Ideal Size
Up to 30. Divide larger groups.
Use For
Introductions in the classroom or at a meeting, especially if your topic has anything to do with history, sociology, or technology. Or to energize participants when discussion has faded.
Time Needed
30 minutes, depending on the size of the group.
Materials Needed
None.
Instructions
Give people a minute or two to think about where they would go, and into which time period. Ask them to give their name if used for introductions, and share:
- Where they would go?
- Into which time period?
- Would they want to have been born there, or just visit?
- Why?
- Would they want to stay?
Example
Hi, my name is Deb. I am such a sucker for modern conveniences that I would not wish to go back in time. I would choose the future, maybe 2050 somewhere on the outskirts of an American city. St. Louis maybe. I’d like to know that we have figured out how to take care of our planet and how to treat all people with respect and compassion. I’d like to see what kinds of creative technology we’ve come up with. I guess the answers to those questions would determine if I stayed or not.
Debriefing
Debrief by asking if there were any surprises in the group based on similarities or differences. Did most people want to go back in time or forward? Why? Were their choices based on curiosity? Fear of the future? What piqued their interest in certain cultures? Literature? Science? Use their responses as a transition to your topic.
The Ice Breaker Forum
Share your favorite, or worst!, ice breakers in the Continuing Education Forum.
