Magnetic Poetry Mixer - Ice Breaker Game
π― Quick Summary
Team members create collaborative short poems using magnetic words on a shared board while mingling and chatting.
β Why This Ice Breaker Game Works
- β’This ice breaker has been used by 708 teams worldwide
- β’Rated 5.0/5.0 by 204 facilitators who used this icebreaker game
- β’Perfect ice breaker for: Creative, Fun
π How to Play Magnetic Poetry Mixer Ice Breaker (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Setup & Introduction
3 min㪠Say This:
"Welcome everyone! Today we're playing Magnetic Poetry Mixer. See this board covered in magnetic words? Your challenge is to create short poems - funny, serious, weird, whatever you like - by arranging these words. The catch? You can only add or rearrange words while you're having a conversation with someone. So grab a partner, start chatting, and let the poetry flow! You have 20 minutes."
π What to Do:
- 1.Set up a large magnetic board in an accessible central location
- 2.Spread out magnetic poetry word sets on the board (aim for 200-300 words total)
- 3.Optional: divide the board into sections with tape or markers if you want multiple poems simultaneously
- 4.Explain the rule: participants can only touch the board while actively conversing with someone
- 5.Demonstrate by creating a quick 3-4 word phrase yourself
- 6.Encourage participants to start poems, add to existing ones, or remix others' work
- 7.Set a timer for 15-20 minutes
π‘ Pro Tips:
- β’Use multiple magnetic poetry sets for variety - mix classic word sets with themed ones (love, science, food, etc.)
- β’For large groups, consider 2-3 smaller boards in different areas to prevent crowding
- β’Encourage 'remix culture' - it's okay to rearrange someone else's poem!
- β’If you don't have magnetic poetry, DIY: print words on paper, attach magnets, done!
- β’Online alternative: use a digital magnetic poetry tool and screenshare for virtual teams
- β’Play soft instrumental music in the background to create a creative atmosphere
Step 2: Create & Mingle
20 min㪠Say This:
"[Walk around observing] I love that line someone just created! Remember, the more you chat, the more you can contribute to the poems. Find someone new and see what you can create together. [Midway] We're halfway through - take a look at what's emerging on the board!"
π What to Do:
- 1.Participants mingle freely, pairing up for conversations
- 2.While chatting, they arrange words into short poems or phrases
- 3.Encourage collaboration: 'I started this line - want to finish it?'
- 4.Players can work on the same poem together or start separate ones
- 5.As host, gently remind silent creators: 'Remember, you need to be chatting!'
- 6.Call out interesting creations to draw attention: 'Check out this haiku someone made!'
- 7.Give time updates: '10 minutes left!', '5 minutes!' to maintain energy
π‘ Pro Tips:
- β’Some people will be word nerds who love this, others may feel shy - that's okay!
- β’Prompt ideas if people are stuck: 'Try a haiku', 'Make the silliest sentence possible', 'Use only 5 words'
- β’Watch for 'poetry hogs' who dominate the board - encourage rotation and sharing
- β’If a really good poem emerges, take a photo before it gets remixed!
- β’Encourage strategic word-stealing: 'I need that adjective for my poem!'
- β’Some poems will be profound, others hilarious nonsense - celebrate both!
Step 3: Share & Reflect
7 min㪠Say This:
"Time's up! Let's gather around and see what we've created together. I'm going to read a few of my favorites out loud. [Read 3-5 poems] Does anyone want to share the story behind a poem they contributed to? What surprised you about this activity? Any favorite lines you want to save?"
π What to Do:
- 1.Call time and have everyone step back to view the final board
- 2.Host reads 3-5 interesting poems aloud to the group
- 3.Invite participants to share: 'Which poem did you contribute to?' 'What was your creative process?'
- 4.Ask: 'What surprised you?' 'Did anyone discover a hidden poet in the group?'
- 5.Take photos of the final board before dismantling
- 6.Optional: write down favorite poems to share later via email or Slack
- 7.Acknowledge everyone's creativity and participation
π‘ Pro Tips:
- β’Some poems will be intentionally funny, others accidentally profound - enjoy both!
- β’Ask: 'Which poem best captures our team's vibe?' 'Which one should be our motto?'
- β’If someone created a particularly moving or hilarious poem, celebrate them!
- β’Consider creating a 'Greatest Hits' document with photos of the best poems
- β’Reflection prompts: 'What was harder - finding the right words or starting conversations?'
- β’Leave the board up for a few days so people can continue adding to it organically
β οΈ Common Questions (Avoid Problems)
Q: What if we don't have magnetic poetry sets?
A: Easy DIY solution: Print common words on cardstock or labels (nouns, verbs, adjectives, articles), cut them out, and attach small magnets or magnetic tape to the back. Aim for 200-300 words. You can also use a word generator online to create your word list. Alternatively, use sticky notes on a whiteboard instead of magnets - it works just as well!
Q: Can we play this virtually with remote teams?
A: Yes, but it's less tactile. Use an online magnetic poetry tool (like magneticpoetry.com or a Miro board with movable text boxes). Create breakout rooms where small groups (4-6 people) collaborate on a shared digital board. The chat-while-creating rule still applies! It's not quite the same as the physical version, but the creative collaboration still shines through.
Q: What if someone creates an inappropriate or offensive poem?
A: Set ground rules upfront: 'Keep it workplace-appropriate and respectful.' If something inappropriate appears, calmly remove those words and say, 'Let's keep it professional, folks.' Consider curating your word set in advance to remove potentially problematic words. The beauty of magnetic poetry is you control the vocabulary, so vet your word sets before the activity.
π Free Tools for This Game
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PDF Handout
Print-ready participant guide + host notes
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PPT Deck
Editable slides with rules & examples
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Smart Timer
Auto-paced with sound alerts
β Step-by-step timing
β Visual countdown
β Share screen ready
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