Ice Breakers Part 4 - Conclusion

I've been absent for the last few weeks.  Things have been pretty busy for me lately and I haven't had the time to write as I'd like.

Here is the last part in a chapter in a book I'm pecking away at about putting youth lessons together in an easy to read and practical fashion.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Conclusion

This seemingly simple part of the lesson can sometimes be the most powerful utility in your toolbox as a youth leader. Most of the time you are going to get a wide variety of pointless answers that seem to go nowhere.  But for that one time, when a difficult kid who refuses to speak, opens up about an inner dream of theirs, it makes the whole process worth it.

At the end of the day, your goal as a Youth Worker should be to connect with kids.  Many times this can be a very difficult process, especially for those leaders who do not have a ton of experience.  The Ice Breaker does not need to be confined to your lesson. Feel free to use it when hanging out with your youth.  Using neutral, light hearted questions can open doors for you to grow in your relationship with them and at the end of the day that is why we are here.

Ice Breakers Examples that I have used with success:

·         Who is your favorite super hero and why?

·         Name something you collect?

·         What was your favorite thing you did all summer (Fall/Spring/Winter)?

·         What is the weirdest dream you have ever had?

·         What is your favorite (or least favorite)______(drink/food/Day/Month/etc)?

·         If there was a movie made about your life, who would play you?

·         What is one thing you are looking forward to doing this year?

·         What is your favorite cartoon?

·         What is one thing you would like to do in Youth Group this year?

·         If you could do anything for the rest of your life, what would it be?

·         If you could only take one thing on a desert island, what would it be?

·         If money was no object, what is one thing that you would buy and why?

·         What was your favorite toy as a child?

·         If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?

·         If you could ask God one question, what would it be?

·         The most memorable gift you received was?

·         Where do you usually like to shop?

·         What is something you want to accomplish this year?

·         If you could only have one album on a deserted island what would it be?