Opener/Ice Breaker Games/Activities

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An opener/ice breaker is an excellent way to start training.  An effective opener creates an opportunity for participants to begin a learning experience that increases their desire to know more. The best openers are ones that are relevant to the course content or that form a bridge to course content. Openers also help to set the tone for your training. This game/activity called "Find your Better Half" only takes about 5-10 minutes to complete and can be used with any size group (but since it calls for an even number of participants, you might have to take part in your own game).  You will need one index card per participant prepared in advance by the instructor.    Written on each card is a word that is one-half of a well-known or logical pair or a key word/term from the topic being taught. Examples of words that could be used as paired cards:  Bacon/Eggs, Mr./Mrs., Peanut Butter/Jelly.  Words can also be specific to the content.  I teach food safety classes, so I have paired concepts:  Hot Holding Temperature/135 degrees, Cold Holding Temperature/41 degrees, Common Symptoms of Foodborne Illness/Diarrhea, Vomiting, Fever.  Each student selects a card.  The student's task is to move around the room and find their "Better Half."  Once pairs are matched, students interview their partners and introduce each other to the class.  The instructor then explains the meaning of each pair term if you used content from the course.  This is a great way to introduce key terms/concepts that will be taught later in the class.

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