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Ocean Explorer Icebreaker

Lesson Plan

Ocean Explorer Icebreaker

Students will dive into an undersea-themed icebreaker, creating personalized name tags and playing a Fishy Introductions game to build rapport, teamwork, and comfort in group settings.

This activity fosters social bonding, creative expression, and confidence in sharing. By engaging in hands-on crafting and paired discussions, students feel welcome, connected, and ready to collaborate throughout camp.

Audience

6th Grade

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Hands-on crafting and paired sharing games.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Gather and print enough Undersea Name Tag Template for each student
  • Pre-cut fish-shaped cardstock pieces
  • Load and test the Ocean Vibes Playlist on a speaker or device
  • Prepare a stopwatch or timer
  • Arrange markers and stickers on a central table

Step 1

Welcome & Set the Scene

3 minutes

  • Play the Ocean Vibes Playlist softly as students enter
  • Greet students and introduce the under-the-sea theme
  • Explain that they’ll craft name tags and play a Fishy Introductions game to get to know each other

Step 2

Name Tag Creation

5 minutes

  • Distribute one Undersea Name Tag Template and a fish-shaped cardstock piece to each student
  • Instruct students to write their name and draw or color their favorite ocean creature using markers
  • Encourage them to decorate with ocean creature stickers for extra flair

Step 3

Fishy Introductions

7 minutes

  • Pair students and have each share their name, favorite ocean creature, and one ocean fact
  • After sharing, they swap name tags (fish cards) and find a new partner when the timer beeps
  • Repeat for several rounds to maximize peer connections
  • Optional: Award small prizes or stickers for enthusiastic sharing
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Slide Deck

Ocean Explorer Icebreaker

Summer Camp Opening Activity
6th Grade | Tier 2 Support
15 Minutes Under-the-Sea Fun!

Welcome students as they arrive, play the Ocean Vibes Playlist softly, and introduce the under-the-sea theme. Explain today’s goal: to get to know each other through crafting and a fun pairing game.

Materials

Confirm you have all materials on the central table. Point out where the playlist, templates, markers, stickers, and timer are located.

Session Overview

  • Welcome & Set the Scene (3 min)
  • Name Tag Creation (5 min)
  • Fishy Introductions (7 min)

Briefly walk through each segment, keeping an eye on the clock to ensure smooth transitions.

Undersea Name Tag Example

Imagine a fish-shaped card with:

  • Your name in bubble letters
  • A hand-drawn seahorse and coral accents
  • Blue wave background and shiny stickers

Display this slide as an example. Encourage students to draw their favorite ocean creature, use stickers, and add unique color schemes.

Fishy Introductions Game Steps

  1. Pair up and share:
    • Your name
    • Favorite ocean creature
    • One cool ocean fact
  2. Swap name tags (fish cards).
  3. When timer beeps, find a new partner.
  4. Repeat for 4–5 rounds.
  5. (Optional) Award small prizes for the most enthusiastic shares.

Use your timer to mark each round (~1½ min). Walk around, listen in, and cheer on enthusiastic shares. Offer small stickers or ocean badges as prizes.

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