Resources › For Educators New Friend Scavenger Hunt Icebreaker Activity Help students get to know each other with this fun group activity Print Caiaimage/Paul Bradbury / Getty Images For Educators Teaching Teaching Resources An Introduction to Teaching Tips & Strategies Policies & Discipline Community Involvement School Administration Technology in the Classroom Teaching Adult Learners Issues In Education Becoming A Teacher Assessments & Tests Elementary Education Secondary Education Special Education Homeschooling By Melissa Kelly Melissa Kelly Education Expert M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, University of Florida B.A., History, University of Florida Melissa Kelly, M.Ed., is a secondary school teacher, instructional designer, and the author of "The Everything New Teacher Book: A Survival Guide for the First Year and Beyond." Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on July 12, 2019 Students and teachers form bonds quickly when exchanging information about themselves. This scavenger hunt icebreaker activity creates bonds among students and between the students and teacher. Exchanging information fosters trust and connection. As a result, the entire group feels more comfortable and open. This activity works best for a large group. Adapt it for any group size by ensuring that each category fits more than one individual in the group. Read More Adult Ice Breaker Games for Classrooms, Meetings, and Conferences By Deb Peterson Scavenger Hunt Icebreaker Preparation In this icebreaker activity, participants find an individual in the group who fits the description for each of the following categories. Be sure that participants introduce themselves before asking questions of individuals they do not know. Provide each student with a basic handout containing a list of categories, such as the one below. Instruct the students to go around the room engaging with their peers and finding out who fits which category. By the end of the activity, every student should have each of their classmates' names written down next to at least one of the categories. No student's name should appear more than twice on anyone's handout. Icebreaker Categories These categories may be adjusted to account for the grade, subject matter, or interest. To extend the time the icebreaker takes to complete and practice writing skills, have older students jot down each category before beginning the activity. Alternatively, type the list of categories beforehand (or simply print this one out), and hand one out to each student. Providing such a list would work well, particularly if you teach younger students. Was born in FebruaryIs an only childLoves country musicHas been to EuropeSpeaks another languageLikes to go campingLikes to paintHas a jobHas five or more brothers and sistersIs wearing colorful socksLikes to singHas been to Washington, D.C.Has been on a cruise shipIs double-jointedHas been to more than two continentsHas gone whitewater raftingPlays a sportLikes Mexican foodDislikes hamburgersHas been to an art museumHas (or has had) bracesHas met a movie starWas born in the state where you are locatedWas born outside the state where you are locatedHas a twinHas sleep problemsFlosses teeth dailyRecyclesIs wearing the same color you have on today (only one color need match)Has eaten a whole pizza Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Kelly, Melissa. "New Friend Scavenger Hunt Icebreaker Activity." ThoughtCo, Apr. 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/icebreaker-activity-7890. Kelly, Melissa. (2023, April 5). New Friend Scavenger Hunt Icebreaker Activity. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/icebreaker-activity-7890 Kelly, Melissa. "New Friend Scavenger Hunt Icebreaker Activity." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/icebreaker-activity-7890 (accessed March 29, 2024). copy citation