The first day of class can be a time of great apprehension for many students. Not knowing the instructor and seeing unfamiliar faces in the class can be stressful. I like to help each student become comfortable with their new classmates by using simple ice-breakers. This is introduced as soon as I'm finished with the obligatory taking of attendance and explanations about the syllabus, course expectations, etc. The game consists of 23 statements related to healthy lifestyles.
Students continue to interact until all students have the name of each classmate on their sheet.
It is a rare occurrence that in a class of 25 students any spaces will be left blank. The game can be adapted for fewer students in the class by allowing students to identify with two statements. I process the game by asking which statements were hardest or easiest to fill in and their thoughts as to why that might be. I also comment on the how these topics will be those being discussed during the semester and note the wide range of experience in health behaviours that is evident in the class. Students leave class feeling more at ease and are in the proper frame of mind for the next class meeting.