Lesson Plan
Group Icebreaker Blueprint
Engage students in grades 9–12 across four 30-minute small-group icebreaker sessions that use collaborative puzzles and reflection prompts to build peer connections and a supportive classroom community.
Building positive peer relationships early in high school fosters trust, engagement, and a safe learning environment where students feel valued and connected.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Material and Room Preparation
15 minutes
Step 1
Session 1: Personal Puzzle Introduction
30 minutes
Step 2
Session 2: Collaborative Mix Board
30 minutes
Step 3
Session 3: Puzzle Partner
30 minutes
Step 4
Session 4: First Impressions Share-Out
30 minutes
Slide Deck
Mix Board
Prompt 1: Favorite Hobbies
Prompt 2: Summer Highlights
Prompt 3: 10th Grade Goals
Rotation Instructions
Finding Connections
Reflection
Facilitation Reminders
Activity
Journal
Slide Deck
Timed Talk Rounds
How It Works
Prompt 1: Your Favorite Hobby
Prompt 2: Family Tradition
Prompt 3: This Year’s Goal
Prompt 4: Fun Fact
Prompt 5: Inspiration
Prompt 6: Dream Destination
Prompt 7: Fascinating Subject
Prompt 8: New Skill
Debrief & Reflection
