Firsts - Ice Breaker Game
π― Quick Summary
Share 'first experiences' like first concert, first job, and first vacation, then compare and discuss with teammates.
β Why This Ice Breaker Game Works
- β’This ice breaker has been used by 961 teams worldwide
- β’Rated 4.9/5.0 by 206 facilitators who used this icebreaker game
- β’Perfect ice breaker for: Fun, Team Building
π How to Play Firsts Ice Breaker (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prompt Introduction & Reflection
5 min㪠Say This:
"Let's take a trip down memory lane with Firsts! I'm going to share a list of 'first experiences' - things like your first concert, first job, first car. Take 3-4 minutes to jot down your answers. Don't overthink it - just write whatever comes to mind first (pun intended!). Ready? Here are the prompts..."
π What to Do:
- 1.Prepare a list of 5-8 'first' prompts in advance (see examples below)
- 2.Display or read the prompts aloud to the group
- 3.Give participants paper and pens
- 4.Set a timer for 3-4 minutes for individual reflection and writing
- 5.Participants jot down quick answers to as many prompts as they can
- 6.Emphasize: brief answers are fine, no need for full stories yet
π‘ Pro Tips:
- β’Good prompts: First concert, First vacation, First apartment, First friend, First job, First item bought with first paycheck, First celebrity crush, First time you heard your favorite song, First car
- β’Keep prompts work-appropriate - avoid overly personal topics (first kiss, etc.)
- β’Mix serious prompts (first job) with lighthearted ones (first celebrity crush) for variety
- β’For virtual teams, display prompts on screen or in chat
- β’Some people may not remember certain 'firsts' - that's okay, skip and move to the next
- β’Encourage quick instinctive answers, not deep reflection
Step 2: Sharing & Comparing
15 min㪠Say This:
"Alright, let's hear some firsts! Let's go around and each share [pick 1-2 prompts]. Who wants to start? [After each person shares] Anyone else have a similar first? Different? Let's compare! [Continue around the group, encouraging brief comments and reactions]"
π What to Do:
- 1.Choose 1-3 prompts to focus on (depending on time and group size)
- 2.Go around the group, having each person share their answer to the first prompt
- 3.After everyone shares prompt 1, move to prompt 2, etc.
- 4.Encourage brief commentary between shares: 'Oh, me too!' 'That's so different from mine!'
- 5.Look for patterns: 'Three people's first concert was [artist]!' 'Lots of retail first jobs!'
- 6.Allow follow-up questions if time permits: 'Tell us more about that first vacation!'
- 7.Continue until you've covered 1-3 prompts or run out of time
π‘ Pro Tips:
- β’The sharing is where the magic happens - encourage reactions and connections!
- β’Watch for generational differences: older team members' 'first concerts' might be very different from younger ones
- β’Celebrate similarities: 'You both saw the same band? Did you know that?'
- β’Laugh at dated answers: 'Your first car was a [old model]? Classic!'
- β’Some firsts will be boring ('first job was at McDonald's'), others surprising ('first job was a fire juggler') - both spark conversation
- β’If the group is large (15+), go through just 1-2 prompts to keep it moving
- β’For smaller groups (5-8), you can explore all the prompts in depth
Step 3: Reflection & Insights
5 min㪠Say This:
"What a range of firsts! What surprised you? Did anyone discover shared experiences? What did you learn about your teammates that you didn't know before? Firsts shape who we are - it's cool to see the diverse paths that brought us all to this team."
π What to Do:
- 1.Bring the group back together for reflection
- 2.Ask: 'What surprised you about others' firsts?' 'Any unexpected commonalities?'
- 3.Point out interesting patterns or contrasts you noticed
- 4.Invite final thoughts: 'What's one thing you learned about someone today?'
- 5.Connect to team dynamics: 'How have our diverse 'firsts' shaped the team we are today?'
- 6.Thank everyone for sharing and close the activity
π‘ Pro Tips:
- β’The reflection doesn't need to be deep - it's a light activity
- β’Highlight connections: 'You two grew up in the same town!' 'Three people's first job was customer service - makes sense why you're all so empathetic!'
- β’Great takeaway: 'Firsts are formative - they influence our values, skills, and perspectives'
- β’If you discover shared firsts (same concert, same hometown, etc.), encourage those people to connect after the meeting
- β’For ongoing teams, consider doing 'Firsts' periodically with new prompts: 'First time you...', 'First memory of...'
- β’End on nostalgia: 'Remembering firsts reminds us that we're all on a journey - thanks for sharing yours!'
β οΈ Common Questions (Avoid Problems)
Q: What if someone can't remember a 'first' or doesn't have one?
A: No problem! They can skip that prompt and share a different one. Or they can share their 'most memorable' instead of 'first' - the goal is storytelling, not factual accuracy. If someone says 'I don't remember my first concert,' ask: 'What's the most memorable concert you've been to?' Flexibility is key - the activity should feel fun, not stressful.
Q: How do we keep this appropriate for work?
A: Carefully choose your prompts! Stick to safe topics: first job, first vacation, first car, first concert, first apartment, first item bought with first paycheck. Avoid: first kiss, first breakup, first drink, etc. If someone shares something too personal, gently redirect: 'Thanks for sharing! Let's keep it light and work-friendly.' Set the tone upfront: 'Remember, keep it appropriate for our workplace!'
Q: Can we use this activity multiple times with the same group?
A: Yes, but change the prompts! First time: general prompts (first concert, first job). Second time: work-related prompts (first day at this company, first project here, first mistake at work). Third time: aspirational prompts (first thing you'll do after retirement, first place you want to travel). The format is flexible - just keep the prompts fresh to avoid repetition.
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PDF Handout
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