How much time is ideal for a first-day icebreaker?

[JSGamer]

Teachers, I need your thoughts -- let's say it's the first day of class.  Assume the class period is 60 minutes long.  How much time do you dedicate to an icebreaker activity?  Which icebreakers do you guys like to use for the first day?

I've heard that it's ideal not to have overly competitive icebreakers for the first day because some students will feel somewhat intimidated.  your thoughts appreciated as far as the ideal icebreakers.

-ax

[oksana]

Teachers, I need your thoughts -- let's say it's the first day of class.  Assume the class period is 60 minutes long.  How much time do you dedicate to an icebreaker activity?  Which icebreakers do you guys like to use for the first day?

I've heard that it's ideal not to have overly competitive icebreakers for the first day because some students will feel somewhat intimidated.  your thoughts appreciated as far as the ideal icebreakers.

-ax

i guess it depends.. i've spent most of the first day of class doing some team building exercises because i feel like in the long run, it's worth it (i teach 10th graders in a suburban school).  Sometimes if things go really well, a 10 minute icebreaker is good enough.  The key is to get everyone involved and participating early.  It's "breaking the ice" after all...

oksana

[hojin]

Ive actually spend the entire first day of class on teambuilding and icebreaking activites before.  I agree, its very important depending on the chemistry of your group