Planning the first few days of school often means finding a calm, purposeful way for children to talk, listen and settle into a new class. These back to school board games give teachers a printable icebreaker activity for primary pupils, with simple dice-and-counter gameplay built around favourites, personal facts and friendly conversation prompts.
Teachers can print the games quickly and use them as a ready-made first week of school activity, morning task, classroom centre or early finisher option. The PDF includes back to school board games designed for 2 to 4 players, using dice and counters, so children can begin playing with very little preparation.
The “My Favorites” game asks pupils to share answers such as their favourite colour, book, season, snack, sport, animal, movie, place to swim and place to go on holiday. It works well as a gentle classroom icebreaker because children only need to give short personal answers while still practising speaking, listening and turn-taking.
The “Getting to Know You!” game uses picture spaces and a key with prompts such as somewhere you would like to go, something you can make, somewhere you would like to live, something you can teach, something you can cook, a pet you have or would like, and someone you find interesting. Players are encouraged not to repeat previous answers if they land on the same picture again, which adds a useful memory and communication element.
Primary school teachers, supply teachers, SEN support staff and homeschool parents may find the games useful for transition days, new class introductions, social skills groups and back to school activities. The format also suits small groups, partner play, or whole-class team play on an interactive whiteboard. Preparation notes suggest printing on card, laminating, or placing pages in plastic sleeves for repeated classroom use.
Alongside the boards, the pages include brief guidance on using the activities to observe pupils’ communication, cooperation and turn-taking skills. The author is credited as Teresa Evans.
