Personal Flag Ice Breaker

Flags have a way of making everybody feel good, especially when they’re waving in the breeze. Ask your students to make their own personal flag and present it to the class for this ice breaker. What does their personal flag say to the world?

Ideal Size

Any size works. Break into small groups if desired.

Uses

Introductions in the classroom or at a meeting, especially if your gathering is international.

Time Needed

30 to 60 minutes.

Materials Needed

Depending on how elaborate you want to get, and how much time you have, you can have students draw on a regular piece of paper, or you can provide different colored construction paper, scissors, glue, etc.

Either way, you’ll need colored markers.

Although not necessary, if your topic is history or anything that involves flags of any kind, having examples available would be helpful, and colorful. It’s important to realize, though, that the flags being created are imaginative. The sky’s the limit.

Instructions

Provide your students with whatever materials you chose, and explain that you would like them to introduce themselves via their own personal flag. They will have 30 minutes (or so) to make their flag. Then ask students to introduce themselves, presenting their flag and explaining the symbolism in it.

Debriefing

If your topic is one that involves flags or symbolism, ask students to share how they responded to specific flags. What was it about the flag? Color? Shape? Did it elicit a certain feeling? How could this be used to influence?