  • @margotod
    @margotod Рік тому

    Thank you SO MUCH for all of these amazing activities. I'll try them all with my ATP class!!

  • @melissahuffman9812
    @melissahuffman9812 2 роки тому

    Definitely planned on saving Fred before I found this video, so glad I made a good choice with that one. I'm also going to use the index card tower and then use this or that as sort of a brain break activity on the 1st day of school to get away from talking and practicing all those procedures they need to know.

  • @themcnears
    @themcnears 5 років тому +1

    Great ideas. We use most of these at our summer camps. For Hula Hoop Pass, you can add directions like 'can't touch the floor' to make it harder.
    Another item we add if arguments start is a quick lesson on Leaders vs. Bosses. I can refer back to it throughout the summer or year too.

  • @leonorvargas8656
    @leonorvargas8656 5 років тому +2

    Just in time!!! Yesterday I planned my first week activities but now that I've seen yours I'm changing a couple. Thank you so much Michelle, I've been following you for ever, and you have made my teaching experience fun, innovated and easier. Luv ya! 💕

  • @Kelly-vc4rs
    @Kelly-vc4rs 4 місяці тому

    I love the concept presented- 'Collaboration' instead of 'Competition'. Thanks!

  • @lorettasegura4091
    @lorettasegura4091 5 років тому +5

    I love the activities. I am going to try the Survey Dots to start. I teach 2nd grade and think this would be a great first day activity for them. Thanks for sharing these activities. 👍

  • @yosefshannykatzman4619
    @yosefshannykatzman4619 5 років тому +7

    Loved this one!! Reminds me of my camp days. Well done. DO YOU HAVE A DOCUMENT WITH A LIST OF QUESTIONS YOU TYPICALLY USE AND CAN SHARE WITH US FOR THE SWITCH SIDES OF ROOM GAMES?

  • @anapaulacerutti313
    @anapaulacerutti313 3 роки тому

    Hello from Brazil! I simply loved all your suggestions! Will add them to our Welcoming Class. Thanks a lot!

  • @RachaelLyn
    @RachaelLyn 5 років тому

    These are all brilliant ideas and I LOVE them! I love that many, if not all of these can be used throughout the entire school year.

  • @melodihenry3345
    @melodihenry3345 2 роки тому

    I cannot thank you enough for this comprehensive list of activities!! I’m using it for the first day back after spring break!

  • @AubreySmalls
    @AubreySmalls 5 років тому +1

    Nice icebreakers. I participate in all activities I have the students do and they love it. It is a little different for me because I teach music but I will use and modify your balloon bop.

  • @andino3035
    @andino3035 Рік тому

    Saving Fred will be my Game for the whole school year. That is a great game! Thank you for sharing. 😊

  • @ashleyolson9076
    @ashleyolson9076 5 років тому +1

    I did the human not in a church youth group activity. It was so much fun with a large group.

  • @lewism1847
    @lewism1847 5 років тому +4

    Hey Michelle! Hope your having a great day! Love your videos

  • @XXELFONXX
    @XXELFONXX 5 років тому

    I did the line-up one a few months ago at my internship. And my kiddos (age range 8-12) really really loved it and kept asking for more!

  • @amietedeschi3203
    @amietedeschi3203 5 років тому

    Saving Fred is one of my favorites too! Thanks for sharing these. A couple of them were new to me, even in year 26 of teaching. Have a great school year!

  • @christinalockett1817
    @christinalockett1817 3 роки тому

    OMG I love the "Saving Fred" I can't wait to try this tomorrow for high school.

  • @carna110
    @carna110 5 років тому

    I'm totally going to use the index card tower game as a topic review informal assessment.

  • @peytonmorris1499
    @peytonmorris1499 5 років тому +2

    Looking forward to seeing what your new classroom is looking like! Love you!

  • @allysonhandelman
    @allysonhandelman 4 роки тому

    Oh my gosh I loved this video! I’m moving down from 8th to 6th grade next year and I feel like the 6th graders will love some of these activities, especially saving Fred. Thank you for also clarifying that community building should not be competitive. We had one training on this before school started and were encouraged to incorporate it without any further help/guidance and I made the mistake of encouraging competition. This only furthered the rift between certain students. I have a much better understanding now and can’t wait to try it out next year with my new students.

  • @chamm8749
    @chamm8749 5 років тому +2

    Hi!! Happy Sunday!

  • @mariemolloy2392
    @mariemolloy2392 5 років тому +1

    Thanks for reminding me of several of the activities as well as sharing new ones. I can't wait to "Save Fred" with my 5th graders as well as many others.

  • @1ellengoodwin
    @1ellengoodwin 4 роки тому

    Thank you for sharing all your ideas. Great teachers become so by learning from other great teachers. I appreciate you being part of that loop. Hope you have a great COVID year.

  • @dinellefreschi4193
    @dinellefreschi4193 5 років тому +1

    I have watched this a couple of times because it is sooo helpful!

    • @SuperTeachersUnite
      @SuperTeachersUnite 5 років тому

      I agree! Definitely using the info card tower in my teacher development workshop tomorrow.

  • @carmelacaranyagan6726
    @carmelacaranyagan6726 Рік тому

    I'm trying Saving Fred tomorrow with my elementary kiddos! Haha I'm so excited and nervous. Wish us luck ❤

  • @donellebrown7856
    @donellebrown7856 Рік тому

    Let me tell you Michelle, I was laughing so much when you were describing how to do these games! I can definitely use a few during the first week of school and use the rest after a few weeks. Thank you for these ideas! Also, I wanted to tell you that I used the Word Work bins idea with my second-grade students this past school year. It was a half-and-half situation. Half of my class used the materials correctly while the other half did not. This happened because they were not paying attention when I was explaining and demonstrating how to do each activity. I even showed your video about the activities. I am still going to use them though, but this coming year, I will have 3rd-5th grade and I know they will do better with them.

  • @brittstromberg4403
    @brittstromberg4403 4 роки тому

    Yay! Thank you for this collection of activities. I teach MY and I think these would be perfect even with the older kids.

  • @jillweiss7111
    @jillweiss7111 4 роки тому

    You are amazing! I love your videos! I am a middle school math teacher and a Google Certified Educator (Level 1). I appreciate all your distance learning videos and how to best organize Google Classroom, etc. My challenge to you is how can we modify some of these ice breakers and team building activities in a digital environment? I know that Jamboard has a common space to collaborate, but I do not like how there is no way to track who posted what. Any ideas? I will be on a look out for THAT video from you! :-) Thank you for sharing all your ideas!

  • @elizabethorr4193
    @elizabethorr4193 5 років тому

    when i work with kids at my summer camp we do a variant of two truths and a lie where the kids get into small groups of three or four, and the group has to find truths that apply to the whole group, and a lie for the group, which gives the kids a chance to get to know each other more personally than doing it individually

  • @CandiceNance
    @CandiceNance 5 років тому +3

    Very timely! Thank you! I'm going to try the index card tower one! And maybe the line up one too!

  • @emmamills5248
    @emmamills5248 5 років тому +5

    These are all great activities, but I think my favorite is the “I also” ice breaker. It’s a great way to connect the whole class. I love this video and would love to see more throughout the school year of review games etc

  • @teachingremedy
    @teachingremedy 5 років тому

    I have the same students from last year, but I'm excited to use the card stacking activity as a community building activity! I've also used the 'this or that,' but never tried the 'switch sides if you.' That sounds super fun as well! Thanks for sharing all of these wonderful ideas!

  • @carolinappe
    @carolinappe 2 роки тому

    I'm definetelly going to use it!!! Hugs, from Brazil!

  • @puchanus
    @puchanus 4 роки тому

    Thank you for these fresh and meaningful activities. Can't wait to do when were back in person!

  • @whitetyger06
    @whitetyger06 Рік тому

    These are great! I'll definitely be using a few with my high schoolers this fall!

  • @srtxwberrixchoclate7970
    @srtxwberrixchoclate7970 5 років тому +5

    OoooooOoo the backround where you are talking is cool and professional ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

  • @misteryamo
    @misteryamo 2 роки тому

    Thank you! These are awesome and will definitely be practiced!

  • @paularezendeteacher
    @paularezendeteacher 5 років тому

    Saving Fred is so cool! My students are gonna love it. Thanks for sharing your ideas :D

  • @hoveringsaint
    @hoveringsaint 5 місяців тому

    I can't wait to try Save Fred and the index card towers! Great ideas

  • @victoriaLL345
    @victoriaLL345 5 років тому

    Thanks for thoroughly explaining "Saving Fred".

  • @Frazzle2Zazzle
    @Frazzle2Zazzle 5 років тому +2

    I’ve done most of these, but Saving Fred sounds awesome!

  • @Jill.McGlothlin42
    @Jill.McGlothlin42 5 років тому +127

    Ok, is it just me or do you look soooo much like Mayim Bialik from “The Big Bang Theory? 😯😯😂😂😂😂😂

  • @tonyacoffman2702
    @tonyacoffman2702 3 роки тому +2

    I LOVE Fred! I can't wait to try this at school this week with my 4th and 6th graders!! So fun! Thanks for sharing. Any ideas on where we can find different activities like "Fred"?

  • @sylwiafalarczyk5356
    @sylwiafalarczyk5356 2 роки тому +1

    The activity of building a tower and looking for common thing is a blast - I’m stealing.

  • @sherrymoton576
    @sherrymoton576 2 роки тому

    I have done Fred for years I love it too!!!

  • @luciannagravel116
    @luciannagravel116 4 роки тому

    I teach intermediates and I loved this video! You are awesome!!!

  • @lizrocksthejams9952
    @lizrocksthejams9952 5 років тому

    Awesome ideas! Thank you!! I might use all haha. I’ve done Save Fred (but I call him Sammy) the last three years, it is always a hit!

  • @MsTexas73
    @MsTexas73 2 роки тому

    Hi Michelle!
    These activities are awesome. I knew about a couple of them, but some I didn’t. Saving Fred is DEFINITELY going to be used this week. 🤗❤️💫✨

  • @aaronlanier
    @aaronlanier 5 років тому +3

    My alarm clock quit waking me up! I know this sounds horrible, but I will have a new one order through Amazon...this should arrive before school starts next week! By the way I use the Sonic Alert Extra loud bed shaker! The one I currently have for years quit waking me up! 🤭 😆 ❤️Aaron

  • @meghansen9612
    @meghansen9612 5 років тому +3

    Your ideas are awesome!!!

  • @PROFEKROGH
    @PROFEKROGH Рік тому

    Hi! These are awesome! I have been teaching almost 20 years and I love the idea of the Index Card Tower and Save Fred. Would you happen to have pre-made instructions for these activities in you TPT store? I am just thinking ahead for the upcoming school year and/or a fun brain break to encourage collaboration in my next unit that is all about Friendship.
    Thank you in advance!

  • @steminstyle4001
    @steminstyle4001 5 років тому

    I love these ice breaker activities! Thank you for always sharing the best ideas!

  • @lovicollier9640
    @lovicollier9640 5 років тому

    Michelle I’m trying all of these especially saving Fred. Thanks for the fun activities.😀👍💐. Will let you know how it went. Smiles from down under 😀👍👍💐

  • @MirandaJarvis
    @MirandaJarvis 5 років тому +2

    Can you do a how-to video for tpt? Not creating resources but uploading, copyright issues, what to charge, tips and such.

  • @melissacamacho6277
    @melissacamacho6277 3 роки тому

    Thank you! Love Fred and his life preserver! Great ideas!

  • @FanpireBella
    @FanpireBella 5 років тому +3

    Soo many good ideas here! Thank you so much, Michelle!

  • @chelsyealyssa
    @chelsyealyssa 5 років тому +2

    Such great ideas!! Thank you for sharing Michelle! 😀💜 I definitely will have to try a couple of these.

  • @sabreen45
    @sabreen45 Рік тому

    You just planned my first day for me. Thank you!

  • @nicolemongelluzzo4765
    @nicolemongelluzzo4765 5 років тому +4

    I’ve been wanting to do saving Fred for years! Has anyone ever run into allergy problems with this activity? I believe I have both a peanut and tree nut allergy this school year.

    • @Sahrilla
      @Sahrilla 5 років тому +4

      Gummy worms and life savers are usually nut free. But what to keep in mind is that not all gummy candy is halal (or koscher), because of pork gelatin.

  • @traciepuckett8509
    @traciepuckett8509 5 років тому +3

    These are amazing ideas! Thank you for sharing!

  • @madsss123
    @madsss123 5 років тому +4

    I love your videos so much 💗💗

  • @nadinesavage4013
    @nadinesavage4013 5 років тому

    I loe your videos and your energy. The district is being selfish. You and Billy will be fine. You are a force. I just wish you taught a lower grade . I teach 1st and would love fresh ideas. Thank you!!

  • @kaylee2531
    @kaylee2531 5 років тому

    I love all of these ideas! There’s a few I already to but I can’t wait to try some of the others!! Thanks Michelle!

  • @chantalrefuse6011
    @chantalrefuse6011 5 років тому +3

    Great ideas! I miss your home videos 😔

  • @svetapuzyreva6008
    @svetapuzyreva6008 4 роки тому

    Amazingly professional content! You must be a super teacher! 🦸‍♂️

  • @kaitlynwhitaker2
    @kaitlynwhitaker2 5 років тому +8

    Hey!! I’m a senior and thinking of going to college for teaching..but there is one thing stopping me. I’m scared that I will not find a job as quick as I need to. Is there anything you have to help. Plus also I was wondering did you save money while going to college?? So when you start your first year you had money. Also I definitely wrote all this down💕.

    • @SuperTeachersUnite
      @SuperTeachersUnite 5 років тому

      I'm sure you'll be a Super Teacher. Don't worry too much about not getting a job in teaching. There are multiple other opportunities for individuals with a teaching qualification. There will always be work.

    • @kaitlynwhitaker2
      @kaitlynwhitaker2 5 років тому

      Super Teachers Unite thank you so much!! I’ve been teaching some kids when I get out of school to get an early start. Loving it so far. Also I’ve been looking at this school and I think i might wanna get an ela/social studies job there!

  • @Emmagination
    @Emmagination 5 років тому +1

    Yay, back to school is on Wednesday for me and I can’t wait to try some of these activities with my mew students!

  • @sarahdowns6351
    @sarahdowns6351 4 роки тому

    I love all you videos! You have taught me so much and I am very grateful! I teach kindergarten. I use doc camera this summer and it was a blessing letters were NOT backwards. Now all words and images are mirror view. I have a Ladybug Doc . Any suggestions?

  • @rosioanaya3750
    @rosioanaya3750 Рік тому

    Looking forward to doing Saving Fred and I Also!!!!

  • @cassiehauser7977
    @cassiehauser7977 5 місяців тому

    I can’t wait to try the note card tower!

  • @barbarabuchanan1195
    @barbarabuchanan1195 5 років тому +2

    I love saving Fred what a great idea!