Icebreakers that get people moving (for both small and large groups)
Icebreakers to ease tension are used in many schools and workplaces, right? Among those, the ones that get people moving seem even more effective at dispelling nervousness and anxiety, don’t they? Here, we introduce icebreakers that involve physical movement.
We cover activities that don’t require much space, ones suitable for small groups, and ones that can be done in teams for larger groups.
Try using them during sluggish morning briefings or before afternoon meetings.
- A collection of icebreakers you can enjoy with a small group
- Team-based recreational activities for adults that are fun even with large groups
- [In a Short Time] Icebreakers and Fun Games That Shine at Morning Meetings
- A simple and fun co-op game that enhances teamwork
- [Elementary School] Quick and Easy! Indoor Recreational Activities Perfect for Lower Grades
- Icebreaker Ideas and Games Collection
- Get the Fun Going! Easy Classroom Games You Can Play at School: Recreational Activities for the Whole Class
- Games you can play with just conversation. Classic and popular activities you can enjoy without any props!
- [Self-Introduction & Games] Icebreaker Ideas Collection
- [For University Students] A Roundup of Fun Games and Recreational Activities
- Recreation Ideas That Truly Excite High School Students! A Fun Collection of Activities
- Recreation popularity rankings for junior high school students
- A roundup of recommended icebreakers for college students
[For Small and Large Groups] Physical Icebreakers (21–30)
Icebreakers that even elementary school students can enjoy
Both children and adults can feel a bit nervous when playing with someone they’re meeting for the first time.
Here are some recommended games for those moments.
For example, there are games like “Rock-Paper-Scissors Catch & Go,” “Mirror Stretch,” “Become a Stick,” and “Stand Up.” There’s also a game called “Guide the Way,” which has three levels so you can gradually increase the difficulty as you play.
By sharing the same goal of cooperating to reach the finish at the end, you might even deepen your bond.
Shiritori Association Game
https://www.tiktok.com/@nanka_omo/video/7311276823864806663A brain-teasing, everyone-can-enjoy shiritori association game where you play as a cat and slip in “being cutesy/affectionate” and “association” between turns, imagining and saying words as you go.
When it’s your turn, think quickly and say a word with good tempo to keep the chain going.
If you fall behind the rhythm or say something that doesn’t fit the association, you’re out.
The more players, the livelier it gets.
Keep a gentle expression as you aim to clear the game!
[For Small and Large Groups] Icebreakers That Get You Moving (31–40)
Fly! Don’t Fly Game
The “Jump or Don’t Jump” game is an easy group activity that gets more exciting with more players.
Participants line up side by side in a single row.
The leader gives commands using one of the phrases: “tobe” (jump), “jump,” or “tobuna” (don’t jump).
When participants hear the command, they should take one step forward by jumping.
If they step forward on the wrong word, they must return to the starting line and begin again.
The first person to reach the goal wins.
It can be even more fun if the leader mixes in tricky phrases to try to fool the players.
Imitation shiritori
Participants face each other and stand on one leg.
Decide the order with rock-paper-scissors or similar, and the first person starts the word chain game (shiritori).
The basic rule of linking words stays the same, but after saying a word, you have to do an impression that matches it.
For example, if you say “gorilla,” you might pound your chest with your fists.
Everyone else copies the impression, and the shiritori continues.
It might sound easy, but you must stay on one leg the entire time.
If you lose your balance or can’t continue the word chain, you lose.
A number-guessing game that everyone can enjoy, from children to adults
The number-guessing game, where communication skills and powers of observation are key, is a game that large groups can enjoy.
The rules are simple: on the cue of “Ready, go!”, players take turns calling out the next number.
Each person also decides, at that same cue, whether to stand or sit.
If the number called does not match the number of people standing, the game ends there.
Because you have to observe others and decide which number to call while watching your opponents, the key is not to succumb to tension or pressure.
Give it a try!
Play the Signal Game Indoors!
The “Traffic Signal Game,” where everyone follows the leader’s instructions, is a play activity that can help develop the ability to listen carefully and the judgment to act immediately.
When the signal is blue, take one marching step; when it’s yellow, shake your head left and right and look around; when it’s red, squat down.
Listen closely to which color the leader calls and act accordingly.
If the leader calls a color other than the three, everyone says “nai-nai” (meaning “no such color”).
There’s no winning or losing in this game, so just have fun moving your body!
Trust Game
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A “trust game” to see how much you can rely on each other and entrust your bodies.
Participants join hands and form a circle.
Lean your bodies slightly backward and, while chanting “1, 2, 3,” gradually lower your hips.
With the chant “4, 5, 6,” slowly stand back up.
If it’s too easy, make it more challenging by adjusting the degree of backward bend or bringing your feet closer to the center of the circle.
It looks simple, but it actually requires balance and can be quite tricky.
Give it a try!
In conclusion
Were there any movement-based icebreakers you felt like trying? I focused on ones that are simple and quick to do.
New students and new employees often find themselves in tense situations.
I hope you can incorporate these well and help things proceed smoothly and seamlessly!