Ideal for groups whose members are unfamiliar with one another, Bus Stop is the perfect icebreaker activity to get to know about each other and explore commonalities in a fun way.
Time Needed: 10 minutes
Group Size: Any
Materials: Two pieces of rope
Directions: Group members make choices (express their opinions) by getting on and off an imaginary bus. What follows is a number of word pairs, where individuals have to make the decision which one they agree with and why.
Create an imaginary bus by laying the two ropes on the ground and in a parallel formation. The ropes should be about 8-10 feet apart. Ask the group to stand between the ropes and face you. As the facilitator, you will be the bus driver for this task and should stand at the front of the bus facing the group (your passengers). Word pairs are read out by the bus driver (refer to the list below), and as the driver reads them, points to one side and the other. The passengers get off the bus on the side they most associate with at that time. For example, the bus driver says, “talk” (pointing to the left side) and “listen” (points to the right side). Group members step off the side of the “bus” they most associate with after the word pairing is read. Pause and allow the two groups to see who chose what. Let participants share why they prefer their “side” if they would like. Then say “Back on the bus!” and everyone steps back on – standing in between the ropes again. Repeat with the next word pairing.
Word pairings:
- Day/Night
- Shark/Dolphin
- Cat/Dog
- Taco/Burrito
- Apple/Android
- Run/Walk
- Listen/Talk
- Triangle/Square
- Pizza/Hamburger
- Read/TV
- Comedy/Thriller
- Sun/Rain
Debrief Questions:
- What surprised you about how the group got off the bus (choices made by the group)?
- How did it feel to have other members of the group on your side of the bus?
- Why is it important that we learn about each other and find commonalities?