Study Group Size:
Best for small group
Materials Needed:
index cards
pen or pencil
colored markers
scissors
tape
Time:
15 – 30 minutes
Icebreaker Rules:
Distribute index cards to each group member. Each student will think of an animal that represents special characteristics about him/her.
Examples:
- Bats are stealthy, clever, mysterious
- Owls are wise, quiet, skillful
- Horses are graceful, fast, independent
- Bears are strong, brave, deliberate
- Lions are brave, good leaders
Each student should draw the head of the animal that best represents his/her characteristics on an index card. Each group member will cut out the animal head. Together, the group will build a totem pole using each member’s animal depiction.
You can make photocopies of your totem pole and give one to each group member to build your group identity. This is especially important if your group is involved in a competition with another group.
If your group selects a leader, you might want to put that member’s “head” at the top of the pole. You might want to elect a new leader each week and re-arrange your totem pole to represent a change in leadership.
