New social situations, such as the first day of school, can be intimidating for children. Fortunately, several indoor icebreaker games can be used to encourage socialization and help children get to know each other. Besides requiring children to interact, the FamilyEducation website notes that ice breakers also teach children how to follow rules, problem solve and improve listening skills.
Detective
The EducationWorld website suggests playing a game of detective to help children become more comfortable in a social setting. Create a clue sheet that lists multiple unfinished sentences. For example, "My favorite animal is________" or "I want to be a ______ when I grow up." Give each child a copy of the list and allow everyone time to fill in the blankets quietly.
When everyone is finished, take the sheets and scramble them up. Pass each child an anonymous clue sheet and announce that it is time to narrow down suspects. Have each child move around the room, asking questions until she figures out who her clue sheet belongs to. When everyone has found a culprit, have each child introduce the "suspect" to the entire group.
Name in Hat
The Disney FamilyFun website suggests gathering together some paper, a pen, hat and tape to play "Name in a Hat." Have every child write his name down on a small slip of paper and drop it into a hat. Each player then takes turns picking a name from the hat and taping it to another child's forehead---without letting the child see the name on the paper.
Have each child mingle, asking others questions about the name on her forehead. For example, she might ask, "Do I have blonde hair?" or "Am I shorter than you?" Have all children continue asking questions until each player figures out whose name is on her forehead.
Bingo
Create a series of bingo cards, but instead of using the traditional numbers, write brief sentences in each box. For example, "I have a pet cat," "I have a big brother" or "I like green olives". Have each child walk around the room, asking other kids to sign any boxes that are applicable. The first child to have five signed squares in a row wins. Not only is this game entertaining, it is an effective way for children to learn more about each other.
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