Give me a break

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Give me a break

By Joe Bouchard

Published: 12/22/2014

The following is an installment in "The Bouchard 101", a series featuring "Ice Breaker's" designed to promote training awareness and capabilities in the corrections industry.

Saying hello in a group of people is difficult for many people. When we introduce ourselves, we sometimes become self-conscious. Often, we get too involved in saying things perfectly. During introductions, we should really take time to learn about others in the classroom. Also, odd questions can help ease any introduction anxieties and set a more creative tone for a class.

It is as easy as using a four part formula for introduction. The facilitator goes first and, in turn, everyone in the room has the floor long enough to answer address the following:

Name
Years in corrections
Title
4th element.

In “Give me a Break”, the fourth element is “What is the best Spring Break destination?” The facilitator should tell the class that you need not to have actually been to the place. Just tell us what you think is the best Spring Break destination.

You do not have to be in corrections to participate in this exercise. Criminals Justice and Corrections College Instructors can share this icebreaker with students.
It is just a matter of changing elements number 2 and 3:

2. Change Years in corrections to Years in higher education
3. Change Title to Reason for taking this class

This is a good icebreaker to conduct in the winter, as many in cooler climes are dreaming of a warmer retreat for relaxation or just to thaw out. It may even bring a story or two from participants. Time permitting, this should be allowed, as it further breaks ice.

Joe Bouchard is a Librarian employed with the Michigan Department of Corrections and a collaborator with The International Association of Correctional Training Personnel (IACTP). He is also the author of “IACTP’s Corrections Icebreakers: The Bouchard 101, 2014”. The installments in this series include his opinions. The agency for which he works is not in any way responsible for the content or accuracy of this material, and the views are those of the contributor and not necessarily those of the agency. While some material is influenced by other works, all of the icebreakers have been developed by Joe Bouchard.

Visit the Joe Bouchard page

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