6 Engaging Zoom Icebreakers for Students
Engaging students in a virtual classroom can be a challenging task. However, with the right icebreakers, you can create an interactive and fun learning environment, even on Zoom. In this article, we will explore six exciting Zoom icebreakers specifically designed to energize and connect students, making online learning more enjoyable and productive.
These icebreakers are not only fun but also promote team building and foster a sense of community among students. They are easy to implement and require minimal preparation, making them perfect tools for teachers navigating the world of online education.
Run an icebreaker that everyone will love
Running an icebreaker doesn't have to be hard, it can be as easy as asking everyone where they are joining from or where they were born.
When you use StreamAlive, these responses can be plotted on a map in real-time. All your audience has to do is type their answer in the chat and StreamAlive does the rest.
No more boring or cringeworthy icebreakers. Keep it simple. Just ask everyone where they are from.
See how it works in our interactive demo or learn more.
Other icebreakers you can try
1. Quick Sketch
Each student is given 30 seconds to quickly sketch something related to a given topic (e.g., their favorite hobby, an animal, a dream vacation spot, etc.). They then show their sketch to the group and explain it.
Pitfalls to avoid: Ensure the topics are not too personal or sensitive. Also, remind students that this is not about artistic ability, but about having fun and sharing.
2. Emoji Story
Students are asked to describe their day or week using only emojis in the chat box. Other students can guess what they meant.
Pitfalls to avoid: Make sure to remind students to keep their stories appropriate and respectful.
3. Quick-fire Questions
The host asks quick-fire questions (e.g., coffee or tea, dogs or cats, beach or mountains, etc.) and students answer in the chat box as quickly as possible.
Pitfalls to avoid: Avoid controversial or potentially divisive topics.
4. Virtual Scavenger Hunt
The host calls out an item (e.g., something red, a book, a plant, etc.) and students have to find it in their room and show it on the camera. The first one to show the item wins the round.
Pitfalls to avoid: Make sure the items are common enough that everyone has a fair chance of finding them.
5. Dream Dinner Guest
Each student shares who their dream dinner guest would be (can be anyone, living or dead, real or fictional) and why.
Pitfalls to avoid: Remind students to respect everyone's choices and avoid making any negative comments.
6. Favorite Meme
Students are asked to share their favorite (appropriate) meme or GIF in the chat box and explain why they like it.
Pitfalls to avoid: Make sure to set clear guidelines about what is considered appropriate content.
Make your icebreakers visual
If you want to go with a "tell me about yourself" type of icebreaker then how about making it visual?
StreamAlive helps you to visualize your chat stream into word clouds, call-out bubbles, or even a Tetris-inspiring wall of cascading tiles.