If you’re looking for EASY getting to know you activities that actually work for your third, fourth, or fifth graders (and not just the same old icebreakers you did in kindergarten), you’re in the right place.
The first day of school sets the tone for your entire year. Your students are walking in nervous, excited, and a little unsure of what to expect. Taking time to help them connect with you and with each other goes a long way, even with older elementary kids who might act like they’re “too cool” for icebreakers. Trust me, they’re not.
So today, I’m sharing some of my favorite getting to know you activities, games, and printables that are perfect for upper elementary. These are easy to prep, low stress, and actually fun for everyone involved (including you!).
Why Getting to Know You Activities Matter
It’s tempting to jump straight into rules, procedures, and academics on day one. But building relationships first makes everything else easier. When students feel comfortable with you and their classmates, they participate more, follow directions better, and settle into routines faster.
Plus, these activities give you a chance to learn about your students in a low pressure way. You’ll pick up on personalities, friendships, and interests that will help you all year long.
My Favorite Getting to Know You Activities
Here are a few of my go to activities for the first day (or first week) of school:
✅ All About Me Printable: This is one of my absolute favorites and such an easy way to start the year. Students fill in details about their favorite things, their families, and what they’re excited about for the new school year. It’s a great first day activity, and I actually have a free one you can grab! Grab the free All About Me first day activity here.
✅ Would You Rather: Ask a few fun would you rather questions and have students vote by moving to different sides of the room. It gets them up and moving while learning about their classmates. You can just come up with these off the top of your head, no need to prep anything!
✅ Two Truths and a Lie: A classic for a reason. Students share three “facts” about themselves, two true and one made up, and classmates guess which one is the lie. (This one might be harder for younger students. Model one!)
✅ Human Bingo: Create a bingo board with different traits or experiences (“has a pet,” “was born in another state”) and have students find classmates who match each square. (No need to prep anything! Draw it out on your whiteboard really quick. Your students can even help you come up with what to put in each square. Some easy go tos are wears glasses, has blonde hair, has a brother, has a sister, is a twin, etc…)
✅ Interview a Classmate: Pair students up and give them a short list of questions to ask each other. Then have them introduce their partner to the class. This is a great way to build conversation skills too.
✅ Class Time Capsule: Have students write or draw something about themselves to save and open at the end of the year. It’s fun to see how much they change and grow!
Make It Part of Your Routine
You don’t have to fit every activity into one day. Spread them out over the first week so students have time to build connections without feeling overwhelmed. A quick getting to know you activity is also a great way to fill those extra ten minutes between transitions during the first few days.
If you want an easy place to start, grab my FREE All About Me activity above. It’s a simple, no prep way to kick off the year and get to know your new class!
Check out more back to school here!
