Back to School? Let’s Break the Ice!
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The new school year is here — and it’s time to break the ice!
I still remember some of my first days in the classroom.
I would walk in with my lesson carefully planned, my materials ready, and probably far too much enthusiasm for a first lesson! 😄
And then… silence.
There was that awkward moment when everyone was looking at everyone else, nobody quite knew what to say, and I was trying to figure out how to get the conversation started.
I quickly realised something important:
You can have the perfect lesson plan, but if your students don't feel comfortable speaking, it's very difficult to get the lesson going.
That was when I started experimenting with games.
And honestly, games changed everything.
Games Became My Secret Weapon
I discovered that students who were too shy to answer a question in front of the whole class were suddenly happy to speak when there was a game involved.
A student who wouldn't volunteer an answer would happily get up and ask a classmate a question.
Students started laughing, moving around, and interacting with each other.
And without even realising it, they were speaking English.
That's when I really began to understand the power of a good classroom game.
It's not just about making a lesson more fun.
Games can create the little bit of energy and confidence students need to take that first step and speak.
That's Why I Love “Find Someone Who…”
One of my favourite activities for the first lessons of the school year is a simple Find Someone Who…
And because we're heading back to school after the summer holidays, I created a Summer Edition.
Instead of asking students to introduce themselves one by one, they get up and walk around the classroom.
They have to find someone who:
enjoyed swimming
went camping
ate watermelon
and so much more!
They ask questions such as:
“Did you go camping this summer?”
“Did you travel to another country?”
“Did you try a new food?”
And they write down the name of a different classmate for each statement.
Suddenly, that awkward silence is gone.
Everyone has a reason to talk.
Why I Use Games at the Start of the Year
Over the years, I've learned that the first lesson doesn't need to be perfect.
It doesn't need to be packed with grammar.
And students don't need to sit quietly while we go through a long list of rules and introductions.
Sometimes, the best thing we can do is simply give them a reason to talk.
So, if you're heading back to school and wondering how to get your students talking from day one, I've created this free Summer Edition “Find Someone Who…” handout from my Free Resource Library.
It's simple, requires very little preparation, and is perfect for getting students up, moving, and speaking English after the summer break. Simply download by clicking the blue button below.
Because sometimes, the best way to start a new school year is not with a worksheet… but with a game. 💛
Happy teaching and welcome back!
Miss Marilena
Learning English the fun way
────── 🏖️ ──────
Do you know that I publish my own ESL resources? Explore them all in my TPT store.
Milo’s Mischief: Fun Present Simple Practice!
This fun, story-based ESL resource is designed to help young learners practice grammar, reading comprehension, and vocabulary through colorful activities.
────── 🏖️ ──────
🙏 Used one of my resources recently? I’d be so grateful if you left a quick testimonial on my page! It helps more teachers find what they need — and helps me keep creating the resources you love. (You can find the form at the bottom of the Library page)
Comments