We've got a pretty wide definition of icebreakers. Traditionally, the term has been used to refer to the "getting to know you" activities that often used to open or close meetings, classes, or workshops.

However, as we'll detail in our upcoming article titled Turning Icebreakers Into Content-Related Activities, icebreakers can often be modified to present instructional content. Used this way, they're not much different from instructional games and active learning activities.

We've read quite a few books on icebreakers, games, active learning, and the like. Below, you'll find our favorite techniques from our favorite books on these topics.