#156: Why forced icebreakers don’t build trust or community (and what does)

In this episode, I’m giving you a front-row seat to how I break the ice with my classes without forcing kids (or me!) into anything awkward, loud, or fake.

Whether you’ve got a class full of students with complex needs, or just want something low-stakes and actually useful — this is the episode for you. I’m walking you through the exact back-to-school icebreakers I’ve used for years with huge success. These are tried-and-tested with mainstream AND complex classrooms — and they do more than just "get to know you." They start building classroom culture from day one.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why traditional icebreakers often flop, and what to do instead
• How to balance fun, structure, and behaviour foundations from lesson one
• My 3 go-to first-day activities (that double as classroom management tools)
• What I do instead of “stand up and introduce yourself” 😬
• How to make a class playlist that builds community (and teaches expectations!)
• The icebreaker games I use with students who are not here for your card sort

Resources mentioned:

• The Back to School Bootcamp: https://www.the-unteachables.com/backtoschoolbootcamp
• Join the Behaviour Club: https://www.the-unteachables.com/tbc
• The Back to School Mega Bundle: https://www.the-unteachables.com/offers/WC32PseW/checkout

Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!

RESOURCES AND MORE SUPPORT:

• Shop all resources
• Join The Behaviour Club
• My book! It’s Never Just About the Behaviour: A holistic approach to classroom behaviour management
• The Low-Level Behaviour Bootcamp
• Free guide: 'Chats that Create Change'

Connect with me:

• Follow on Instagram @the.unteachables
• Check out my website