Divide the class into groups of three or four. Issue each group a set of about 20 cards, face down, on which you have written topics such as "Your family," "A skill you have," "What you were like as a child," etc. The students take turns, flipping a card over and speaking on the topic for one minute. When the student has finished talking, the other members of the group ask two questions each. Stop the activity after 20 minutes, or when the students have spoken on every topic.
Ask each student to write down three things he is interested in and has some knowledge of. Divide the class into Group A and Group B. Ask Group A to sit in their chairs, holding up their papers showing their topics. Students in Group B look at topics until they find one of interest. They sit with the student whose topic they have chosen and ask questions about it. Have them recirculate after five minutes and find a new topic. Continue in this fashion for 20 minutes. Repeat the exercise with the two groups exchanging places.
Ask the class to think of five things they would like to d. Divide the class into groups of four of five students each. One student tells her group one of the things she would like to do. If another student in the group has done this, then that student tells the group about it and answer questions from the other students. It is then another student's turn to tell the group something he would like to do. Continue in this manner for 20 minutes, or until the students run out of ideas.
Ask every student to bring an interesting photograph of himself. Divide the class into groups of three or four students each. The students take turns showing their group their photo and telling them about it. The other students ask questions about the photograph. Circulate around the class as the students work, asking questions of your own to encourage lively conversation.