Icebreaker games are casual games which are designed to make people more comfortable with each other. They are often used at conferences, companies, and meetings so that a group of strangers will learn a little bit about each other, ensuring that they can work together smoothly on a project. There are numerous books of icebreaker games designed for a range of needs, and you can also find extensive listing of such games on the Internet. If you are planning an event where icebreaker games might be valuable, try searching for “icebreaker games” with your favorite search engine; you might want to try adding a search term like “for children” or “for a company” to narrow your search results.
The goal of icebreaker games is to break down barriers between a group of people. They often take the form of party games which require either cooperation or disclosure, usually about basic things like favorite colors or foods. These games encourage sharing and bonding, thus allowing people to get to know each other in a comfortable environment. Often, people remember small details of icebreaker games, which can strengthen their relationships with each other.
The exact content of icebreaker games varies, depending on their context. For example, a group of children might play some party games on their first day of school so that they will be comfortable with each other throughout the school year. These games might be focused on getting children to learn each other's names, along with a little bit about each other, while also promoting ethics like sharing and kindness. A group of businessmen, on the other hand, might go on a retreat in which they play ice breaker games which build trust, respect, and cooperation.
Some icebreaker games might get more personal, pushing the boundaries of the players to get them to step outside their comfort zones. These games are more common in situations like group therapy, where a group may be working together on serious issues for an extended period of time. These icebreaker games are designed to facilitate trust between the participants, while getting people comfortable with revealing personal information to each other.
These sorts of games can also be used as simple, fun entertainment at events like speed dating and holiday parties. In these cases, people quickly get to know each other in the hopes of becoming closer friends in the future. Sometimes more emphasis may be placed on physical contact or cooperation in these games, to encourage a tighter, more friendly bond.