Start an Argument on the First Day of School!

Starting an argument on the first day of school? We must be completely mad, right? It may seem absurd, but this year, we’re really excited about helping students and teachers start arguments on the very first day of school! Of course, they won’t be real arguments…instead, they will be fun, lighthearted, and entirely debatable with our brand-new icebreaker game for elementary and middle school students!

One’s Gotta Go! A Game of Elimination

“One Has to Go” is an exciting and (slightly) argumentative classroom icebreaker game designed to kickstart the school year by inspiring friendly debates among students getting to know each other. Perfect for the classroom, this game encourages learners to engage in simple debates, present their arguments, and listen to others.

Students are presented with four images of everyday items they know and love. Sadly, they must make a difficult choice and decide which one must go. “One Has to Go” fosters critical thinking and encourages students to debate and articulate their reasoning in a fun and interactive way. This Google Slides-based activity breaks the ice on the first day of school and sets the stage for a fun learning environment where every student’s opinion is valued.

How to Play the ‘One Has to Go’ Game

Does it sound like fun? We guarantee your students will love it, too! Here’s how to play One Has to Go!

1. Prior to beginning the game, point out the four corners of the classroom and let students know they will use the corners as indicators for their choices.
2. Students will look at each picture and consider which of the choices they would eliminate and why. They will need to note the location of their choice, whether it be the upper right, lower right, upper left, or lower left.
3. Students will move to different corners of the room to indicate which item (located in the same general position) must go. For example, if they feel that the object in the upper right corner of the slide should go, they will move to the front-right corner of the room.
4. Once in position, students will talk with the other students in the same location about why they chose what they did.
5. Once student conversations are complete (usually about 1 minute will suffice), have groups share their reasoning and debate with students who chose otherwise.
6. Based on their arguments, you (the teacher) will make a decision on which should go. At this point, wait for the cheers (or the boos).
7. Students will return to their seats to await the next card.

Download, Project, and Play ‘One’s Gotta Go’ Today!

This downloadable resource is available as an Interactive Google Slides Activity. To get your new resource, click the download button. You will be prompted to make your own copy. From there, project the slides on your screen and start playing today!

This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a teacher in Michigan and Teach Starter Collaborator.

Even More Resources for First Day of School Fun!

Discover more ways to spark curiosity and engage your students. Take a moment to browse through these first-day activities before you go!

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Sit Down If… Back to School Movement Icebreaker

Have your students giggling on day 1 with this getting-to-know-you activity.

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Would You Rather...? Back to School Edition

Engage your students in thought-provoking discussions with this set of 16 back-to-school “Would You Rather” questions.

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Meet the Teacher Trivia Game - Interactive Activity

Help your students get to know the teacher with a fun All About the Teacher Trivia Game!