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Icebreaker questions for students

The first lessons of a term set the tone for how a class talks to each other. A simple question that everyone can answer, with no right or wrong reply, lowers the stakes of speaking up in front of classmates.

These questions are written for secondary school, college and university groups, and most work for younger pupils too. None of them ask about family circumstances, money or appearance, so no student is put in an awkward spot.

What is your name, and what is one thing you are curious about this term?

All 25 questions

  1. What is your name, and what is one thing you are curious about this term?
  2. Which subject do you enjoy most, and why?
  3. If you could learn any skill in a day, what would it be?
  4. What is the best book you have read in the last year?
  5. What is your favourite way to spend a free afternoon?
  6. If you could visit any place in history, where and when would it be?
  7. What is something you are really good at that is not a school subject?
  8. Which animal best describes you, and why?
  9. What is the best piece of advice a teacher has ever given you?
  10. If you could invent a new school subject, what would it be?
  11. What is one goal you have for this year?
  12. What is your favourite snack to have while studying?
  13. Would you rather study in the morning or at night?
  14. What job did you want when you were small?
  15. What is a song that always puts you in a good mood?
  16. If you could meet any character from a book or film, who would it be?
  17. What is your favourite season, and why?
  18. What is one thing that helps you concentrate?
  19. If you could have any superpower for one day, what would you choose?
  20. What is a place near your home that you love?
  21. What is the most interesting thing you learned last year?
  22. If you started a club, what would it be about?
  23. Who is someone you admire, and why?
  24. What is a game or sport you enjoy playing with friends?
  25. What is one thing you want your classmates to know about you?

Tips for using these questions

  • Answer the first question yourself. Students copy the length and tone of the teacher's answer.
  • For shy groups, have students answer in pairs first, then share their partner's answer with the class.
  • Use the team generator to make random pairs or groups so the same friends do not always sit together.

Need a speaking order or groups? The team generator and turn picker makes them in one click. For more ideas, read how to run an icebreaker that people actually enjoy.

Questions people ask

How many students questions should I use in one session?

One question is enough for a regular meeting. For a workshop or a team's first session, two or three work well. Save the rest for later meetings so they stay fresh.

What if someone does not want to answer?

Let them pass, without comment. A forced answer makes the whole group less comfortable, and the point of an icebreaker is the opposite.

Can I print this list?

Yes. Print the page from your browser, or copy the questions into your own slides or notes.

More icebreaker questions