Lesson Plan
Break the Ice Lesson Plan
Equip 7th graders with practical strategies—open-ended questions, active listening, and positive body language—to confidently initiate conversations through guided practice and reflection.
Strong conversation skills boost student confidence, foster positive peer relationships, and create an inclusive classroom atmosphere by reducing social anxiety.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
Step 2
Open-Ended Question Practice
10 minutes
Step 3
Role-Play Activity
10 minutes
Step 4
Reflection
5 minutes
Slide Deck
Breaking the Ice: Starting Conversations
What Is a Closed-Ended Question?
What Is an Open-Ended Question?
Closed vs. Open-Ended Questions
Why Use Open-Ended Questions?
Open-Ended Conversation Starters
Your Turn: Craft Questions
Next Up: Role-Play Practice
Worksheet
Activity
Worksheet
