Episode Details
Back to Episodes#156: Why forced icebreakers don’t build trust or community (and what does)
Description
In this episode, I’m giving you a front-row seat to how I break the ice with my classes without forcing kids (or me!) into anything awkward, loud, or fake.
Whether you’ve got a class full of students with complex needs, or just want something low-stakes and actually useful — this is the episode for you. I’m walking you through the exact back-to-school icebreakers I’ve used for years with huge success. These are tried-and-tested with mainstream AND complex classrooms — and they do more than just "get to know you." They start building classroom culture from day one.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why traditional icebreakers often flop, and what to do instead
- How to balance fun, structure, and behaviour foundations from lesson one
- My 3 go-to first-day activities (that double as classroom management tools)
- What I do instead of “stand up and introduce yourself” 😬
- How to make a class playlist that builds community (and teaches expectations!)
- The icebreaker games I use with students who are not here for your card sort
Resources mentioned:
- The Back to School Bootcamp: https://www.the-unteachables.com/backtoschoolbootcamp
- Join the Behaviour Club: https://www.the-unteachables.com/tbc
- The Back to School Mega Bundle: https://www.the-unteachables.com/offers/WC32PseW/checkout
Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!
RESOURCES AND MORE SUPPORT:
- Shop all resources
- Join The Behaviour Club
- My book! It’s Never Just About the Behaviour: A holistic approach to classroom behaviour management
- The Low-Level Behaviour Bootcamp
- Free guide: 'Chats that Create Change'
Connect with me:
- Follow on Instagram @the.unteachables
- Check out my website