Mystery Students Icebreaker Game

Since I love mysteries, this week I want to share with you a mystery icebreaker game that is a fun way for kids to get to know their peers. I've included the templates that go with this game free to download. I'll first write a game overview, then I'll outline the prep and set-up that must be completed before beginning this mystery icebreaker game.
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Download the free templates with instructions HERE. 

GAME OVERVIEW
Before beginning, students will need to fill out the clue card about themselves (found in the download). They will need to remember what their secret number is too. The secret number is the way to find the matching student to a clue card, so this is an important piece to making the game work. 

Write all of the secret numbers on the board and leave a space for a name to be written next to each.
Example:
#1 ________________
#2 _______________
#3 _______________
#4 _______________
---- (Write the numbers for every student in the class.)

Students will each receive another student's mystery clue card. They must try and figure out who their mystery student is.  The clues should help narrow down some student possibilities to begin with. Then, they are allowed to walk up to students and ask, "are you secret number ##?' Of which the answer can only be a 'yes' or 'no,' If someone solves their mystery student correctly, they can write the match to the secret number on the board.
Example:
#3 Liam
#4 _______
#5 _______
#6 Sophie
#7 _______

Everyone else will also know that the mystery student/s revealed on the board are eliminated as possibilities to the card that they are still trying to solve.  

- Set a timer to create a challenge to see how many mystery students can be solved before time is up!
- Time how long it takes for all of the mystery students in the class to be correctly matched on the board with their secret number!

Tip: Once a student solves who their mystery student is, instruct them to stand to the side of the classroom. They may still be asked if they are a secret number by the other students still looking. For students who have solved their mystery student and have been discovered by their 'seeker,' instruct them to engage in some quiet reading or quietly watch until the game is finished. 

PREPARATION & SET-UP
1. Print the clue templates and give one to each student. 

2.  Students complete the clue cards about themselves. Encourage them to think about options they could write. 
For example for the first clue 'My hair is . . . . ' this clue could describe their hair color, length, texture, how it is being worn, etc.  
See example below:

The clue cards must be kept hidden from others while being completed. 

3. Assign a secret number to each student. These must be remembered by the student and kept a secret from others. The secret number is written on the clue page too.
In the example above, my secret number is 15.
(Do not double up on the same number when assigning secret numbers.)

4. I recommend using the record template (found in the free download) to keep track of which secret number is assigned to each student.
See example below.
Tick the 'solved' column when a student and secret number match discovery is made.

5. Place the student mystery clue cards in a bag and shuffle. 

6. Write all of the secret numbers on the board with a space to show 'discoveries.'

Example:
# 1 = ____________
# 2 = ____________

7. Hand out a random mystery card from the bag to each student. (If they get their own mystery clue card, place back in the bag and pick another.)
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8. Outline the rules, as in the image below:
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Let the game begin!!!

Optional:
- Award points for students who figure out their mystery student.
- Make it a timed game to see how many mystery students can be solved within a set time,

Click Here to Download this Mystery Icebreaker Activity Freebie