37 Team Building Resources: Platforms, Books, Online Games to Use in 2023

Looking for a comprehensive collection of the best team-building books and icebreaker resources? You’ve come to the right place.

Flexible work has become a popular model in recent years, with 87% of surveyed American employees preferring to work remotely. As collaboration decreases and teams become more static and siloed, remote teams require online team building activities to flourish.

When everyone trusts and respects one another, they work together more effectively and efficiently. Let’s kick-start your team building strategy with our 37 Team Building Resources: Platforms, Books, and Online Games!

What Are Team Building Books and Icebreaker Resources?

Team building books and icebreaker resources provide effective ways to help your team bond and work more effectively together. They can provide ideas and strategies on how to get team members to collaborate, become productive, share ideas, and solve problems as a unit.

No matter your specific team-building goals, you’re sure to find books and resources tailored to them. These can range from team building games to Zoom icebreakers, and many other fun icebreaker games designed to engage the team in a variety of interesting ways.

Some things to look for when choosing the right team building books or resources include: whether they are focused on problem solving, communication, or team dynamics; whether they are tailored to a specific industry or profession; and whether they contain activities or exercises that can be used with your team.

Keep in mind that not all books or resources are appropriate for all organizations. The content you choose should contain easy-to-implement exercises and games that will encourage team members to work in order to reach specific goals. With the variety of resources we offer, there is sure to be something that meets your team's needs.

Why Do Team Building Books and Icebreaker Resources Increase Productivity?

The use of team building books and icebreakers in the workplace is often seen as a way to increase productivity. Why is that?

First off, team buildings and icebreakers help team members connect. Meetings, especially when employing Scrum, can be especially demanding and intense, so icebreakers are a welcome activity to create a more positive working environment.

Another valid reason is to improve team communication. When team members can discuss their ideas, they will work together more efficiently and achieve better results. When you conduct team building activities, you can reduce tension and focus on finding ways to work together.

Finally, team building activities encourage collaboration from the get-go. Although Agile teams are composed of highly competent individuals, team building helps team members acknowledge each other's roles and responsibilities and fosters teamwork. Being able to think and work together as a team enables team members to achieve more than they could individually.

In addition, icebreakers help build team morale. By getting to know each other better, team members can develop a sense of camaraderie and trust. This can be especially important for remote teams, who may not have the opportunity to work or socialize together in person.

Icebreakers can also help to keep meetings on track. If people are chatting and getting to know each other, they may not be paying attention to the agenda. An icebreaker can help get everyone to refocus on the meeting’s goals.

When used correctly, team building and icebreakers can be effective in easing tensions, inspiring the team, making new members feel welcome, encouraging communication and collaboration, and fostering trust.

How to Use Team Building Books and Icebreaker Resources to Boost Your Team’s Productivity

Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your team building books and icebreaker resources:

• Choose the right team building and icebreaker resource for your team. Not all books and activities are appropriate for every team, so be sure to select one that is relevant to your team members’ needs, personalities, and interests.
• Plan ahead. Before incorporating a new activity into your team's routine, give yourself enough time to familiarize yourself with the material.
• Be patient. It may take some time for your team building plans to make an impact on your team's productivity, so be patient and keep at it.
• Be flexible. Every member of the team will respond differently to activities, so adapt your plans accordingly to make sure that everyone gets the most out of the experience.
• Have fun! Team-building games and icebreakers should be enjoyable and effective at easing tension between team members.

Oftentimes, Zoom meetings can also be anxiety-provoking. This is why online team building activities are ideal for setting people at ease and encouraging discussions in a virtual setting. In this way, people can feel more relaxed and comfortable, which will lead to a more productive meeting.

So without further ado, let's proceed with the hottest tools for team building and icebreakers!

Best Team Building Books

Team building books come in all shapes and sizes. Some programs are focused on improving communication within a team, while others aim to improve team synergy and collective intelligence.

No matter what the goal is, team building books offer a wide variety of exercises and activities to help teams improve their communication and collaboration.

1. The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork: Embrace Them and Empower Your Team

No one can achieve greatness alone. It takes a team of dedicated, high-performing individuals to reach the pinnacle in any field. But what makes a team successful? How can you build and maintain a championship-caliber team?

In The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork, John C. Maxwell shares the principles that have made him one of the world’s most sought-after leadership experts.

Maxwell provides clear and concise explanations of the laws that govern teamwork, leadership, and success. He also offers indispensable advice about how to apply these laws to become a more effective team player and leader.

Learn how to build better teamwork habits, and discover the power of synergy—the magic that happens when a group of people work together to achieve something they could never accomplish alone.

Get your copy here: The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork: Embrace Them and Empower Your Team

2. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable

“Great teams do not hold back with one another. They are unafraid to air their dirty laundry. They admit their mistakes, their weaknesses, and their concerns without fear of reprisal.”

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team is a leadership fable by Patrick Lencioni with a focus on teams. The story follows the journey of Kathryn Peterson, a new CEO, as she attempts to turn her dysfunctional company around.

The book is divided into five sections, each focusing on one of the five dysfunctions: absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results. Kathryn soon realizes that the root of all her company’s problems lies in its teams, and sets out to fix them.

The book serves both as a fable and a guide on how to overcome the dysfunctions within your organization.

Get your copy here: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable

3. Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High is a book written by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler. This New York Times and Washington Post bestseller teaches individuals how to handle difficult conversations in a productive manner.

In the workplace, tensions can adversely affect a team's productivity and make it less likely to achieve its goals, so this book is essential for creating a safe environment and encouraging honesty. “Crucial” conversations can include topics such as confrontation, negotiation, and problem-solving.

Crucial Conversations helps teams to work together more effectively by minimizing workplace conflict, teaching members how to have difficult conversations in a way that lessens the risk of things going sideways.

Get your copy here: Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High

4. Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don’t Know

In his latest book, Talking to Strangers, Malcolm Gladwell asks: Why do we fear strangers? Drawing on cutting-edge research from psychology, sociology, and criminology, his bestseller book explores how the human brain processes information about people who are not known to us.

He argues that we make snap judgments about strangers based on their race, age, and gender, and that these judgments can be dangerously inaccurate. Gladwell provides eye-opening examples of how we wrongly judge strangers.

Although Gladwell acknowledges that some degree of stranger danger is inevitable, he provides concrete advice on how we can reduce the risk of harm by learning to better understand the people around us. 

Get your copy here: Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don’t Know

5. Leaders Eat Last

In Leaders Eat Last, Simon Sinek argues that the key to successful organizations is building a culture in which people feel safe putting their collective welfare ahead of their individual welfare.

Sinek draws on a wealth of scientific research to show how the structure of our brains dictates our behavior and that we are hard-wired to cooperate. Leaders must create an environment in which people feel safe to take risks and put the organization's needs ahead of their own. Only then will they be able to achieve remarkable things.

The biggest takeaway is what Sinek calls the "Circle of Safety." Organizations need to create a work environment where employees feel safe from negativity, layoffs, and toxic environments. It is Sinek's belief that if everyone rallies and protects each other from external threats, they will not only survive but thrive as well.

Get your copy here: Leaders Eat Last

6. The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work and Team with Positive Energy

The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon is a book about how to have a positive attitude and be successful. This Wall Street Journal bestseller is written in the form of a bus driver giving passengers advice on how to live their lives.

The bus driver is a positive person who has been through many difficult situations but has learned how to stay optimistic and help others. The passengers on the bus are people who are struggling with different aspects of their lives.

The Energy Bus is a guide to living a positive life. We all have an energy bus that we can ride to achieve our goals, and to stay on the bus, we need to remain positive and focused. The book is filled with stories and examples of how Gordon has applied this concept to his work, as well as to his own life. 

Get your copy here: The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work and Team with Positive Energy

7. Conscious Coaching: The Art and Science of Building Buy-In

In Conscious Coaching, Brett Bartholomew offers a new framework for understanding the coaching process and provides practical techniques for getting the most out of your sessions.

As a result of the application of tools originally developed for athletes, readers gain an understanding of the foundational principles of improving relationships, enhancing engagement, and gaining trust through a targeted style of communication. Moreover, readers will acquire concrete strategies for applying these principles to everyday coaching situations they will undoubtedly come across.

This game-changing book includes case studies of real-world coaches and clients, as well as tools for assessing your own coaching skills. You'll learn how to build buy-in from clients, create lasting change, and make the most of your time with them.

Get your copy here: Conscious Coaching: The Art and Science of Building Buy-In

8. Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World

In Team of Teams, Gen. Stanley McChrystal and his co-authors, Tantum Collins, David Silverman, and Chris Fussell provide a manual for leaders looking to make their teams more adaptable, agile, and unified.

The traditional top-down model, which relies on centralized control and a limited number of channels for communication, is no longer effective in a world where information moves at lightning speed and enemies can be anywhere. To succeed, organizations must adopt a "team of teams" model in which small groups are able to operate independently yet still collaborate effectively with other groups across the organization.

The team of teams model has been successfully implemented by the US military, and McChrystal and his co-authors offer a detailed description of how it works. Team of Teams is an insightful book for anyone who wants to understand how today's complex world affects organizations and how they can adapt to thrive in our evolving reality.

Get your copy here: Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World

9. The Speed of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything

“Almost anything you need to do, you can do better when you start with trust. You can do it better, you can do it faster, and you can learn to make this happen.”

In The Speed of Trust, Stephen Covey explores the importance of trust in both personal and professional relationships. In Covey's view, trust is the new currency of the modern world. Trust is essential for building strong organizations, forming successful partnerships, and achieving goals.

His New York Times Bestseller provides case studies and examples from his own experiences to illustrate how trust can be created and sustained in both personal and professional relationships.

The Speed of Trust is an insightful look at one of the most critical aspects of interpersonal relationships. It is well-written and easy to read, with plenty of practical advice for developing and maintaining trust.

Get your copy here: The Speed of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything

10. Creativity, Inc: Overcoming the Unseen Forces that Stand in the Way of True Inspiration

Ed Catmull, the co-founder of Pixar, has over 30 years of experience in the animation industry. During this time, he's learned a lot about how to inspire employees, managers, and bosses alike. In his book, Creativity, Inc., Catmull outlines the hidden forces that often get in the way of inspiration and offers instructions on how to overcome them.

This New York Times Bestseller provides a roadmap for overcoming challenges and reveals the principles that have helped Pixar Animation Studios become one of the most successful studios in Hollywood history. Catmull has been a driving force at Pixar for over thirty years, and in that time, he has seen firsthand how creativity can be stifled by fear, inertia, and bean-counting.

Catmull stresses the importance of creating an environment where employees feel safe to take risks, make mistakes and learn from them. This type of environment is essential for fostering creativity and innovation.

Get your copy here: Creativity Inc: Overcoming the Unseen Forces that Stand in the Way of True Inspiration

11. The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups

Based on extensive research and real-life examples provided by Daniel Coyle, The Culture Code offers an in-depth examination of the dynamics of groups, no matter how large or small, formal or informal.

To create a successful culture, Coyle identifies three essential ingredients: trust, shared purpose, and habits. He argues that trust is the foundation of a successful culture and is essential for group members to feel safe sharing information and working together effectively.

Those who seek an understanding of how successful groups function, how they communicate, how they express themselves, or the cues that promote creativity will find no better guide than The Culture Code. 

Get your copy here: The Culture Code: the Secrets of Highly Successful Groups

12. The Book of Fabulous Questions: Great Conversations About Love, Sex and Other Personal Stuff

If you're looking for a great conversation starter, look no further than The Book of Fabulous Questions. Penelope Frohart has collected questions about love and sex from all around the world and compiled them into one fabulous book.

The more than 600 questions it contains are perfect for starting conversations with friends, family, and loved ones on any topic imaginable. Some of the questions are easy, some complicated, and some even controversial, but they all promise to spice up any conversation.

This book is perfect for initiating some fun and lively dialogue, and it may even help people explore new conversational territories. Whether you're looking to have a good time or to get to know someone better, The Book of Fabulous Questions is the right way to do it.

Get your copy here: The Book of Fabulous Questions: Great Conversations About Love, Sex and Other Personal Stuff

13. How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends 

Gabor has revised and updated his definitive guide to small talk with his new book How To Start A Conversation And Make Friends, demonstrating how to combine effective conversational techniques with essential communication skills for the 21st century.

The easy-to-follow guidelines in this fun book are full of illustrations, hundreds of introductions, real-life examples, frequently asked questions, useful tips, and solid professional advice. You’ll be able to start a successful conversation anywhere, anytime, whether you are at home, at work, or online.

With a new dedicated section to communicating online and through social networking, Gabor offers essential tips for having successful conversations in any situation.

Get your copy here: How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends 

14. What Do You Say After You Say Hello? 

In the book, What Do You Say After You Say Hello?, Dr. Eric Berne discusses the various ways in which people communicate with one another.

There is a reason why the winners win, the losers lose, and the in-betweens are so boring. Berne takes a look at this using the three primary modes of communication: transactional analysis (TA), ego states, and games.

Dr. Berne provides several examples of how these concepts can be applied to real-life situations. He also offers advice on how to communicate more effectively with others.

Get your copy here: What do You Say After You Say Hello? 

15. Co-opetition 

In business, as in life, there are typically two ways to get what you want: cooperate or compete. But what if there was a third way? Co-opetition is the brainchild of Adam M. Brandenburger and Barry J. Nalebuff, who discuss how businesses can compete and cooperate at the same time.

The basic idea behind Co-opetition is that companies can benefit from working together by sharing resources, entering into joint ventures, or collaborating on research and development.

With the right implementation, Co-opetition can be a powerful tool for businesses because it allows them to tap into new markets and resources without having to confront their competitors head-on.

Get your copy here: Co-opetition 

16. The New Games Book 

In The New Games Book, author Andrew Fluegelman showcases a variety of new games for people of all ages. The 60 games featured in the book can be played by two to two hundred players, and all require elements of trust and cooperation.

These games are designed to get participants up and active, and to encourage social interaction and creative thinking. Fluegelman includes helpful tips on how to set up and organize game sessions, as well as advice on how to make the most of each game.

With its easy-to-follow instructions and wealth of ideas, The New Games Book is the perfect resource for anyone looking to add a bit of excitement to their day-to-day routine.

Get your copy here: The New Games Book 

17. Best New Games: 77 Games and 7 Trust Activities for All Ages and Abilities

In the era following the Vietnam War, New Games were created to encourage people to express their aggressive nature creatively, powerfully, and safely. In Best New Games, Dale Le Fevre shows you that having fun with a New Game is more meaningful than winning it.

With this book’s easy-to-use Gamefinder, you can quickly find the ideal game for your needs by listing games according to available space, suitable times for playing, intensity level, learning potential, player count, and social impact.

Best New Games brings people of all ages and abilities together to have fun and get energized.

Get your copy here: Best New Games: 77 Games and 7 Trust Activities for All Ages and Abilities

18. The Outrageous Outdoor Games Book: 133 Group Projects, Games and Activities

The Outrageous Outdoor Games Book by Bob Gregson is a team building activities book containing a compilation of fun outdoor games that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Detailed descriptions and illustrations help players easily understand the mechanics of the games. The book also includes tips for hosting outdoor games parties and for making the most of game time. There are more than 130 group projects, games, and activities to choose from, varying in difficulty and learning style.

The games are straightforward, need little preparation, and can be tailored to suit different situations. All games come with step-by-step instructions and are ideal for whole classes, small and large groups, and community-building events.

Whether you're looking for a creative way to have fun outdoors or for ideas to keep the kiddos entertained, The Outrageous Outdoor Games Book is sure to have something for you.

Get your copy here: The Outrageous Outdoor Games Book: 133 Group Projects, Games and Activities

Best Icebreaker Resources for Online Team Building

Would you like to break the ice? Well, you're in luck because we have some of the best icebreaker resources around.

Whether you're looking for something funny, something juicy, or just something to help get the conversation started, we've got you covered. Make sure you browse the resources below—they're worth checking out.

1. The Big Book of Icebreakers: Quick, Fun Activities for Energizing Meetings and Workshops

Energizing and fun icebreakers are a great way to start any meeting, presentation, or workshop, and you won’t find a more comprehensive guide than The Big Book of Icebreakers.

Whether you’re looking to break the ice at the beginning of a meeting or want to keep things lively during a workshop, this book has the right activity for you.

This latest book in the popular The Big Book series is packed with 50 engaging activities designed to boost your meeting's energy. From icebreakers for sales meetings to team building games and exercises, this book has something for everyone.

Get your copy here: The Big Book of Icebreakers: Quick, Fun Activities for Energizing Meetings and Workshops

2. The Big Book of Business Games: Icebreakers, Creative Exercises and Meeting Energizers

If you're looking to add some fun, excitement, and creativity to your business meetings, then you need The Big Book of Business Games. You are guaranteed to generate an engaging conversation, or simply give your group a break from a tedious staff meeting or presentation with this activity book created by two well-known game experts.

In this book, organizational leaders will find 75 teamwork-fostering group games and activities adapted from the best-selling Games Trainers Play series.

Whether you're looking for an icebreaker to help people get to know each other, a creativity exercise to jumpstart a brainstorming session, or a meeting energizer to get people pumped up, you'll find just what you need in this book.

Get your copy here: The Big Book of Business Games: Icebreakers, Creative Exercises and Meeting Energizers

3. Ask Powerful Questions: Create Conversations that Matter

Why not replace small talk with engaging discussions? In Ask Powerful Questions, Will Wise and Chad Littlefield teach you how to start conversations that matter.

The book is based on the simple idea that the most powerful way to change your life or your organization is by changing the questions you ask. Through stories and examples, Wise and Littlefield show how questioning can help you achieve your personal and professional goals. They also teach you how to question in a way that leads to meaningful conversations.

The book includes tools and exercises to help you get the most out of questioning, so that you can start creating conversations that matter in your life today.

Get your copy here: Ask Powerful Questions: Create Conversations that Matter

4. Social Nonsense: Creative Diversions for Two or More Players - Anytime, Anywhere

Do you have any plans for after dinner? Do you get bored just sitting in your living room? If so, why not try out some of the fun activities found in Social Nonsense? These games are perfect for when you're hanging out with friends and want to do something a tad more creative than just scrolling through your phone.

Doug Shaw's Social Nonsense is a book of creative entertainment. From word games to party games to puzzles, there's something for everyone. Find out what people don't know about their abilities, and make them aware of their own. With easy-to-follow instructions and plenty of laughs along the way, Social Nonsense is fun for any occasion.

Get your copy here: Social Nonsense: Creative Diversions for Two or More Players - Anytime, Anywhere

5. Quick Meeting Openers for Busy Managers: More than 50 Icebreakers, Energizers and Other Creative Activities that Get Results

A meeting's mood is established in the first few minutes, and not all leaders have time to prepare. Quick Meeting Openers for Busy Managers offers tips, activities, and advice that readers can use to create a friendly, relaxed atmosphere that makes meetings more productive.

Whether your meeting is large or small, this book has something for everyone. It’s full of simple icebreakers and engaging activities to help you set the right tone and bring out the best in your team.

Get your copy here: Quick Meeting Openers for Busy Managers: More than 50 Icebreakers, Energizers and Other Creative Activities that Get Results

6. The Book of Questions: Revised and Updated

What would you ask the universe if you could? In The Book of Questions, Dr. Gregory Stock presents a captivating look at the power of questioning, and offers readers a chance to explore their own curiosities about life, love, and meaning.

Drawing on a wide range of disciplines, from philosophy to biology to astronomy, Dr. Stock presents a thought-provoking and entertaining tour of the universe and everything in it. More than 100 all-new questions are included in the revised edition, adding to the 300 already included. They explore compelling topics such as the blurring of the lines between man and machine.

Filled with stimulating concepts, this bestseller will encourage you to explore the world around you and discover new possibilities. Whether you're looking for insight into the big questions or simply want to boost your creativity, The Book of Questions is a worthwhile companion. 

Get your copy here: The Book of Questions: Revised and Updated

7. 201 Playful Icebreakers: Group Mixers, Warm-ups, Energizers and Playful Activities

201 Playful Icebreakers is a treasure trove of group activities, mixers and warm-ups that are the ideal solution for getting any gathering moving and shaking.

In addition to activities designed specifically for trainers, speakers and group facilitators, the book includes energizers, brain teasers and games designed to break the ice at the beginning of any meeting. The great thing about these icebreakers is that they don't need much preparation, and most can be done in less than five minutes.

Whether you're looking to break the ice at your next party or need some energizing activities for your next team meeting, these playful activities are sure to get things hopping.

Get your copy here: 201 Playful Icebreakers: Group Mixers, Warm-ups, Energizers and Playful Activities

8. The Icebreakers Pocketbook

In the business world, those who break through the ice are the ones who succeed. Getting your emergency stash of icebreakers to break the tension in meetings and training sessions is as easy as grabbing your own copy of The Icebreakers Pocketbook.

Together, Paul Tizzard, a management development expert, and Alan Evans, a learning and development consultant, offer a broad range of icebreakers based on their unique ability to relate to a wide spectrum of people.

More than 60 titles are included in the Pocketbook Series in the fields of management, professional development, leadership, client relations, finance, business management, and many more. 

Get your copy here: The Icebreakers Pocketbook

9. The Encyclopedia of Icebreakers: Structured Activities that Warm-up, Motivate, Challenge, Acquaint and Energize

The Encyclopedia of Icebreakers is a comprehensive guide to structuring activities that warm up, motivate, challenge, connect, and energize participants. The book offers 150 activities to enhance workshops, conferences, courses, and training programs.

There are six categories of icebreakers in this comprehensive resource: Energizers and Tension Reducers, Feedback and Disclosure, Games and Brainteasers, Getting Acquainted, Openers and Warm-Ups, and Professional Development Topics.

These icebreakers can be used with an unlimited range of topics, require little or no advance preparation, are simple to implement, and take less than 30 minutes to complete.

Get your copy here: The Encyclopedia of Icebreakers: Structured Activities that Warm-up, Motivate, Challenge, Acquaint and Energize

10. 75 Icebreakers for Great Gatherings: Everything You Need to Bring People Together

You can't get any more straightforward than 75 Icebreakers for Great Gatherings. This book includes quick, fun icebreakers that can be used by group leaders for both professional and social purposes.

Looking to break the ice at your next gathering? This book is packed with 75 fun and easy icebreakers to help get people talking and laughing. 

Get your copy here: 75 Icebreakers for Great Gatherings: Everything You Need to Bring People Together

11. Energizers and Icebreakers for All Ages and Stages

Energizers and icebreakers work wonders at any occasion! With Energizers and Icebreakers for All Ages and Stages, you can motivate and engage your students or group members.

Through understanding, trust, and excitement, you can spark interest in your classroom or office and make orientation sessions and "get to know you" activities more effective. Whether you’re looking for activities to help get a group of kids excited or want some ideas to help break the ice at your next office event, this book has you covered.

Get your copy here: Energizers and Icebreakers for All Ages and Stages

12. Great Session Openers, Closers and Energizers: Quick Activities for Warming Up Your Audience and Ending on a High Note

In today's fast-paced world, audiences are often restless and impatient. They need to be engaged quickly and kept on their toes throughout a presentation.

With Great Session Openers, Closers and Energizers, you are equipped with an arsenal of activities that will help you get your audience's attention and keep them energized from beginning to end.

With ready-made, easy-to-use activities, you'll be able to reinforce the key points of your presentation, spark active involvement from all participants, and create an environment where real listening can take place. This book is packed with fun and engaging activities that are sure to get your audience's attention and leave them wanting more.

Get your copy here: Great Session Openers, Closers and Energizers: Quick Activities for Warming Up Your Audience and Ending on a High Note

13. The Trainers Toolkit: Bringing Brain Friendly Learning to Life

Brain-friendly learning is about more than gimmicks; it’s a movement to bring back the joy of learning and instill a sense of purpose into your training sessions.

At the heart of this resource are five key principles: Keep it real, Facilitate the flow, Honor uniqueness, Make it rich and multi-sensory, and State is everything.

Also included in this guide are tools for training events and an explanation of brain-friendly learning theory.

Get your copy here: The Trainers Toolkit: Bringing Brain Friendly Learning to Life

14. Jump Starters: Quick Classroom Activities that Develop Self-esteem, Creativity and Cooperation

Do you want to help your students feel more confident about themselves, be more creative, and work together better? If so, then this book is for you!

Jump Starters offers a helpful resource of quick and easy activities. The ideas featured here are fun and engaging, and can be used in any classroom or training setting.

In this book, trainers will find brief, meaningful, and enjoyable activities to cure their morning blahs and create a sense of energy. Aside from 52 varied topics, you'll find five quick activities, inspirational quotations, conversation starters, and affirmations.

Get your copy here: Jump Starters: Quick Classroom Activities that Develop Self-esteem, Creativity and Cooperation

15. 101 Red Hot ICT Starters

In a classroom setting, ICT teachers use technology to facilitate learning. Through innovative methods, they help students learn through the integration of cutting-edge technologies into educational curricula.

With Letts’ Red Hot Starters, you can set up a variety of engaging and fun starter activities to get your lesson off to a great start. The starters are interactive, customizable activities that do not require much preparation.

The ideas you'll discover will help you get your lessons off the ground quickly and easily, without requiring extensive preparation time or a big budget.

Get your copy here: 101 Red Hot ICT Starters

16. 101 Red Hot Science Starters

Science can be intimidating. As a STEM teacher, you will need to make sure that your students are engaged in order to maximize their learning.

101 Red Hot Science Starters makes science fun. You will find a bank of snappy, interactive starter activities in each chapter that will help you capture students’ interest and introduce complex scientific concepts.

Like all 101 Red Hot series guides, this book focuses on activities that are easy to integrate and require little preparation.

Get your copy here: 101 Red Hot Science Starters

17. Move It

Movement is essential for learning! Over 100 simple activities are included in this book. All are fully illustrated and include clear instructions on how to develop learning through physical movement.

In this book of physical activities, the finest teachers and the wisest parents affirm what they have believed for years. Children as well as older learners will benefit from practicing these movements while they learn.

Get your copy here: Move It

18. Improvisation Starters: A Collection of 900 Improvisation Situations for the Theater

In the world of theater, improvisation is an invaluable technique that can be used in acting classes and rehearsals for school, amateur, and professional productions.

Improvising can be challenging, especially for someone who is not accustomed to thinking on their feet. With Improvisation Starters, you'll be able to get over that initial hurdle and start creating spontaneous theater with others. You won't run out of ideas with 900 different situations to choose from for your improvisations.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced improviser, you will find new inspiration and tips in this book.

Get your copy here: Improvisation Starters: A Collection of 900 Improvisation Situations for the Theater

19. The Brain’s Behind It: New Knowledge About the Brain and Learning

The Brain's Behind It takes you through the entire process of brain development, then explains how learning is helped and hindered. Alistair Smith provides an accessible overview of the brain and its workings, explaining how new knowledge about the brain can help us to understand how we learn and remember.

Smith also offers practical advice on how to apply this knowledge in a training environment, highlighting the importance of creating an atmosphere that accommodates individual differences. This book is a must-read for educators and anyone interested in learning more about how the brain functions.

Get your copy here: The Brain’s Behind It: New Knowledge About the Brain and Learning

Final Thoughts 

If you’re searching for team building activities for your upcoming training session, or icebreakers for some fun ideas to bring your friends or family together, we hope that our extensive resource guide inspires you.

From the classic icebreaker games to the latest online platforms, there is something for everyone. So, get your team together and prepare for some fun!

Interested in learning more? You can find reliable resources on GoRetro, the go-to retrospective tool with detailed guides and tools to make the most of your meetings.