As a substitute teacher, stepping into a new classroom can feel daunting. The students don’t know you, and you don’t know them. Starting the day with an icebreaker is a fantastic way to ease the tension, build rapport, and set a positive tone. 

Here are 25 icebreaker ideas to help you introduce yourself and get the students engaged:

1. Two truths and a lie

Share two true statements and one false one about yourself. Let students guess which statement is the lie. This fun game helps break the ice and gives students a glimpse into your personality.

2. Personal artifact

Bring an item from home that has special meaning to you. Explain its significance and allow students to ask questions. This can spark interesting conversations and connections.

3. Classroom bingo

Create a bingo card with fun facts about yourself and the classroom. Students must find peers who match the descriptions. This encourages interaction and curiosity about you and their classmates.

4. Name game

Introduce yourself and explain the story or meaning behind your name. Invite students to do the same. This activity helps everyone remember names and learn a bit more about each other.

5. Question ball

Toss a soft ball around the room. Whoever catches it must ask you a question about yourself. Answer the question, and then pass the ball to the next student. This keeps things dynamic and engaging.

6. Favorites chart

Create a chart with categories like favorite book, movie, food, etc. Share your favorites and ask students to add theirs. This visual aid can lead to fun discussions and discoveries of shared interests.

7. M&M game

Distribute a few M&Ms (or other multi-colored candies) to each student. Each color corresponds to a different question about you (e.g., red = favorite hobby, blue = family). Answer the questions based on the M&Ms students have.

8. Time capsule

Bring a small box filled with items that represent your interests and experiences. Share each item and explain its importance. Ask students what they would put in their own time capsule.

9. Guess the fact

Write interesting facts about yourself on slips of paper. Students draw a slip, read the fact, and guess if it’s true or false. This is a fun way to share more about yourself and keep students engaged.

10. Four corners

Label the corners of the room with different statements about yourself (e.g., “I love sports,” “I enjoy reading”). Students move to the corner that they think matches your personality. Discuss why they chose that corner.

11. Mystery bag

Fill a bag with items that represent different aspects of your life. Students take turns drawing an item and guessing its significance. This activity is interactive and reveals more about you.

12. Class chant

Teach the class a simple chant or song that includes your name and something about you. This helps students remember your name and adds a bit of fun to the day.

13. Personal timeline

Create a timeline of significant events in your life. Share it with the class and invite students to ask questions. This visual and chronological approach helps students understand your background.

14. Fact or fiction

Share a series of statements about yourself, mixing in some fictional ones. Students guess which are true and which are made up. This game keeps students attentive and curious.

15. Memory game

Share a list of facts about yourself and give students a few minutes to memorize them. Test their memory by asking questions later in the day. This reinforces their active listening skills.

16. Class puzzle

Create a large puzzle with pieces that represent different facts about you. As students assemble the puzzle, they learn more about you. This hands-on activity is both fun and informative.

17. Map of me

Draw a map that highlights places that are significant to you (e.g., where you grew up, favorite vacation spots). Share stories about each location and encourage students to ask questions.

18. Role model discussion

Talk about a person who has significantly influenced your life. Explain why they are important to you and invite students to share about their role models. This fosters a deeper connection.

19. Talent show

Share a unique talent or skill you have, whether it’s juggling, playing an instrument, or drawing. Invite students to showcase their talents too. This activity builds a sense of community and mutual respect.

20. Dream job

Describe your dream job when you were a child and what led you to become a teacher. Ask students about their aspirations. This can lead to inspiring conversations and mutual understanding.

21. Book talk

Bring in a favorite book and explain why you love it. Ask students to share their favorite books as well. This can spark interesting literary discussions and reveal shared interests.

22. Hobby highlight

Share a hobby or interest that you are passionate about. Bring related items or photos to illustrate. Encourage students to talk about their hobbies too. This activity can reveal common interests.

23. Would you rather

Pose “Would you rather” questions related to your life (e.g., “Would you rather visit the mountains or the beach?”). Students can guess your preference and share their own. This is a light-hearted way to learn about each other.

24. Hero highlight

Talk about a historical figure or modern-day hero who inspires you. Explain why you admire them and invite students to share their heroes. This fosters a deeper level of discussion and connection.

25. Fun facts quiz

Create a short quiz about fun facts related to you. Students can work in pairs or small groups to answer the questions. This encourages teamwork and helps students learn more about you in a playful way.

Using these icebreakers, you can create a welcoming and engaging classroom environment. By sharing about yourself and encouraging students to share as well, you set the stage for building rapport for a positive and productive day.