Lesson Plan

What Makes Us Click?

Students will explore and practice key strategies—active listening, empathy, inclusion—to build a supportive, respectful, and inclusive classroom community. They will articulate and commit to personal actions that foster belonging.

Fostering a positive community increases respect, belonging, and engagement. This lesson helps students understand their roles and collaborative norms, boosting learning and well-being.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 Minutes

Step 1

Opening Discussion

5 Minutes

Step 2

Strategy Exploration

10 Minutes

Step 3

Reflection and Commitment

15 Minutes

Lesson Plan

Building Our Classroom Crew

Students will learn and practice active listening, empathy, and inclusion strategies to build a supportive, respectful classroom community and make personal commitments to apply these strategies.

Building a positive classroom community fosters respect, belonging, and engagement, supporting both academic growth and students’ emotional well-being by ensuring everyone feels valued and connected.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 Minutes

Step 1

Opening Discussion

5 Minutes

Step 2

Strategy Exploration

10 Minutes

Step 3

Reflection and Commitment

15 Minutes

Slide Deck

Building Our Classroom Crew

Welcome students and introduce the session: “Today we’re going to learn how to strengthen our classroom community so everyone feels respected and included.” Point out the agenda on the next slide.

Session Objectives

Read each objective aloud and connect to students’ experiences: “By the end of our time together, you’ll be able to….”

Why It Matters

Explain why a strong classroom community matters: “When we feel connected and respected, we learn better and enjoy class more.”

Agenda

Briefly walk through each part of today’s session so students know what to expect.

Opening Discussion

Pose the question on the slide, then invite 4–5 students to share. Record key ideas on chart paper.

Strategy Exploration

Hand out one [Community-Building Strategy Card](#community-building-strategy-cards) per group. Circulate to guide discussions and encourage concrete examples.

Reflection & Commitment

Distribute the [Community Reflection Sheet](#community-reflection-sheet). Encourage honest, thoughtful commitments.

Closing & Next Steps

Thank students for their participation. Explain how you’ll revisit these commitments and display chart paper as a reminder.

Lesson Plan

What Makes Us Click?

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

Step 1

Opening Discussion

Step 2

Strategy Exploration

Step 3

Reflection and Commitment

Lesson Plan

Building Our Classroom Crew

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

Step 1

Opening Discussion

Step 2

Strategy Exploration

Step 3

Reflection and Commitment

Slide Deck

Building Our Classroom Crew

Session Objectives

Why It Matters

Agenda

Opening Discussion

Strategy Exploration

Reflection & Commitment

Closing & Next Steps

Activity

Worksheet

Building Our Classroom Crew

Ainslie Murray