Ice Breaker - Play-Doh Animals

Ideal Size

Any size works, as long as you have enough Play-Doh^TM.

Use For

Introductions in the classroom or at a meeting, or sparking creativity.

Time Needed

30-60 minutes.

Materials Needed

• Pictures or photos of various animals (elephant, horse, cat, anything)
• A can of Play-Doh^TM for each student. Or make your own.
• A handful of pipecleaners for each student.
• Moist hand wipes or a convenient sink for washing up if necessary.

Instructions

Give each student a can of Play-Doh^TM, or a bag of your homemade dough, and a handful of pipecleaners. Allow them to choose from your collection of photos, or to imagine an animal on their own. Encourage creativity and fun.

Allow 15 minutes for them to make an animal that they will use in introducing themselves.

Ask each student to give their name, present their animal, and explain why it’s important to them and why they created it the way they did.

Debriefing

If you’re teaching a hands-on topic, ask for volunteers to share how they felt about using their hands in a tactile activity. Did it make them feel more engaged? Are they more ready to be involved in the classwork? Was their imagination stimulated?

To Buy the Original Hasbro Play-Doh^TM

The Ice Breaker Forum

Share your favorite, or worst!, ice breakers in the Continuing Education Forum.

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