Icebreakers and Energizers

Find out how icebreakers and energizers can help participants get ready to learn and focus on the content.

Icebreakers and energizers can be used as tools to help participants to transition into the proper headspace for what lies ahead, and to re-focus during the learning experience.

Why Do Icebreakers With Adult Learners?

When you are the facilitator, the responsibility of focusing everyone’s attention on the session’s topic and setting the tone for the professional development (PD) starts as soon as the first participant walks through the door. This article draws on research to explore how icebreakers and energizers focus participants' attention, raise the energy of the room, and establish community.

• Research Brief

Tried and True Activities We Love

1. Thought swap
2. Cocktail party
3. Snowball
4. Penny memories
5. Human bingo
6. 2, 4, 8
7. Four Corners

• Download All Icebreaker Activities

1. Rock star rochambeau
2. Falcon food chain
3. Up-side-down
4. Silent sort
5. Science picture charades
6. Robot factory
7. Look up, look down, lock on

• Download All Energizer Activities