As the new school year approaches, it's important to help your children feel comfortable and confident as they enter a new environment. One of the best ways to break the ice and make new friends is to find common ground. While sports, music, and art are great options, don't overlook the power of gaming.
Gaming is a huge part of our culture, especially with the younger generations. Many students play video games, and it can be a great way to connect with others who share the same interests. Multiplayer games are particularly effective for icebreakers because they allow students to work together towards a common goal in a game they collectively enjoy or may desire to play.
There are many great multiplayer games suitable for children 10 and under. Here are the top 10 multiplayer games for this age group:
1. Minecraft: This sandbox game allows players to build and explore their own virtual world together.
2. Roblox: A popular platform where players can create and play games made by other users.
3. Among Us: A fun and engaging game of teamwork and deception.
4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons: In this game, players can create their own island and visit other players' islands.
5. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: A classic racing game where players can compete against each other.
6. Splatoon 3: A colorful and fun shooter game where players compete in teams.
7. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A fighting game where players can choose their favorite Nintendo characters and battle against each other.
8. Rocket League: A fast-paced game of soccer with rocket-powered cars.
9. Overcooked 2: A cooperative game where players have to work together to cook meals in a chaotic kitchen.
10. Fortnite: A popular battle royale game where players can compete against each other to be the last player standing.
Here are 10 popular multiplayer games for students ages 16 and under:
1. Fortnite: A popular battle royale game where players compete against each other to be the last player standing.
2. Minecraft: This sandbox game allows players to build and explore their own virtual world together.
3. Overwatch 2: A team-based shooter game that emphasizes teamwork and strategy.
5. League of Legends: A popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game that emphasizes strategy and teamwork.
6. Rainbow Six Siege: A tactical shooter game where players must work together to complete objectives.
7. Apex Legends: A free-to-play battle royale game with unique characters and abilities.
8. Valorant: A team-based shooter game where players must work together to plant or defuse a bomb.
9. Among Us: A fun and engaging game of teamwork and deception.
10. Gunfire Reborn: A lighthearted yet challenging multiplayer shooting game.
Please note that these games have online interactions with strangers, so it's important to supervise children's gameplay and ensure that they are playing in safe and appropriate environments. Nintendo titles are fairly safe, and will usually prevent any inappropriate messaging from being shared. There are also private gaming servers for select games if you want to decrease the chances of your students interacting with unsavory characters, but if they game online already, just remind them to report abuse.
Multiplayer games are a fun and engaging way for students to work together and get to know each other better. They'd have something to talk about while at school, including multiplayer events and updates. This is also a great way to get them to finish their homework and chores as soon as possible to increase their game time with friends.
"I wanted to tuck this in, just as a reminder. While gaming can be a great ice breaker, it's a good idea for them to keep kindness and consideration in mind. Encourage your children to be as respectful and accepting of other students of different cultures... just as much as they'd like to be accepted (live and let live). Everything certainly doesn't have to be accepted, but differences aren't the same as unacceptable behaviors like bullying other students.
Believe it or not, common-ground hobbies like... gaming, could actually decrease things like bullying if certain students desire to take part in a collective activity (and don't want to miss out on the fun). There are students who would seek to flip this though and get pretty good students to break bad for the sake of joining in on their fun, but... it's not worth it. There should be other students available to game with, even if it means connecting with other parents in your area or perhaps an online group... and your children connect via online games." - Blu
Here are 5 additional icebreakers that teachers and students can use for the new school year:
1. Two Truths and a Lie: Each student takes a turn introducing themselves and telling the group three statements about themselves - two true and one a lie. The group then has to guess which statement is the lie.
2. The Name Game: Students introduce themselves and choose an adjective that starts with the same letter as their name. For example, "I'm Funny Fiona." Then, the next student repeats the previous name and adds their own, like "Funny Fiona and Super Sam."
3. Find Someone Who: Each student gets a sheet with a list of characteristics or experiences, such as "Find someone who has a pet" or "Find someone who has traveled outside of the country." They then have to walk around and find someone who fits each characteristic.
4. Human Knot: Students form a circle and take hands with two different people across the circle. They then have to work together to untangle themselves without letting go of each other's hands.
These icebreaker activities are fun and engaging ways to help students get to know each other and build connections as they start the new school year. Teachers will often have an activity prepared for the entire class to break the ice. As long as students participate, it increases the chance of them breaking the ice and warming up quickly. Adding a timer will introduce a challenge that gamers will love.
In conclusion, the new school year can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking time for students. Using gaming as an icebreaker for individual connections can be a great way to help your children feel more comfortable and confident in their new environment. With options like "Among Us" and "Splatoon," students can work together towards a common goal and build lasting friendships. Just remember to keep kindness and consideration at the forefront of all interactions.