As a new school year approaches (well, in Australia anyway!), I thought it might be a good idea to share my favourite ‘ice breaker’ activity. Basically, it’s speed dating, but I call it ‘rapid friendships.’ I use it often in groups with kids aged 9+, and it basically involves some kids sitting either on the floor or at a desk in a line, with another group of kids facing them. They get 90 seconds to ‘get to know each other’ until the bell rings, and one group of kids moves to the next person. It’s a great way for kids in a new class or new group to get to know each other, and the kids get a real kick out of it! With younger kids, or with a group that I know already struggles with social skills, I will use a printed template like this one!