Trust and collaboration leads to stronger engagement, more impactful learning outcomes, and a brighter future.
Instructor Supports
Warm Ups * Ice Breakers
Facilitators are to ensure they review each activity to prepare and identify materials needed for the lesson plan. Throughout the curriculum outline, there are places that say, “Warm Up Activities/Icebreaker.” Use any from this list that seems right for the lesson. You may also want to do this after lunches, breaks, or if the group is dragging.
Commonalities
Discovering what we have in common builds instant connections. In this activity, participants form small groups and identify three non-obvious things they share—whether it's a favorite childhood game, an unexpected hobby, or a similar life experience. By highlighting shared interests and unique overlaps, this exercise fosters deeper engagement and team cohesion.
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Line Up
A dynamic exercise that gets participants moving while reinforcing teamwork and nonverbal communication. Facilitators announce a characteristic—such as birth month, shoe size, or alphabetical order—and participants must quickly organize themselves without speaking. This activity builds problem-solving skills, adaptability, and group coordination.
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Everyone Like Me Who...
A fast-paced icebreaker that highlights common experiences while encouraging active participation. One person stands in the center and makes a statement such as, "Everyone like me who has worked a part-time job." Those who relate must quickly find a new seat, leaving one new person in the center. This activity promotes awareness of shared life experiences, helping participants find unexpected connections.
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Clock Appointments
This structured networking activity ensures one-on-one engagement with multiple people. Participants create a schedule by booking “appointments” with different partners at assigned times (e.g., 1 o’clock, 2 o’clock, etc.). When a facilitator calls out a time, partners meet to discuss a guided prompt, building rapport and professional conversation skills.
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Introduce Yourself and Share
Activity Overview
A simple yet effective way to break the ice. Participants state their name and share one strength and one area for growth—whether it's public speaking, time management, or leadership. By encouraging self-awareness and growth-oriented thinking, this exercise helps individuals reflect on their strengths while fostering a supportive environment.
Video Resources
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