Orientation ice breakers
Playing a few ice breakers during orientation is a great way to help residents relax and identify common interests among colleagues. The challenge for program directors and coordinators is coming up with fun activities that will keep everyone engaged.
The following are a few orientation activities coordinators have shared with me:
- Beachball toss: Buy a large inflatable beach ball, and use a permanent market to write getting-to-know-you type questions on it. Arrange the group in a circle and have them toss the ball to one another. When a person catches the ball, he or she should answer the question facing them. Questions can include:What is the last movie you watched and what did you think of it?
- If someone was going to make a movie about you, which actor would you want to play you?
- What you listen to on the radio on the way to work today?
- What is your favorite hobby/thing to do?
- What store is represented most in your wardrobe?
- What was the best vacation you went on?
- What would you do with the money if you won the lottery?
- Three things alike. Depending on the size of your program, divide residents up into groups of 2-5. Have each group come up with three commonalities, but instruct them not to pick obvious things, like hair, or age. After 5-15 minutes (allow more time if your groups are bigger), reconvene the group and have them present what they have in common.
- What’s in a name. If you’re tight on time, this is a great activity. Ask residents to each talk a little bit about the history of either their full, first, middle, or last name. For example, I would say that my name is the same as the cruise director on the old TV show, The Love Boat. Although my parents say they didn’t do it on purpose, I don’t believe them, especially because they love going on cruises. The game is interesting, and it helps everyone remember names.
- People bingo. Create a BINGO card (5 rows x 5 columns). Rather than putting numbers in each box, write interesting common facts or activities that will apply to at least one person in the group, such as play a musical instrument. Give participants 15-30 minutes to network and identify people who have done the activities or have the traits listed on the card. When they find someone, that person should sign their card. Whoever has signatures in all of the boxes first wins. Examples of traits/activities to list on the card include:
- Has a tatoo
- Has been on a cruise in the last 2 years
- Bought a car within the last year
- Traveled to Europe within the last year
- Drinks tea instead of coffee
- Has a dog
- Likes spicy food
- Is a lefty
- Went skydiving
- Has a celebrity autograph
What ice breakers have been successful in your orientations? Describe them in the box below.
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Residency Program Alert
Residency Program Alert is the only monthly resource that brings you best practices and tools from the most well-respected experts working in the field.
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