The String Game is an introduction-based icebreaker game and simple conversation starter that allows people to tell others about themselves. It’s a simple game and can be adapted according to your needs.
This getting-to-know-you game usually does not take long, unless you choose to run it that way. The recommended group size is small and medium groups, although with careful planning it might be possible to do this activity in a large group by splitting it into smaller groups. An indoor setting is ideal. This icebreaker is recommended for young children up through eighth grade. It’s well suited for classrooms, camps, or other settings where people may not know each other very well yet.
Instructions for the String Game
This icebreaker activity needs a little bit of preparation work. Purchase a big roll of yarn or string. You can buy any color, or multiple colors if you wish. Take a pair of scissors and cut strings of various different lengths — as short as 12 inches, and as long as 30 or more inches.
When you are finished cutting the string, bunch all the pieces up into one big clump of string.
To play, ask the first volunteer to choose any piece of string. Have the person pull on it and separate it from the other pieces of string. Ask them to introduce themselves as they slowly wind the piece of string around their index finger. The funny part of this icebreaker game is that some of the strings are extremely long, so sometimes a person must keep talking for a very long time! This is a good way to get everyone to start talking. People might find out something interesting or new about each other! Feel free to adapt this game according to your needs. Have fun.
