How to Play Beach Ball Buzz, an Icebreaker Game

Have a little beach fun without leaving your classroom! The game of Beach Ball Buzz can be as exciting as you choose, depending on the questions you write on the ball. Its a perfect game to use as an ice-breaker to get to know new people and a fun way to pass the hot summer months. The questions are all up to you, so you can make them related to a specific topic or make them completely frivolous and fun. Group Size Large or small groups can play Beach Ball Buzz, which only requires a minimum of two people. Applications The game can be used as part of the process of making introductions with a new class or at a meeting, it can be used as an energizer after lunch or a long discussion, or as stress relief during test prep. Time Needed Plan for the game to last about 30 minutes. Materials Needed You’ll need a permanent marker and a large blow-up beach ball—the classic type with the colored sections that you can find at most stores, especially in the summer. Instructions Make a list of questions you’d like your participants to answer. Blow up the beach ball and write a question or two on each section of the ball. To play the game, toss the ball around the room. Whoever catches it gives their name and answers the question in the section under their left thumb. Sample Personal Questions What is the funniest movie you’ve ever seen?If you were a cartoon or comic character, who would you be?What is the worst thing you’ve ever tasted? Did you swallow it or spit it out?What one thing have you kept forever that you really should throw away?What’s your greatest pet peeve?If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you?Who is your favorite person and why?If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?What was your first car and did you love it or hate it?Who is the most famous person you’ve met?Describe your fantasy vacation.If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be and why?What is your song and why?How do you celebrate your birthday?What is the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever done?If you could be any animal, which would you choose and why?What was the worst day of your life? Why?Create a slogan for your life. Sample Questions for Professional Settings Who was your favorite teacher and why?What was the most memorable thing you experienced in college?What gets you up in the morning?Share three things about you that you think no one here knows.Share something you love to do that you get to do nearly every day.Whats your most important challenge currently?How much money would you need to walk away from your job?If you could go back in time, would you have chosen a different path?What would you like to accomplish this year?What is the most important goal that you want to accomplish during your lifetime?What worries you most about work?What excites you most about work?What is your most underutilized talent?Whats the single most important word that youd like to hear from your boss?What would you like to be remembered for? Debriefing No debriefing is necessary unless the exercise is part of a lesson or the questions are related to a discussion topic in some way.