28 icebreakers for pairs and small groups

Three-symbol story: Tell a two-sentence story using any two of these: a key, a cup, a cloud, a bridge, a clock.

7 minutes, 2 to 8 Directions: Each person tells a story in turn; the group picks the story it liked best. Facilitator note: Fantasy stories are welcome.

Question ladder: Ask the person on your left a question that starts with would you ever.

6 minutes, 2 to 7 Directions: They answer, then ask the next person a would you ever question of their own. Facilitator note: Anyone can pass and ask a new question.

Secret order: Put four objects on the table in an order with a secret rule. Can the others guess the rule?

7 minutes, 2 to 6 Directions: Take turns setting up an order; others get three guesses. Facilitator note: Rules such as by size or by color are perfect.

Two plans: For a free Saturday: plan A starts with a lie-in, plan B starts with an early walk. Which would you choose, and what comes next?

6 minutes, 2 to 8 Directions: Each person picks a plan and adds the next two steps. Facilitator note: Both plans are good.

Pass-the-page doodle: Draw one line on the page, then pass it on. What does it become?

5 minutes, 2 to 8 Directions: Each person adds one line or shape in turn; the last person names the drawing. Facilitator note: Stick to quick strokes so it keeps moving.

Category ping-pong: Name things that are yellow, back and forth, as fast as you can.

5 minutes, 2 to 8 Directions: Pairs alternate answers until one runs out; then change the category. Facilitator note: Nobody is out; just switch categories.

Choice interview: Interview your partner with three either-or questions: sea or mountains, early or late, sweet or savory.

6 minutes, 2 to 8 Directions: Partners swap roles, then each shares one answer about the other. Facilitator note: Answers only, no reasons needed.

Invent a game rule: Invent one rule that would make a game of tag more fun.

8 minutes, 2 to 7 Directions: Go round; the group picks the rule it would try first. Facilitator note: Rules for any game are fine.

Break menu: Build a menu of two-minute breaks: what would you put on it?

5 minutes, 2 to 8 Directions: Each person adds one idea; the group keeps the list for later. Facilitator note: Seated and quiet options count.

Mystery instruction: Someone says put it over there when it is ready. What is the funniest thing it could mean?

6 minutes, 2 to 8 Directions: Go round with silly interpretations, then agree the clearest real version. Facilitator note: Keep it playful.

Paper bridge: Using only six sheets of paper, how would you build a bridge strong enough for a cup?

6 minutes, 2 to 8 Directions: Groups discuss for two minutes, then test their idea if paper is handy. Facilitator note: Ideas count even without building.

Describe and build: Describe a simple shape arrangement so a partner can build it without seeing it.

8 minutes, 2 to 8 Directions: One person describes four shapes behind a screen; the other builds, then compare. Facilitator note: Use any small objects.

Three questions: Guess the object the host is thinking of with only three yes-or-no questions.

7 minutes, 3 to 8 Directions: The group asks three questions together, then makes one guess. Facilitator note: Choose an everyday object.

Role wheel: Take one minute each as the storyteller, the questioner and the judge.

6 minutes, 3 to 6 Directions: Rotate roles each minute while telling a group story. Facilitator note: The judge only decides which twist wins.

Almost the same: Name two things that are almost the same but not quite, such as a muffin and a cupcake.

6 minutes, 2 to 8 Directions: Go round; the group explains the difference for each pair. Facilitator note: Arguments are part of the fun.

Define a made-up word: Make up a word and its meaning, such as glimble: the moment you remember why you walked into a room.

7 minutes, 2 to 8 Directions: Each person invents one; the group votes for the word that should exist. Facilitator note: Any invented word counts.

Treasure map: Draw a treasure map together, adding one landmark each.

7 minutes, 2 to 5 Directions: Pass the page; the last person marks the X and tells the story of the treasure. Facilitator note: Simple drawings are enough. No factual claim is made. This is an original facilitation prompt.

How to make toast: Explain how to make toast in exactly four steps.

6 minutes, 3 to 7 Directions: Each person writes four steps; compare how different they are. Facilitator note: Any method is fine. No factual claim is made. This is an original facilitation prompt.

Story in reverse: Start with the ending: and that is why the cat was wearing a hat. What happened before?

6 minutes, 2 to 6 Directions: Each person adds the step before, until the story reaches its beginning. Facilitator note: Silly is good. No factual claim is made. This is an original facilitation prompt.

Rule detector: These words are in: apple, ball, cat. These are out: dog, egg, fish. What is the rule?

7 minutes, 3 to 6 Directions: The host reads more examples until someone guesses; then a player makes the next rule. Facilitator note: Here the in words start with the first three letters of the alphabet. No factual claim is made. This is an original facilitation prompt.

Fix the message: Fix this text message so it makes sense: meet you there at the thing.

5 minutes, 2 to 7 Directions: Each person rewrites it, then reads their version aloud. Facilitator note: Funny fixes are welcome. No factual claim is made. This is an original facilitation prompt.

Two pieces each: Make one picture from six paper shapes, but each person may move only two pieces.

7 minutes, 4 to 9 Directions: Take turns moving pieces until the group agrees the picture is done. Facilitator note: Name the picture at the end. No factual claim is made. This is an original facilitation prompt.

Question trade: Write a question you would love someone to ask you, then trade cards.

6 minutes, 3 to 9 Directions: Each person answers the question they receive. Facilitator note: Keep questions light. No factual claim is made. This is an original facilitation prompt.

Two ways in: Do you open a new game by reading the rules or by just playing?

8 minutes, 2 to 10 Directions: Each person answers, then the group plays one quick game your way. Facilitator note: Both ways are good. No factual claim is made. This is an original facilitation prompt.

Blank card: Add a fourth choice to start, pause and finish that makes this game better.

7 minutes, 4 to 10 Directions: Each person suggests a card; the group picks one to keep. Facilitator note: Any idea counts. No factual claim is made. This is an original facilitation prompt.

Caption swap: Write a caption for a drawing someone else made, then swap.

6 minutes, 3 to 8 Directions: Everyone draws something in thirty seconds, passes it on, and captions what they receive. Facilitator note: Quick doodles are perfect. No factual claim is made. This is an original facilitation prompt.

Spend three tokens: You have three tokens to spend on a perfect afternoon: games, food or a walk. How do you spend them?

6 minutes, 2 to 9 Directions: Each person places tokens or says their split; compare plans. Facilitator note: Any split is fine. No factual claim is made. This is an original facilitation prompt.

Happy ending first: Describe the perfect end to a day out, then plan backwards to the start.

7 minutes, 4 to 8 Directions: Each person adds one step backwards until the plan begins at breakfast. Facilitator note: Imaginary days out are welcome. No factual claim is made. This is an original facilitation prompt.