Common Ground Icebreakers

Name and Purpose 2 Truths and a Lie is a quick, low-pressure way for a group to discover surprising things about each other. Players practise listening, curiosity, and making connections with people they are just getting to know. a.k.a. Two Truths One Lie Age / Group / Time / Space Ages 8-16 | 6-30 players | 10-20 minutes | Any …

Name and Purpose Beach Ball Pass turns a simple toss into a get-to-know-you conversation starter. Players learn names, discover common interests, and practise listening in a low-pressure way. a.k.a. Question Ball, Get-to-Know-You Ball Age / Group / Time / Space Ages 8-16 | 8-30 players | 10-20 minutes | Open circle in a gym, classroom, or grassy area Materials 1 …

Name and Purpose Colour Card Ice Breaker is a first-day activity that helps everyone in a group share a little about themselves in a low-pressure way. Players discover what they have in common and practise listening with curiosity. a.k.a. Colour Token Share, Category Pick (generic versions preferred in program materials) Age / Group / Time / Space Ages 8-16 | …

Name and Purpose Cross the Circle is an energetic mixer that helps players discover surprising things they have in common. Players practise listening, quick decision-making, and seeing each other in a new way. a.k.a. Cross If You Have Ever, Circle Cross Age / Group / Time / Space Ages 8-16 | 10-40 players | 10-20 minutes | Large open space; …

Name and Purpose Face to Face is a fast-moving mixer that helps players meet many people in a short time. Players practise conversation, listening, and finding common ground with people they do not know yet. a.k.a. Speed Introductions, Partner Switch Age / Group / Time / Space Ages 8-16 | 8-40 players | 10-20 minutes | Open space indoors or …

Name and Purpose Group Finder is a fast, funny mixer where players race to form small groups based on shared traits. Players practise communication, quick thinking, and discovering what they have in common. a.k.a. Category Clusters, Find Your Group Age / Group / Time / Space Ages 8-16 | 10-40 players | 10-20 minutes | Large open area, gym or …

Name and Purpose Have You Ever? is a high-energy circle mixer that reveals surprising things players have in common. Players practise quick listening, decision-making, and discovering connections with their group. a.k.a. Postman, Common Ground Age / Group / Time / Space Ages 8-16 | 10-40 players | 10-20 minutes | Large circle in a gym or on a field; enough …

Name and Purpose Human Scavenger Hunt sends players on a quest to discover the fascinating people all around them. Players practise conversation, listening, and the art of finding common ground with new friends. a.k.a. Find Someone Who, People Bingo Age / Group / Time / Space Ages 8-16 | 10-40 players | 15-25 minutes | Open space for mingling, indoors …

Name and Purpose I Appreciate My Neighbour is an energetic circle mixer that celebrates what players have in common. Players practise quick movement, listening, and recognising each other with warmth and humour. a.k.a. I Love My Neighbour, Fruit Basket Turnover Age / Group / Time / Space Ages 8-16 | 10-40 players | 10-20 minutes | Large open area; gym …

Name and Purpose Silent Introductions is a getting-to-know-you activity that builds empathy and listening skills. Participants practise creative communication and learn something real about a partner without using words. a.k.a. Mime & Meet, Charades Pairs Age / Group / Time / Space Ages 8-16 | 8-30 players | 10-20 minutes | Any open indoor or outdoor space with room for …

Name and Purpose Sort Yourselves is a movement-based grouping activity that helps participants find unexpected connections. Participants practise quick decision-making and discover shared preferences with people they might not know well. a.k.a. Opinion Corners, Group Up, Cluster Sort Age / Group / Time / Space Ages 8-16 | 10-40 players | 10-20 minutes | Large open indoor or outdoor space …

Name and Purpose Spinning a Yarn is a sensory getting-to-know-you activity built around touch and storytelling. Participants practise active listening and self-disclosure in a calm, low-pressure format. a.k.a. Knot Story, Story Strand Age / Group / Time / Space Ages 8-16 | 8-25 players | 10-20 minutes | Indoor or sheltered outdoor space; circle seating on chairs or mats Materials …

Name and Purpose Story Squares is a lighthearted getting-to-know-you activity where participants choose how much they want to share. The number of squares a person takes sets how many facts they share, giving everyone an element of choice. a.k.a. TP Truths, Sheet & Share Age / Group / Time / Space Ages 8-16 | 8-30 players | 10-20 minutes | …

Name and Purpose Ten Fingers is a quick getting-to-know-you activity that reveals surprising things people have in common. Participants practise self-disclosure and active listening in a low-stakes, playful format. a.k.a. Never Have I Ever (camp edition), Fingers Down Age / Group / Time / Space Ages 8-16 | 8-30 players | 10-20 minutes | Any circle space indoors or outdoors; …

Name and Purpose The Big Wind Blows is a lively movement and connection activity that reveals what participants share. Players practise quick thinking, spatial awareness, and inclusive categorisation. a.k.a. Fruit Salad, Bingo Blower, Category Scramble Age / Group / Time / Space Ages 8-16 | 10-40 players | 10-20 minutes | Large indoor gym or outdoor flat space with a …

Name and Purpose What Do We Have in Common? is a gentle observation game that sharpens attention and sparks conversation. Players practise noticing details, thinking creatively, and celebrating the variety in their group. a.k.a. Sets, What’s the Pattern?, Sorting Game Age / Group / Time / Space Ages 8-16 | 6-30 players | 10-15 minutes | Any seated circle or …

Name and Purpose Where Do I Stand? (Values Edition) is a discussion-based activity that helps participants articulate and compare their personal values. Participants practise respectful disagreement, perspective-taking, and group dialogue. a.k.a. Agree-Disagree Line, Opinion Spectrum, Continuum Age / Group / Time / Space Ages 10-16 | 8-30 players | 15-25 minutes | Long open corridor, gym, or outdoor path with …