Icebreaker Games For Small Groups

Using the word "Icebreaker" in an acrostic poem we learn the simple principals required of any icebreaker game if it is to be successful.

I.C.E.B.R.E.A.K.E.R.

Introduce
Capture
Educate
Benefit
Recognize
Effective
Amusing
Knowledge
Endure
Remember

Introduce: All icebreakers should have an objective. Whether it be to introduce people, introduce a topic or to just have fun. Your must have a goal.

Capture: Get there attention!!! Icebreaker games should promote something exiting and fun.

Educate: If you have an objective, it is important to pick a game idea that will help implement the concept, to educate.

Benefit: Icebreakers should only be used when they are needed, don't over do it. The perfect idea will benefit the people you are working with.

Recognize: Find the perfect game for your group. Make sure your idea helps the people recognize the concept you are introducing in the best possible way.

Engage: Involve the group as much as possible. When people are physically engaged, they are mentally engaged too.

Amusing: Make sure the game idea is as entertaining as possible considering your group and setting.

Knowledge: Icebreakers are fun by nature but if at all possible let your group leave your activity have benefited in some way.

Endure: "The mind can only absorb what the butt can endure." If you have a longer meeting, you might need 2 icebreaker games for your small group.

Remember: You can judge the effectiveness of an icebreaker by whether or not the ideas and principals taught were retained.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Millett