Coping with a group of children you don’t know can be difficult; well, it is hard for the kids too! But when it comes to childcare, it’s all about creating fun moments and memories. Instead of watching the little ones play, you need to play with them. So get creative, make a fun first impression with the following icebraker games and start the caregiving day off… on the right foot!
Two Truths and a Lie: fast & super easy.
What you do: You write down two truths and a lie about yourselves. Taking turns, each person shares the three facts, and then the others try to guess which one is a lie. At the end of each round, the person reveals which one was the lie.
What you need: Some sheets of paper and a pencil (or a lot of fancy, colored pencils!).
What you achieve: The children find out more about you and you can learn a lot about them.
*note: Help any shy toddlers or young children to open up and share a fun fact about themselves.
Simon says: challenging & with simple-to-follow-instructions.
What you do: The leader of the game (yes, that’s you!) gives commands and the children have to follow the orders only when the leader says “Simon says” first. Anyone who acts when the leader does not say “Simon says” is out, and the last player wins.
What you need: Nothing at all!
What you achieve: This game is a great way to make sure the little ones are listening to what you’re saying.
*note: If it’s lunchtime, use Simon Says to make the kids eat their food. If it’s bedtime, use Simon Says to tell them to go to bed. This game is an awesome way to make listening to directions fun!
Role-playing: all-time classic & fun.
What you do: You reverse the roles and let the kids become the babysitter/nanny.
What you need: Nothing at all!
What you achieve: You’ll have the little ones laughing and playing together in no time.
*note: Do not be afraid to be goofy!
Who am I? extremely simple.
What you do: You prepare nametags with the names of famous cartoon characters, superheroes, Disney princesses etc. For example, you can write Mickey Mouse, SpongeBob, Batman, Cinderella and so on. You stick the nametags on each child’s forehead or back and then he/she must try to figure out the famous character or hero, only asking “Yes” or “No” questions to gain clues. For example, the little one can ask questions like: “Am I a girl?” or “Am I an animal?”.
What you need: Sticky nametags and a pen or colored pencils.
What you achieve: Well, that’s a game that keeps the children laughing and engaged with each other. And that’s how you create a really friendly atmosphere.
*note: Look at the kids eye-to-eye; kneel down or sit on the floor.
Keep in mind that if you’re having fun, it’s more likely that the kids will have fun too! Give the children options of activities and games that aren’t too difficult and you’re really interested in. A kid that loves to have fun always hides in every adult, so bring out your childlike, playful spirit!