How much does a Polar Bear weigh…? How to break the ice in a tutoring session

Icebreakers can be a great tool to dissolve any form of tension or awkwardness in meetings between tutors and tutees. An initial meeting with a new person, of varying ages and backgrounds, can easily lead to uncomfortable moments.

Icebreakers are not always the best option, due to poor execution, but if done correctly and effectively, they can build a bridge for rapport to generate between 2 or more people.

The best icebreakers are executed from a place of enthusiasm, interest and encourage people to share information about themselves that is light-hearted yet unique.

A few icebreaker activities can start with a question, a simple opportunity for both tutor and tutee to share common experiences and find common ground.

We have listed a few below:

• Describe a perfect day
• If you could be an animal for a day, which animal and why?
• What is something you have learnt recently?
• Two truths and a lie

Using these as a starting point, you are able to ensure that the initial time working with a student can become relaxed, motivational and enlightening. You can learn more about the uniqueness that your student possesses with these icebreakers, and you can always put your own twist on them

These are a few ideas to kickstart a rapport building foundation between a tutor and their tutee. Done right, this can serve as an amazing platform to launch a pedagogical relationship between two people.

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