• A fun icebreaker can be the beginning of new friendships.happy kids image by Marzanna Syncerz from Fotolia.com
  
  Getting kids to interact with each other is not always an easy task. The right icebreaker game, on the other hand, will create enthusiasm and foster a sense of cooperation and openness with the group. The keys to a successful icebreaker for kids are enthusiasm and interaction. A group of kids can greatly strengthen their social skills with an adult willing to hold these keys to success close to heart.
  
  

Untying Knots

• Untying knots is a game that hones the cooperation skills of a child. The game begins with a long rope with knots in it. Each knot should be roughly spaced about 1 inch apart. Each child will stand in front of a knot and pick up the rope with both hands. The objective of the game is to untie all the knots in the rope without any child letting go of the rope. This game tends to be longer since it may take a while for the kids to figure out how to untie the knots, but that is one of the great aspects of the game. The kids spend an extended period of time problem solving with each other.
  
  

The Name Ball Game

• The name ball game is a game that can be played with kids of all ages. Have a group of kids sit around in a circle with a soft ball. This can be any type of ball that will not hurt the kids when it is thrown, but beach balls tend to work the best. Each kid has to throw the ball to another child while shouting out their name. The game does not end until every kid has a chance to both throw the ball and receive the ball. Another way to end the game is to stop when all the kids have learned all the names in the group.
  
  

Things in Common

• Things in common is a game that pairs kids that may not know each other that well. Two kids that are unfamiliar with each other have to sit down and figure out a certain amount of things they have in common. This can be any number, but three things is the typical amount. A set amount of time should be given to the kids and when time is up, each pair shares the information with the rest of the group.
  
  

Popcorn

• Popcorn is an interactive game that is high energy and uses a lot of imagination. The kids begin by assembling in a general play area (they should be standing up). The leader of the activity will then yell out a number and an item the kids have to make with their bodies. For example, if the leader shouts out "2, elephant", the kids will have to pair up and make an elephant. Perhaps the kids with stand back to back, one using an arm to mimic a trunk and the other using an arm to mimic a tail. The way the kids decide to illustrate the thing you shout out is completely up to them. Common things to shout out are a car, tree, eagle and bus.