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This or That: a sticker of a wooden signpost with two arrows pointing in opposite directions

This or That Icebreaker

Call out two choices, like pizza or tacos. Students move to the side of the room for their pick, then a few explain why.

  • Whole class
  • 10 min
  • A list of pairs
  • Kindergarten to 12th grade
  • Lively
One page with all five steps

How to Play

5 steps
  1. This or That, step 1: Name the sides

    Name the sides

    Point to one side of the room for this and the other for that.

  2. This or That, step 2: Call a pair

    Call a pair

    Read two choices, like summer or winter.

  3. This or That, step 3: Pick a side

    Pick a side

    Everyone walks to the side they choose. No standing in the middle.

  4. This or That, step 4: Explain a pick

    Explain a pick

    Ask one or two students on each side why they chose it.

  5. This or That, step 5: Next pair

    Next pair

    Keep going with new pairs, a little more thoughtful each time.

Ways to Change It Up

  • Seated VersionThumbs up for this, thumbs down for that.
  • Review PairsUse content pairs, like mammal or reptile.

Play It With

Classroom ToolPickers & Groups

Random Name Picker

Spin a wheel of student names to choose who goes next.

All grades, Pre-K to 12
Picks who explains

More Icebreaker Games

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The M&M Game: a sticker of a handful of colorful round candy-coated chocolates

The M&M Game

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Each candy color is a question: red for a favorite food, blue for a dream trip.

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Two Truths and a Lie: a sticker of a row of three cards, two with check marks and one with crossed fingers

Two Truths and a Lie

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Share three facts about yourself; the class guesses which one is made up.

Whole class or small groups15 min

This or That Questions

Plan the Game into the Week

Drop a game into any lesson plan in EMStudio, with the rules attached. Free to start.

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Checked by a teacher