![]() Icebreakers can and should be included at the beginning of every lesson plan. ![]() When to Use ESL IcebreakersĪ mistaken notion that many teachers have is that icebreakers’ only purpose is during the first day of class – this is not true. Many icebreakers, some of which we will explore below, offer the opportunity to build and strengthen these bonds so that students are more trusting of the teacher (and of their peers) and thus more willing to learn from them. These bonds do not form immediately they require cultivation on the part of the teacher. ![]() Connecting With StudentsĪ strong teacher-student bond is a prerequisite for effective transfer of knowledge (i.e., teaching and learning) from one to the other. Generally speaking, Asian students study for long hours with strict teachers – they likely may never have a chance during school hours to just “unwind” and engage in the kind of casual learning opportunities offered by well-designed icebreakers. Icebreakers help students relax and settle into a distraction-free learning mode.Īs any ESL teacher who has taught in Asia can attest to, this relaxing effect is particularly useful for the Asian ESL classroom. For virtual students utilizing distance-learning, this could mean fixing technical issues like adjusting the internet connection before class. If the students are attending a physical, brick-and-mortar school, this could mean navigating crowded halls before class. Rather than being accountable only to themselves, students are encouraged to invest in each other’s education. When students feel that there is “buy-in” from their teacher and peers to their own development via participation in an icebreaker activity, they will be more motivated to learn. Humans are social creatures we are designed evolutionarily to function best when we are part of a team working together toward a common goal – in the case of ESL, that goal is improving English language skills. The Many Benefits of Icebreakers in the ClassroomĪpart from a fun way to start the lesson, icebreakers actually offer a number of critical benefits for effective teaching and learning: Creating a Team Atmosphere By fostering interaction through icebreakers, you are giving them an incentive to put the phone down that does not require threats or persuasion In the modern era, even young students often bring devices to the classroom, eyes glued to the screen. “Detach” students from their smartphones or other devices.Set the tone for a collaborative, interactive learning environment that requires the active, rather than passive, participation of students.Inspire students that may be disinterested in learning English.Energize students that may feel sleepy or lethargic. ![]() Icebreakers have several functions in the classroom: Here, we will explore the many benefits of ESL icebreakers, as well as some ideas to create your own reliably effective versions. Icebreakers strengthen social ties between students and “warm them up” for an engaging, fruitful English lesson. Several studies on icebreakers in the classroom show that they “facilitate, and support communication, pronunciation, and fluency” as well as exerting a positive effect on learners’ confidence and motivation. When it comes to the classroom, icebreakers are indispensable tools for any age group that an ESL educator should regularly include at the start of his or her lessons. You may be familiar with the term “icebreaker” in contexts outside of school – at a dinner party, on a date, or delivering a presentation for work.
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