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The beginning days of school are both exciting and occasionally nerve-wracking for teachers and students alike. Everyone is adjusting to new faces, routines and a fresh environment. As a teacher, you can help make this shift smooth, inviting and enjoyable. One effective way to achieve this is by using icebreaker activities.

Icebreakers are simple games or activities that help students get to know each other, feel comfortable and start building a positive classroom community. When students feel connected, they are more likely to participate, help each other and enjoy learning. Here are some easy-to-use icebreaker activities and tips for making the beginning of the school year memorable for everyone. Here are just a few ideas for icebreakers you can use in your classroom.

In the EFL classroom, it is essential to provide students with opportunities for enjoying authentic communication. What is authentic communication? It¡¯s about asking questions that you really want to ask and saying what you really want to say, rather than memorization or role-plays. How can we, in the classroom context, create situations where students naturally feel like saying something or asking questions and enjoy conversing?

One effective way to make this happen is to set students up to exchange their opinions, or points of view, in English. Asserting an opinion is not a drill or a practice, it¡¯s a form of authentic communication. Students need to think over and make judgements before they can express their thoughts at a level that matches the student¡¯s own intellectual abilities, leading to deeper learning. In addition, many students enjoy expressing their points of view and finding out what other people think.

Some of you might be thinking, ¡°Isn¡¯t it too challenging for shy Japanese students?¡± Not at all. With appropriate teaching materials and methodology, even elementary students can experience the joy of exchanging their points of view in English. I have heard negative comments about Japanese students: that Japanese young people generally don¡¯t have their own opinions or that they don¡¯t like to differ from the peers. As far as I¡¯m concerned, that¡¯s not true. I know from my extensive experience teaching in Japan that Japanese students do like exchanging their points of view, are interested in what other people think, and, this may come as surprise, but they actually don¡¯t hesitate to differ when they don¡¯t agree with others. We just need to deploy the right techniques.

Here are some proven tips that help get your students talking:

1. Choose topics that are relevant and engaging
2. Present an unusual viewpoint
3. Give students tools to help with speaking

As the new school year begins, teachers have an opportunity to set the tone for inclusion, belonging and respect. With the right strategies and activities, you can ensure every student feels seen, heard and valued from the very first day. Embracing diversity isn¡¯t just morally essential: it¡¯s a proven pathway to deeper learning, greater engagement and a more equitable society (Gay, 2018).

Research consistently shows that inclusive classrooms foster higher academic achievement, improved social skills and increased self-esteem for all students (Banks, 2015). When students feel safe and respected, they are more likely to take risks, collaborate and reach their full potential.