Move and Mingle - Icebreaker Game

“Move & Mingle” is an engaging and interactive game designed to break the ice and foster connections among participants. Your event will be a true success whether you use this game for a corporate activity, classroom game or icebreaker because it’s just one of those perfect “Get To Know You Games”. With these activities, kids, students or employees will find it’s easier to talk to people they don’t know.

Game sheet

Number of players: from 8 children.
Ages: Suitable for children from 7 years and older.
Setting: indoors
Play time: Approximately 20 minutes

Necessary Materials

None Required: This game can be played without any specific materials, making it easy and cost-effective to implement.

Detailed Rules for the Move And Mingle Icebreaker Game

Stage One: Move

Setting Up:
- In the moving stage of this fun activity, the leader of the game will designate each side of the room a category. After the two categories have been made known, the rest of the group must choose a side. For example, the left side is books and the right side is movies. If you prefer books, go to the left; if you prefer movies, go to the right. Play this way for a few rounds, letting the group see what they have in common.
Game Play:
- Participants choose which side of the room to stand on based on their preferences for the categories announced.
- After everyone has chosen a side, participants briefly discuss why they chose that category with those nearby.
- This process is repeated with different categories for several rounds, encouraging participants to move around and engage with different people.

Stage Two: Mingle

Transition:
- After about half the time allotted for this game (shorter times necessary for multiple rounds), it is time to switch things up a little and move onto the “Mingle” stage.
Mingle Instructions:
- The leader calls out a random statement or question (e.g., “If you were stranded on a desert island, what is one thing you would want to have with you?”).
- It is the group’s job to walk around and find people that feel the same way about the statement or question as they do.
- After mingling for a set period (usually 30 seconds to a minute), groups discuss their common answers and share them with the broader group.

Variants of the game

Themed Mingle: Tailor the statements or questions to fit specific themes relevant to the event or meeting purpose.
Group Size Variants: For larger groups, use microphones or public addressing systems to ensure that all participants can hear the statements clearly.
Incorporate Technology: Use apps or voting systems for participants to submit their answers, which can then be displayed in real time.

Sample Questions for Both Stages

Move Stage Questions:
- Dogs or Cats?
- Sleeps Better Cold or Sleeps Better Warm?
- Magical Wizard or Beautiful Vampire?
- Ketchup or Ranch?
Mingle Stage Questions:
- What is one book you think everyone should read?
- What’s your favorite holiday and why?
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

“Move & Mingle” is more than just a game; it’s a dynamic and powerful tool for building teams and helping individuals find common ground in an enjoyable and relaxed environment.

Educational Benefits of the Move And Mingle Icebreaker Game

Enhanced Social Skills: This game facilitates interactions among participants, helping them develop better communication skills and social confidence. It encourages people to initiate conversations and interact with new individuals in a structured yet relaxed environment.
Team Building: By fostering connections and understanding among participants, “Move & Mingle” enhances team cohesion and synergy. It allows team members to learn about each other’s preferences, working styles, and interests, which can improve collaboration in professional or educational projects.
Critical Thinking and Quick Decision Making: During the game, participants must quickly decide which side of the room to choose based on their preferences or responses to questions. This activity promotes quick thinking and decision-making skills under light pressure.
Active Listening: As participants discuss their choices and reasons during the game, they practice active listening—a crucial skill in both academic and professional settings. This helps in understanding diverse perspectives and forming thoughtful responses.
Cultural Awareness and Diversity Appreciation: In diverse groups, “Move & Mingle” can expose participants to a variety of cultural backgrounds and personal experiences, enhancing cultural awareness and appreciation for diversity.
Adaptability and Flexibility: The game’s dynamic nature requires participants to adapt to new questions and different group formations. This adaptability is a valuable skill in today’s fast-changing world.
Ice Breaking and Anxiety Reduction: Starting a new class, workshop, or corporate event can be daunting for many. “Move & Mingle” serves as an effective icebreaker that reduces initial social anxiety, creating a more comfortable and open atmosphere.
Encourages Inclusivity: By moving and mingling, all participants are involved in the activity, which promotes inclusivity and ensures that no one feels left out during the event.
Physical Activity: The physical movement involved in the game helps break the monotony of sedentary meetings or classroom settings, injecting energy and increasing alertness among participants.
Reflection and Personal Insight: As participants choose sides and explain their preferences, they engage in self-reflection, gaining insights into their own values and preferences, which can be enlightening both personally and for others.