Insight

More icebreakers for small groups

Another 7 simple-to-use icebreakers for your small group. Use these mixer games to build friendships and encourage co-operation. Create a positive rapport with leaders and promote participation for your discussion, bible study and teaching time.

NAME THAT PERSON

Divide into two teams. Give each person a blank piece of card. Ask them to write five little known facts about themselves on their card. Include all leaders in this game too. For example, I have a pet iguana, I was born in Iceland, my favourite food is spinach, my grandmother is called Doris and my favourite colour is vermillion.

Collect the cards into two team piles. Draw one card from the opposing team pile. Each team tries to name the person in as few clues as possible. Five points if they get it on the first clue, then 4, 3, 2, 1, 0. The team with the most points wins. (Note: if you select the most obscure facts first, it will increase the level of competition and general head scratching!)

ADD WORDS

Simple, completely ridiculous and a lot of fun. The first person says a word, for example 'The'. The second person says the first word and ADDS a second word of their choice, and so on. At the end you might have a complete sentence! For example, 'The aardvark spiralled into the puddle of custard clutching his skateboard while whistling his favourite Bjork melody.' The fun thing is putting twists in the sentence so that the others have a hard time coming up with a word that fits. ADD WORDS can be played a few times without being boring.

Icebreakers for small groups

Searching for icebreakers, ideas and discussion starters? In this article I've highlighted 7 simple icebreakers which you can use with your small group.

Although icebreakers seem trivial to some, they are an important tool in helping young people integrate and connect with one another in a group environment. Used wisely they can also create a good atmosphere for participation and learning. In two previous articles I've already included 20 of my favourite icebreakers for small groups.

Breaking the ice-using icebreakers in small groups

Breaking more ice-10 more icebreakers for small groups

It's probably impossible to say who first thought up these games as they are constantly adapted by every generation of youth leaders. Most came to me by word of mouth from friends and colleagues, or seeing them in action.

NAME GRID

Divide the young people into groups of four. Each group needs paper and pens. Ask them to draw a grid on which they write their forenames. For example,

• SIMON
• WENDY
• ROBERT
• ANN

Give each team three minutes to write down as many words (three letters or more) that they can make only using the letters in their names. Letters must adjoin each other in the grid, but do not have to be in a straight line. When the time is up each team adds up their score.

3 or 4 letter words = 1 point
5 letter word = 2 points
6 letter word = 3 points

Talking to God - three youth group discussion starters on prayer

The landing gear wouldn't lock down and the plane had to make an emergency landing.

Over the intercom the pilot addressed the passengers, 'We are beginning our final descent. At this moment in accordance with International Aviation Codes established in Geneva, it is my obligation to inform you that if you believe in God you should commence prayer.'

What do your young people think about prayer? What does the Bible tell us about prayer? What did Jesus say? View and download the 8 page pdf prayer discussion starters containing three group discussion starters on prayer.

MORE DISCUSSION STARTERS

For more, click on discussion starters in the category list on the sidebar.

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