Icebreaker Online Read

Icebreaker Online: Read, Connect, and Conquer the Digital World

Introduction:

Feeling awkward initiating conversations online? Do virtual meetings leave you feeling like a wallflower? You're not alone! The digital world, while offering incredible connection opportunities, can also present a significant hurdle for many: starting conversations. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the world of online icebreakers, providing you with a wealth of strategies, examples, and resources to help you effortlessly break the ice and build meaningful connections in any online environment, from virtual team meetings to online dating. We'll cover everything from choosing the right icebreaker for your audience to mastering the art of online conversation flow. Get ready to transform your online interactions and become a confident connector!


I. Understanding the Power of Online Icebreakers

Why bother with icebreakers in the digital realm? Simply put, they bridge the gap between anonymity and connection. They create a sense of ease and encourage participation, fostering a more engaging and collaborative environment. Think of it like this: a well-placed icebreaker is the digital equivalent of offering someone a warm cup of coffee before a serious discussion. It sets the tone, builds rapport, and makes everyone feel more comfortable.

Breaking Down Barriers: Online interactions often lack the non-verbal cues we rely on in face-to-face settings. Icebreakers help compensate for this by creating a shared experience and reducing the feeling of awkwardness.
Enhancing Engagement: Icebreakers energize online interactions, preventing them from becoming stagnant or boring. They spark conversations and encourage participation from even the most introverted participants.
Building Rapport and Trust: By engaging in lighthearted activities or shared experiences, participants build rapport and trust more quickly, leading to stronger relationships.
Creating a Positive Atmosphere: A successful icebreaker sets a positive and welcoming tone, encouraging open communication and collaboration.


II. Choosing the Right Icebreaker for Your Online Setting

The key to effective icebreaking lies in selecting the right activity for the specific context. A goofy icebreaker might be perfect for a casual online gaming group, but inappropriate for a professional business meeting. Consider these factors:

Audience: Who are you interacting with? Are they colleagues, classmates, potential romantic partners, or members of an online community? Tailor your icebreaker to their age, interests, and familiarity with each other.
Objective: What do you hope to achieve with the icebreaker? Do you want to encourage casual conversation, brainstorm ideas, or build team cohesion?
Platform: The chosen platform (Zoom, Slack, Discord, etc.) will influence the type of icebreaker you can use. Some platforms are better suited for text-based activities, while others are ideal for video or audio-based interactions.
Time Constraints: How much time do you have? Keep the icebreaker concise and relevant to the available time.


III. Effective Icebreaker Examples for Various Online Settings

Here are some proven icebreaker examples categorized by context:

A. For Virtual Team Meetings:

"Two Truths and a Lie": Each participant shares three "facts" about themselves, two true and one false. Others guess the lie. This encourages interaction and reveals interesting personal details in a lighthearted way.
"Show and Tell (Digital Version)": Participants share a photo or item that represents something significant to them, explaining its meaning. This personalizes the experience and helps build connections.
"Quick Wins": Ask participants to share a recent accomplishment, both professional and personal. This fosters a positive atmosphere and highlights individual contributions.

B. For Online Dating/Social Groups:

"This or That": Present a series of "this or that" choices (e.g., beach or mountains, coffee or tea). This stimulates fun, easy-to-answer questions, sparking conversation.
"Favorite..." prompts: Start conversations with questions like "Favorite movie," "Favorite book," or "Favorite travel destination." These offer common ground and invite personal sharing.
"Would You Rather...?" questions: Present playful "would you rather" scenarios (e.g., "Would you rather have the ability to fly or be invisible?"). This encourages lighthearted debate and reveals personality traits.

C. For Online Courses/Educational Settings:

"Icebreaker Polls": Use a simple poll to gather quick information about participants' backgrounds, learning goals, or prior experience. This provides a structured way to facilitate introductions.
"Shared Experience Question": Pose a question related to the course topic to encourage discussion and knowledge sharing. For example, "What's one thing you're hoping to learn in this course?"
"Brainstorming Session": Begin with a quick brainstorming session related to the course topic. This promotes collaborative thinking and gets participants engaged in the subject matter.


IV. Mastering the Art of Online Conversation Flow

Choosing the right icebreaker is only half the battle. Successfully navigating the ensuing conversation requires skill and awareness.

Active Listening: Pay attention to what others say, respond thoughtfully, and show genuine interest.
Asking Follow-Up Questions: Don't let conversations die. Ask follow-up questions to show engagement and encourage further discussion.
Using Emojis and GIFs: Use emojis and GIFs appropriately to add personality and enhance communication.
Maintaining Positive Energy: Keep the conversation lighthearted and positive. Avoid controversial topics or negativity.
Respecting Boundaries: Be mindful of others' time and comfort levels. Don't dominate the conversation or push someone to share more than they're comfortable with.


V. Tools and Resources for Enhanced Online Icebreaking

Several online tools can facilitate icebreakers and enhance online interactions:

Zoom: Offers features like breakout rooms and polls, ideal for group icebreakers.
Mentimeter: A popular tool for interactive polls, quizzes, and word clouds.
Poll Everywhere: Another excellent platform for creating engaging polls and quizzes.
Slack: Facilitates text-based icebreakers and threaded discussions.


Conclusion:

Breaking the ice online doesn't have to be daunting. With the right approach, you can transform your virtual interactions from awkward encounters into engaging and meaningful connections. By understanding your audience, choosing the right icebreaker, and mastering the art of online conversation, you can confidently connect with others in the digital world. Remember, the key is to be authentic, respectful, and genuinely interested in getting to know others.


Sample Book Outline: "Conquer the Digital Divide: Mastering Online Icebreakers"

Introduction: The importance of online connection and the role of icebreakers.
Chapter 1: Understanding Online Communication Dynamics.
Chapter 2: Choosing the Right Icebreaker for Your Context.
Chapter 3: Icebreaker Examples for Various Settings (Work, Dating, Education).
Chapter 4: Advanced Techniques for Online Conversation Flow.
Chapter 5: Utilizing Technology to Enhance Icebreakers.
Chapter 6: Overcoming Challenges and Avoiding Pitfalls.
Chapter 7: Case Studies: Successful Icebreakers in Action.
Conclusion: Becoming a confident online connector.


(Detailed explanation of each chapter would follow here, expanding on the points mentioned in the outline. This would be a substantial addition to the article, further developing each section into a detailed and informative chapter.)


FAQs:

1. What if my icebreaker falls flat? Don't panic! Be prepared with a backup plan and gracefully move on.
2. How can I make online icebreakers more inclusive? Be mindful of cultural differences and avoid assumptions.
3. Are icebreakers necessary for small online groups? Even small groups can benefit from icebreakers to build rapport.
4. How do I handle awkward silences during an online icebreaker? Have a few pre-prepared questions or topics to fill the gap.
5. Can I use the same icebreaker repeatedly? Vary your icebreakers to keep things fresh and engaging.
6. What if someone is unresponsive during an icebreaker? Don't take it personally. Some individuals may be less comfortable participating.
7. How long should an online icebreaker last? Keep it brief and focused, typically 5-15 minutes depending on the context.
8. Are icebreakers only for casual settings? No, icebreakers can be used in professional settings to build team cohesion.
9. How can I measure the effectiveness of my icebreaker? Observe participant engagement and the overall atmosphere of the interaction.


Related Articles:

1. The Science of Small Talk: How to Make Meaningful Connections Online: Explores the psychological aspects of online conversation.
2. Virtual Team Building Activities: Boosting Morale in a Remote Workforce: Focuses on team-building activities beyond icebreakers.
3. Online Dating Tips: From Profile to First Message: Provides comprehensive advice on online dating.
4. Mastering Online Communication: Essential Skills for the Digital Age: Covers broader aspects of online communication.
5. The Power of Nonverbal Communication in Virtual Meetings: Highlights the importance of body language in online interactions.
6. Building Rapport: Strategies for Connecting with People Online: Explores different techniques for building connections.
7. Effective Communication Strategies for Remote Teams: Offers tips for communicating effectively in a remote work environment.
8. How to Overcome Social Anxiety in Online Interactions: Provides support for individuals struggling with social anxiety.
9. Top Tools and Technologies for Enhancing Virtual Collaboration: Reviews various online tools to facilitate collaboration.


  icebreaker online read: Icebreaker A. L. Graziadei, 2022-01-18 A. L. Graziadei's Icebreaker is an irresistible YA debut about two hockey players fighting to be the best—and the romance that catches them by surprise along the way. Seventeen-year-old Mickey James III is a college freshman, a brother to five sisters, and a hockey legacy. With a father and a grandfather who have gone down in NHL history, Mickey is almost guaranteed the league's top draft spot. The only person standing in his way is Jaysen Caulfield, a contender for the #1 spot and Mickey's infuriating (and infuriatingly attractive) teammate. When rivalry turns to something more, Mickey will have to decide what he really wants, and what he's willing to risk for it. This is a story about falling in love, finding your team (on and off the ice), and choosing your own path.
  icebreaker online read: Icebreaker Hannah Grace, 2022-11-22 #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Over 1 million copies sold! A TikTok sensation! Sparks fly when a competitive figure skater and hockey team captain are forced to share a rink. Anastasia Allen has worked her entire life for a shot at Team USA. It looks like everything is going according to plan when she gets a full scholarship to the University of California, Maple Hills and lands a place on their competitive figure skating team. Nothing will stand in her way, not even the captain of the hockey team, Nate Hawkins. Nate’s focus as team captain is on keeping his team on the ice. Which is tricky when a facilities mishap means they are forced to share a rink with the figure skating team—including Anastasia, who clearly can’t stand him. But when Anastasia’s skating partner faces an uncertain future, she may have to look to Nate to take her shot. Sparks fly, but Anastasia isn’t worried…because she could never like a hockey player, right?
  icebreaker online read: Sophie Scott Goes South Alison Lester, 2013 Nine year-old Sophie Scott embarks on a mission to Antarctica aboard an icebreaker and documents her adventure in a diary of its natural wonders.
  icebreaker online read: Small, Broke, and Kind of Dirty Hana Shafi, 2020-09-22 Let's get one thing straight: Small, Broke, and Kind of Dirty: Affirmations for the Real World is not a book of advice. You're not going to find a step-by-step guide to meditation here, or even reminders to drink lots of water and get enough sleep. Those things are all good for you, but that's not what Hana Shafi wants to talk about. Instead, Small, Broke, and Kind of Dirty--built around art from Shafi's popular online affirmation series--focuses on our common and never-ending journey of self-discovery. It explores the ways in which the world can all too often wear us down, and reminds us to remember our worth, even when it's hard to do so. Drawing on her experience as a millennial woman of colour, and writing with humour and a healthy dose of irreverence, Shafi delves into body politics and pop culture, racism and feminism, friendship, and allyship. Through it all, she remains positive without being saccharine, and hopeful without being naive. So no, this is not an advice book: it's a call to action, one that asks us to remember that we are valid as we are--flaws and all--and to not let the bastards grind us down.
  icebreaker online read: Ice Breaker: The Hidden Series 1 Lian Tanner, 2013-10-30 From the author of the wonderful Keepers series comes a vividly exciting fantasy-adventure, the first in the 'Hidden' series. Petrel leaned on the rail, watching the ice cave and stamping her feet for warmth. The berg came closer. That's when she saw him. Laid out on the ice like a dead fish, with a scattering of snow covering his face. A boy, where there should have been nothing but the memory of winter. A frozen boy. Twelve-year-old Petrel is an outcast, the lowest of the low on an ancient icebreaker that has been following the same course for three hundred years. In that time, the ship's crew has forgotten its original purpose and broken into three warring tribes, the Cooks, the Officers and the Engineers. Everyone has a tribe except Petrel, whose parents committed such a terrible crime that they were thrown overboard, and their daughter ostracised. But Petrel is a survivor. She lives in the dark corners of the ship, trusting no one, speaking to no one except two large grey rats, Mister Smoke and Missus Slink. That is, until a boy is discovered, frozen on an iceberg, and brought onto the ship. No one knows where he has come from, and when he recovers consciousness he claims to have forgotten even his name. The tribes don't trust strangers; they haven't seen one for three hundred years. But Petrel saves him and hides him away in the forgotten corners of the ship, hoping he will be her friend. What she doesn't know is that for the last three hundred years, the ship has been guarding a secret. A secret that could change the world. A secret that the boy has been sent to destroy, along with the ship and everyone on it.
  icebreaker online read: The Henna Artist Alka Joshi, 2021-08-05 Trusted with the secrets of the wealthy, she can never reveal her own... Escaping from an abusive marriage, seventeen-year-old Lakshmi makes her way alone from her 1950s rural village to the pink city of Jaipur. There she becomes the henna artist-and confidante-most in demand to women of the upper class. Known for her original designs and sage advice, Lakshmi must tread carefully to avoid the jealous gossips who could ruin her reputation and her livelihood. As she pursues her dream of an independent life, she is startled one day when she is confronted by her husband, who has tracked her down these many years later with a young girl in tow-a sister Lakshmi never knew she had. Suddenly the caution that she has carefully cultivated as protection is threatened. Vivid and compelling in its portrait of one woman's struggle for fulfillment in society, The Henna Artist opens a door into a world that is at once fascinating, stark and cruel.
  icebreaker online read: From Lukov with Love Mariana Zapata, 2022-08-30
  icebreaker online read: The Online Classroom Brooke B. Eisenbach, Paula Greathouse, 2018-11-01 The world of middle level education is rapidly evolving. Increasingly, online learning platforms are complementing or replacing traditional classroom settings. As students exchange classroom interaction for online collaboration, pencils for keyboards, face-to-face conversations for chat room texts, and traditional lessons for digital modules, it becomes apparent that teachers, schools, and administrators must identify ways to keep pace. We must identify ways to meet the needs of middle level learners within this digital context. In this volume, researchers and teachers share a variety of resources centered on the growing world of virtual education and its implications for the middle level learner, educator, and classroom.
  icebreaker online read: Fangirl Rainbow Rowell, 2013-09-10 #1 New York Times bestselling author! In Rainbow Rowell's Fangirl, Cath is a Simon Snow fan. Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan, but for Cath, being a fan is her life-and she's really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it's what got them through their mother leaving. Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere. Cath's sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can't let go. She doesn't want to. Now that they're going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn't want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She's got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words . . . And she can't stop worrying about her dad, who's loving and fragile and has never really been alone. For Cath, the question is: Can she do this? Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind? A New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of 2013 A New York Times Best Seller!
  icebreaker online read: Online Learning Wayne Journell, 2013-08-22 As online learning continues to become more prominent in K-12 education, it will be important that teachers are knowledgeable about both the potential of online learning and the challenges associated with moving curricula online. This book, written by a former secondary online teacher who now teaches online instructional methods to practicing K-12 teachers, addresses those challenges and offers practical, research-based approaches to creating successful online learning experiences. Both novice and experienced K-12 teachers will benefit from the author’s strategies for creating engaging, learner-centered instruction in an online format. This book is unique from other practitioner-oriented books on online learning in that it focuses exclusively on adolescents’ experiences with online instruction.
  icebreaker online read: 50 Communications Activities, Icebreakers, and Exercises Peter Garber, 2008 Have fun presenting these activities and build your employeesOCO communication skills in just minutes. Communication plays such a big part in our lives today. Yet sometimes we get busy and forget just how important communication is to our success, relationships and happiness. 50 Communication Activities, Icebreakers and Activities is a great way to: Increase participantsOCO awareness of how they communicate; Help them to build expertise in a variety of essential skills and competencies; Prepare them to deal effectively with the many types of communication challenges they face every day. Each activity focuses on some facet of communication and includes a description, time guideline, purpose, resources, presentation, debrief, difficulty rating and variations to make implementation easy. Each individual activity takes only minutes to complete. Together this collection contains a wealth of insight, tips and guidance to prepare employees to become confident communicators who enjoy stronger relationships and greater success and satisfaction on the job.
  icebreaker online read: Grand Delusion Gabriel Gorodetsky, 1999-01-01 A history of the German invasion of Russia in 1941, in the light of archival material. It challenges the view that Stalin was about to invade Germany when Hitler made a pre-emptive strike, arguing that Stalin was actually negotiating for peace in order to redress the European balance of power.
  icebreaker online read: The Big Book of Conflict Resolution Games: Quick, Effective Activities to Improve Communication, Trust and Collaboration Mary Scannell, 2010-05-28 Make workplace conflict resolution a game that EVERYBODY wins! Recent studies show that typical managers devote more than a quarter of their time to resolving coworker disputes. The Big Book of Conflict-Resolution Games offers a wealth of activities and exercises for groups of any size that let you manage your business (instead of managing personalities). Part of the acclaimed, bestselling Big Books series, this guide offers step-by-step directions and customizable tools that empower you to heal rifts arising from ineffective communication, cultural/personality clashes, and other specific problem areas—before they affect your organization's bottom line. Let The Big Book of Conflict-Resolution Games help you to: Build trust Foster morale Improve processes Overcome diversity issues And more Dozens of physical and verbal activities help create a safe environment for teams to explore several common forms of conflict—and their resolution. Inexpensive, easy-to-implement, and proved effective at Fortune 500 corporations and mom-and-pop businesses alike, the exercises in The Big Book of Conflict-Resolution Games delivers everything you need to make your workplace more efficient, effective, and engaged.
  icebreaker online read: Polar Icebreakers in a Changing World National Research Council, Transportation Research Board, Marine Board, Division on Earth and Life Studies, Polar Research Board, Committee on the Assessment of U.S. Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker Roles and Future Needs, 2007-03-14 The United States has enduring national and strategic interests in the polar regions, including citizens living above the Arctic circle and three year-round scientific stations in the Antarctic. Polar icebreaking ships are needed to access both regions. Over the past several decades, the U.S. government has supported a fleet of four icebreakersâ€three multi-mission U.S. Coast Guard ships (the POLAR SEA, POLAR STAR, and HEALY) and the National Science Foundation's PALMER, which is dedicated solely to scientific research. Today, the POLAR STAR and the POLAR SEA are at the end of their service lives, and a lack of funds and no plans for an extension of the program has put U.S. icebreaking capability at risk. This report concludes that the United States should continue to support its interests in the Arctic and Antarctic for multiple missions, including maintaining leadership in polar science. The report recommends that the United States immediately program, budget, design, and construct two new polar icebreakers to be operated by the U.S. Coast Guard. The POLAR SEA should remain mission capable and the POLAR STAR should remain available for reactivation until the new polar icebreakers enter service. The U.S. Coast Guard should be provided sufficient operations and maintenance budget to support an increased, regular, and influential presence in the Arctic, with support from other agencies. The report also calls for a Presidential Decision Directive to clearly align agency responsibilities and budgetary authorities.
  icebreaker online read: Uncompromising Honor David Weber, 2018-10-02 FIRST NEW HONOR HARRINGTON NOVEL IN FIVE YEARS! New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal and international best-selling phenomenon David Weber delivers book #19 in the multiple New York Times best-selling Honor Harrington series, the first new Honor Harrington novel since 2013's Shadow of Freedom. HONOR'S FINISHING WHAT SHE STARTED The Solarian League's navy counts its superdreadnoughts by the thousands. Not even its own government knows how enormous its economy truly is. And for hundreds of years, the League has borne the banner of human civilization, been the ideal to which humanity aspires in its diaspora across the galaxy. But the bureaucrats known as the Mandarins, who rule today's League, are not the men and women who founded it so long ago. They are corrupt, venal, accountable to no one . . . and they've decided the upstart Star Kingdom of Manticore must be destroyed. Honor Harrington has worn the Star Kingdom's uniform for half a century and served her monarch and her people well. In the course of those years, the woman the newsies call the Salamander has grown from a tactically brilliant but politically naïve junior officer to supreme fleet command and a seat on the highest military and political councils of the Grand Alliance. Very few people know war the way Honor Harrington does. Very few have lost as many men and women, as many friends, as much family, as she has. Yet despite that, hers has been a voice of caution. She knows the Mandarins and the Solarian League Navy are growing increasingly desperate as the truth of their technological inferiority sinks home, but she also knows the sheer size of the League. And she knows how its citizens will react if the Grand Alliance takes the war to the League, attacks its star systems, destroys its infrastructure . . . kills its civilians. Today's victory, bought on those terms, can only guarantee a future war of revenge against a resurgent Solarian League and its navy. Honor knows the Grand Alliance must find a victory that doesn't require incursions deep into Solarian space, doesn't leave a legacy of bottomless hatred, and the strategy she supports has been working. The League is sliding towards inglorious defeat as it steadily loses ground in the Protectorates and the Verge. As its central government teeters towards bankruptcy and even some of its core systems opt to secede in the face of the Mandarins' corruption. As the Solarian Navy finally realizes it cannot face an Alliance battle fleet and win. But the Mandarins have embraced a desperate new strategy, and in pursuit of that strategy, the SLN has committed atrocities such as the galaxy has not known in a thousand years. The League have violated its own Eridani Edict against mass civilian casualties, violated the Deneb Accords prohibition on war crimes. And they have finally killed too many of the people Honor Harrington loves. Hers is the voice of caution and compromise no longer, and the galaxy is about to see something it has never imagined. The Salamander is coming for the Solarian League, and Hell is coming in her wake. At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management). About Uncompromising Honor: “…a balanced mix of interstellar intrigue, counterespionage, and epic fleet action…with all the hard- and software details and tactical proficiency that Weber delivers like no one else; along with a large cast of well-developed, believable characters, giving each clash of fleets emotional weight.”—Booklist “. . . moves. . . as inexorably as the Star Kingdom’s Grand Fleet, commanded by series protagonist Honor Harrington. . . . Weber is the Tom Clancy of science fiction. . . . His fans will relish this latest installment. . . .”—Publishers Weekly About Shadow of Freedom, #18 in the Honor Harrington series: “This entry is just as exciting as Weber’s initial offering. . . .The result is a fast-paced and action-packed story that follows [our characters] as they move from reaction to command of the situation. Weber builds Shadow of Freedom to an exciting and unexpected climax.”—Daily News of Galveston About Mission of Honor, #13 in the Honor Harrington series: “Weber combines realistic, engaging characters with intelligent technological projection and a deep understanding of military bureaucracy in this long-awaited Honor Harrington novel…Fans of this venerable space opera will rejoice to see Honor back in action.”–Publishers Weekly “This latest Honor Harrington novel brings the saga to another crucial turning point…Readers may feel confident that they will be Honored many more times and enjoy it every time.”–Booklist About David Weber and the Honor Harrington series: “. . .everything you could want in a heroine …. Excellent … plenty of action.”–Science Fiction Age “Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant!”–Anne McCaffrey “Compelling combat combined with engaging characters for a great space opera adventure.”–Locus “Weber combines realistic, engaging characters with intelligent technological projection . . . Fans of this venerable space opera will rejoice . . .”–Publishers Weekly Honor Harrington Main Series: On Basilisk Station The Honor of the Queen The Short Victorious War Field of Dishonor Flag in Exile Honor Among Enemies In Enemy Hands Echoes of Honor Ashes of Victory War of Honor The Shadow of Saganami At All Costs Storm from the Shadows Mission of Honor A Rising Thunder Shadow of Freedom Uncompromising Honor
  icebreaker online read: Niagara Falls Lisa M. Bolt Simons, 2018-01-01 Explore the past, present, and future of Niagara Falls. Beautiful photos, fact-filled text, and engaging infographics help readers learn all about this natural wonder and how to protect it long into the future.
  icebreaker online read: Jinx Sage Blackwood, 2013-01-08 The highly acclaimed first book of a fantasy adventure series set in a mysterious forest, starring a daring new hero. Readers will thrill to journey with Jinx (SLJ, starred review), a wizard's apprentice, as he sets off on a quest through the dangerous Urwald, a magical forest full of wizards and were-creatures, and discovers that it is more complex than he could imagine, and that it needs him more than he could ever guess. This humorous and smart tween fantasy adventure is perfect for fans of Septimus Heap, The Sisters Grimm, and Fablehaven. Supports the Common Core State Standards
  icebreaker online read: Beautiful on the Outside Adam Rippon, 2019-10-15 Former Olympic figure skater and self-professed America's Sweetheart Adam Rippon shares his underdog journey from beautiful mess to outrageous success in this hilarious, big-hearted memoir that the Washington Post calls comedic gold. Your mom probably told you it's what on the inside that counts. Well, then she was never a competitive figure skater. Olympic medalist Adam Rippon has been making it pretty for the judges even when, just below the surface, everything was an absolute mess. From traveling to practices on the Greyhound bus next to ex convicts to being so poor he could only afford to eat the free apples at his gym, Rippon got through the toughest times with a smile on his face, a glint in his eye, and quip ready for anyone listening. Beautiful on the Outside looks at his journey from a homeschooled kid in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to a self-professed American sweetheart on the world stage and all the disasters and self-delusions it took to get him there. Yeah, it may be what's on the inside that counts, but life is so much better when it's beautiful on the outside.
  icebreaker online read: Read to Succeed Joy Court, 2011-08-31 Concern about children's reading is an international issue highlighted by continuing OECD research. Government actions such as the priority given to reading in the review of the National Curriculum reflect current UK concern. Reading is an essential life skill not only for an individual's development and life chances but for social cohesion and a developed democracy. In an era of public spending cuts it is important to reflect upon the impact that libraries can have in growing readers for the future. This much-needed book provides valuable evidence of successes so far both nationally and internationally, and offers ideas for future development as well as inspiration for current practice. An edited collection contributed by expert practitioners, it covers all aspects of promoting reading to and with children and young people from birth right through to teenage years, including the following key topics: the importance of Bookstart how children begin to read creating young readers literacy, libraries and literature in New Zealand the Summer Challenge in libraries Stockport does Book Idol restoring reading to the classroom promoting excellence - shadowing the CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway medals local book awards the sport of reading libraries and partnerships the hard to reach reader in the 21st century creative reading. Readership: Offering future scoping for managers and aiming to inspire partnership and cooperation, this will be invaluable reading for practitioners and students of librarianship in both the public and school sectors. It will also be of great interest to all teachers, consultants and educators concerned with literacy and reading, and to policy makers in both the school and library sectors.
  icebreaker online read: The Garden Book Brian Castro, 2017 Brian Castro's award-winning novel, The Garden Book, is a meditation on loneliness, addiction and exploitation. Set in the years between the Depression and the Second World War in Australia's Dandenong Ranges, it follows the emotionally turbulent life of the beautiful Swan Hay (born Shuang He)--her marriage to the passionate yet brutal Darcy Damon, her love affair with the aviator Jasper Zenlin and her rise to literary fame overseas after her poetry is translated into French without her knowledge. Fifty years after her disappearance into institutions and a life of poverty and despair, Norman Shih--a rare-book librarian and expert in self-effacement--begins to piece together the life and losses of Swan. Tracking down clues from guesthouse libraries, antiquarian bookshops and Swan's own haunted writings, Shih fills out a portrait of early twentieth-century Australian lives wracked by modernist impulses of racial prejudice.
  icebreaker online read: The Art of Gathering Priya Parker, 2018-05-15 Hosts of all kinds, this is a must-read! --Chris Anderson, owner and curator of TED From the host of the New York Times podcast Together Apart, an exciting new approach to how we gather that will transform the ways we spend our time together—at home, at work, in our communities, and beyond. In The Art of Gathering, Priya Parker argues that the gatherings in our lives are lackluster and unproductive--which they don't have to be. We rely too much on routine and the conventions of gatherings when we should focus on distinctiveness and the people involved. At a time when coming together is more important than ever, Parker sets forth a human-centered approach to gathering that will help everyone create meaningful, memorable experiences, large and small, for work and for play. Drawing on her expertise as a facilitator of high-powered gatherings around the world, Parker takes us inside events of all kinds to show what works, what doesn't, and why. She investigates a wide array of gatherings--conferences, meetings, a courtroom, a flash-mob party, an Arab-Israeli summer camp--and explains how simple, specific changes can invigorate any group experience. The result is a book that's both journey and guide, full of exciting ideas with real-world applications. The Art of Gathering will forever alter the way you look at your next meeting, industry conference, dinner party, and backyard barbecue--and how you host and attend them.
  icebreaker online read: Essentials of Online Course Design Marjorie Vai, Kristen Sosulski, 2015-10-14 In spite of the proliferation of online learning, creating online courses can still evoke a good deal of frustration, negativity, and wariness in those who need to create them. The second edition of Essentials of Online Course Design takes a fresh, thoughtfully designed, step-by-step approach to online course development. At its core is a set of standards that are based on best practices in the field of online learning and teaching. Pedagogical, organizational, and visual design principles are presented and modeled throughout the book, and users will quickly learn from the guide’s hands-on approach. The course design process begins with the elements of a classroom syllabus which, after a series of guided steps, easily evolve into an online course outline. The guide’s key features include: a practical approach informed by theory clean interior design that offers straightforward guidance from page one clear and jargon-free language examples, screenshots, and illustrations to clarify and support the text a checklist of online course design standards that readers can use to self-evaluate. a Companion Website with examples, adaptable templates, interactive learning features, and online resources: http://essentialsofonlinecoursedesign.com Essentials of Online Course Design serves as a best practice model for designing online courses. After reading this book, readers will find that preparing for online teaching is a satisfying and engaging experience. The core issue is simply good design: pedagogical, organizational, and visual. For more of Marjorie Vai in her own words, listen to this 2011 interview from the On Teaching Online podcast: http://onteachingonline.com/oto-16-essentials-of-online-course-design-with-marjorie-vai/
  icebreaker online read: Blended Learning Barbara Allan, 2007 This essential guide should be on the desk of any library and information professional, records manager, archivist or knowledge manager involved in planning and introducing an ERM system, whether in a public or private sector organization. Information professionals currently face the challenge of providing end-user education and staff training to very large and diverse groups, whilst integrating the use of ICT into their teaching. But there seems to be a tendency within the literature to focus solely on face-to-face learning or on e-learning, and this is a lost opportunity. This book offers a new blended learning approach, combining the two techniques to make best use of the advantages of each while minimizing the disadvantages. It provides information professionals with a practical guide to the design and delivery of such training programmes, illustrated with a range of library-based examples, checklists and case studies. Many organizations establish projects, sometimes using external funding, as a means of developing their education and training provision, and the book provides a practical overview of this subject in the context of blended learning. Key areas covered include: technologies in the classroom virtual communication tools integrated learning environments websites and web tools models of teaching and learning planning and designing learning activities individual and group learning coaching and mentoring engaging with communities of interest and practice managing learning and teaching projects. Readership: This unique book will be of great value to any information professionals involved in establishing and delivering end-user education and staff development, whatever their previous experience. It will also benefit staff developers in school, college and higher education, library and information students, independent consultants and trainers, and information suppliers such as database providers.
  icebreaker online read: The Big Book of Team Building Games: Trust-Building Activities, Team Spirit Exercises, and Other Fun Things to Do Edward E. Scannell, John W. Newstrom, 1997-12-22 Did you know that games can be a terrifically effective way to build team spirit, communication, and trust among people who work together day in and day out? Now you can spark morale in any work group by choosing from 70 stimulating games and activities specifically designed for the manager who's looking to raise sagging morale in a department, liven up boring staff meetings, enable team members to collaborate smoothly and effectively, and much more!
  icebreaker online read: Miss Maple's Seeds Eliza Wheeler, 2013-04-04 Fans of Miss Rumphius will adore this gorgeous picture book which introduces the kind, nature-loving Miss Maple, who celebrates the miracle in each seed. Miss Maple gathers lost seeds that haven’t yet found a place to sprout. She takes them on field trips to explore places to grow. In her cozy maple tree house, she nurtures them; keeping them safe and warm until it's time for them to find roots of their own, and grow into the magnificent plants they’re destined to become. Eliza Wheeler’s luminous paintings feature gorgeous landscapes, lush foliage and charming details. Her tender story celebrates the potential found in each seed—since even the grandest tree and most brilliant flower had to grow from the smallest of seeds. Celebrate every season with Miss Maple, from Earth Day to graduations to harvest festivals.
  icebreaker online read: Double-wolf Brian Castro, 1991 This novel explores the life of Freud's most famous patient, the Wolf-Man. His story is used to examine the early views of psychoanalysis and to pose questions about society and culture, sanity and insanity, language and consciousness and the myths which underpin our daily lives. Awarded the TAge' Book of the Year Award for Fiction and the Victorian Premier's Literary Award for Fiction. Includes a bibliography. By the author of TBirds of Passage', joint winner of the Australian/Vogel Award in 1982, and TPomeroy'.
  icebreaker online read: Shooter Caroline Pignat, 2016-05-03 The Breakfast Club meets We Need to Talk About Kevin A lockdown catches five grade 12 students by surprise and throws them together in the only unlocked room on that empty third floor wing: the boys' washroom. They sit in silence, judging each other by what they see, by the stories they've heard over the years. Stuck here with them--could anything be worse? There's Alice: an introverted writer, trapped in the role of big sister to her older autistic brother, Noah. Isabelle: the popular, high-achieving, student council president, whose greatest performance is her everyday life. Hogan: an ex-football player with a troubled past and a hopeless future. Xander: that socially awkward guy hiding behind the camera, whose candid pictures of school life, especially those of Isabelle, have brought him more trouble than answers. Told in five unique voices through prose, poetry, text messages, journals, and homework assignments, each student reveals pieces of their true story as they wait for the drill to end. But this modern-day Breakfast Club takes a twist when Isabelle gets a text that changes everything: NOT A DRILL!! Shooter in the school! Suddenly, the bathroom doesn't seem so safe anymore. Especially when they learn that one of them knows more about the shooter than they realized...
  icebreaker online read: 50 Remote-Friendly Icebreakers Ben Crothers, 2020-04-22 Say goodbye to boring meetings! This book by Ben Crothers contains easy instructions and variations for introductions, energizers and warmup activities, guaranteed to help get everyone more engaged, more interested, and more productive. This book is for you if you run any kind of meeting, workshop or corporate offsite (online or physical). Whether you're new to the facilitation game or a seasoned veteran, you're sure to find lots of fresh ideas to boost your meeting mojo. PLUS, you'll get full unlimited access to the companion website - remotefriendlyicebreakers.com - with even more activities, plus the ability to bookmark your favourites as a customised list.
  icebreaker online read: The Alpha's Son Penny Jessup, 2022-02-12 Max Remus couldn't care less about finding his mate-unlike the rest of his fate-obsessed pack. He totally prefers hanging with his bestie, eating his dad's steak sandwiches, and drawing in his trusty sketchbook. But all that is about to change at the Blue Moon Festival-a summer camp where Elite Pack wolves go to find their mates. The festival is a right of passage for every teen werewolf, and this year's festival will be one to howl home about. The alpha's son, Jasper Apollo, is attending for the first time. When Max finds himself inexplicably linked with the exceptionally handsome but totally jerk-faced heir, he's forced to grapple with the unexpected feelings clawing at his soul. If Max rejects his destiny, will fate's bite be worse than its bark? Netflix's Young Royals meets Teen Wolf meets Twilight--the first instalment in a thrilling new series, The Alpha's Son is a heart-wrenching Young Adult, Boys Love, wolf shifter romance; full of yearning, comedy, and adventure. Start reading now! And may the Moon Gods light the path between souls.
  icebreaker online read: Shanghai Dancing Brian Castro, 2009 By Brain Castro.
  icebreaker online read: If You Were a Penguin Florence Minor, 2008-12-23 If you were a penguin . . . You could swim really fast and toboggan on ice. Sing a happy duet, once or twice. You could live on land but dive under the sea. There's a lot penguins can do, just like you and me! Wendell and Florence Minor create a charming tribute to all the playful fun and activity that comes with being a penguin—which young readers can delight in too!
  icebreaker online read: Ice Breakers Valerie Lippoldt Mack, 2005-12 (Shawnee Press). For any choir, team, or class to work together in a positive manner, the members must be comfortable with each other. Long-time educator Valerie Lippoldt Mack gives us some of her favorite team-building activities in her IceBreakers series. Tried and true, these 60 IceBreaker activities come directly from her classroom and teach life lessons of respect, tolerance, and patience. The book is divided into sections that include communication, energizers, problem-solving, trust-building, goal-setting, and building respect. This simple and affordable book packs the punch you need for dynamic success with your choir, ensemble and classroom! All ages.
  icebreaker online read: The Pleasures of Reading Catherine Sheldrick Ross, 2014-06-27 Based on years of ground-breaking research, this book supplies a look at the unique relationship between each text and the individual reader that results in a satisfying, pleasurable, and even life-changing reading experience. Following up on her critically acclaimed Reading Matters: What the Research Reveals about Reading, Libraries, and Community, Catherine Sheldrick Ross takes a new look at pleasure reading through 30 thought-provoking essays based on themes arranged from A to Z. In short lively chapters, she discusses topics ranging from Alexia, Bad Reading, and Changing Lives to Romance Fiction, Self-help, Titles, Vampires, and Year of Reading. Drawing on her own research as well as other published sources, Ross comments on the significance of each theme, provides examples of the phenomenon, and develops the topic chronologically, through further examples, or through reversals. The essays are unified by an underlying theory of reading that views readers as sense-makers, actively engaged in reading themselves into the text and reading the texts back into their own lives. It gives educators and librarians insights into their roles with readers and offers a message about the importance of pleasure reading. A short list of resources for further reading is supplied with each topic.
  icebreaker online read: The Boomer's Guide to Online Dating Judsen Culbreth, 2005-08-20 An informative guide to online dating specifically designed to help women over the age of thirty-five find a mate through the Web, dispensing advice on how to determine compatibility, create connection, and gain commitment.
  icebreaker online read: Essentials of Online Teaching Margaret Foley McCabe, Patricia González-Flores, 2017-01-20 Teachers’ active online participation and engagement with students are critical factors to the success of online courses. Essentials of Online Teaching is a standards-based, straightforward guide to teaching online in higher education, high school and vocational training, or corporate learning environments. This brief but powerful book encourages immediate application of concepts with the help of real-world examples, technical insights, and professional advice. The guide includes: a practical approach informed by, but not about, relevant learning theories; clear models and examples from a wide variety of online courses; teachers’ reflections about their online practice; a checklist of standards to help guide teaching decisions; and an accompanying website (www.essentialsofonlineteaching.com) with additional resources. Essentials of Online Teaching addresses key instructional challenges in online teaching and presents the reader with practical solutions for each phase of a course—preparation, beginning, middle, and end.
  icebreaker online read: Metro 2035 Dmitry Glukhovsky, 2016-12 Twenty years after Doomsday, survivors of World War Three live in an underground world they have created in the subway system of Moscow. The most stubborn of the survivors, Artyom, will give anything to find and lead his own people to life again on the earth's surface.
  icebreaker online read: The I's Have It Amma Marfo, 2014-01-23 Between 1/3 and 1/2 of individuals are considered introverted, a nebulous and often misunderstood label that can summon images of silent, antisocial misfits. In reality, the introverted temperament has a great deal of value in society- and can have particular value in the field of student affairs, where it can often be ignored as a viable way of being. Featuring the stories of nearly twenty higher education professionals and considerable research on introversion, THE I'S HAVE IT strives to demystify several elements of introversion, call attention to how it is masked in our daily dealings with one another, and how to best manage it in a variety of roles that one may encounter in the field of student affairs. This book is perfect for those who are navigating the field as introverts, those who understand themselves but want a way to explain their style to others, and even the extrovert seeking understanding on how to work with an introverted employee, coworker, or student.
  icebreaker online read: Best Life , 2008-05 Best Life magazine empowers men to continually improve their physical, emotional and financial well-being to better enjoy the most rewarding years of their life.
  icebreaker online read: Models for Improving and Optimizing Online and Blended Learning in Higher Education Keengwe, Jared, 2014-07-31 This book examines the benefits and costs associated with the utilization of technology-mediated instructional environments, recognizing that instructional technology could offer alternative means of communication for understanding--Provided by publisher.
  icebreaker online read: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Designing and Teaching Online Courses Joan Thormann, Isa Kaftal Zimmerman, 2015-04-26 In this valuable resource, experts share deep knowledge including practical “how-to” and preventive trouble-shooting tips. Instructors will learn about course design and development, instructional methods for online teaching, and student engagement and community building techniques. The book contains successful teaching strategies, guidance for facilitating interactions and responding to diversity, and assessments, as well as future directions for online learning. With many field-tested examples and practice assignments, and with voices from students, teachers, and experts, this book arms instructors and administrators with the tools they need to teach effective and empowering online courses. This one-stop resource addresses all of the core elements of online teaching in terms that are universally applicable to any content area and at any instructional level. “A rare book in education: one that is not only highly useful but also intellectually coherent and based on robusta>, transferable principles of learning and teaching. All educators—in online environments and in brick-and-mortar schools—will find this an invaluable resource.” —From the Foreword by Grant Wiggins “We now know we can get increased participation with online tools to make thinking more visible and switch the traditional delivery of instruction to personalize learning. While it is inevitable that online learning will become an important skill for everyone, the ideas, concepts, strategies, design elements, and tools in the book by Thormann and Zimmerman can also be applied to blended learning.” —Alan November, Senior Partner and Founder, November Learning “The authors of this book have created an excellent resource for anyone interested in becoming an online instructor or improving his or her skills in online teaching. The authors share a wealth of step-by-step activities, examples of assignments and teaching strategies that will guide both novice and experienced teachers as they expand their skills into the online realm. Even as a ‘veteran’ online instructor the book provided me with new ideas to try in my next online class.” —Sam Gladstein, Coordinator, Edmonds eLearning Program at Edmonds School District, WA “Cheers to Thormann and Zimmerman for providing a must-read for online teaching. This clear and practical guide takes the instructor from design to implementation of online courses. The authors remove the anxiety about online teaching for those thinking about on-screen instruction, and provide new thinking and examples for those already immersed in it. It is a great guide for those entering the field and a superb resource for those actively engaged in it.” —Anthony J. Bent, Chairman, Global Studies-21st Century Skills Committee of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents Book Features: The building blocks necessary to create a successful online course. The know-how of long-time online instructors. Models for Skype conferencing with groups of students. Templates for course building, including sample assignments, activities, assessments, and emails. Detailed treatment of diversity in the online environment Joan Thormann is professor in the division of Technology in Education at Lesley University, Cambridge, Massachusetts. She edits a column on technology and special needs for Learning and Leading with Technology. Isa Kaftal Zimmerman is the principal of IKZ Advisors in Boston, Massachusetts, an educational consulting firm serving educators and stakeholders in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.