Lesson Plan

Session 1 Lesson Plan

Students will learn and remember each other’s names, build initial trust, and identify shared interests to foster a welcoming group environment.

Establishing name familiarity and discovering commonalities reduces anxiety, builds trust, and promotes a sense of belonging, laying the foundation for stronger peer connections and collaborative learning.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Session Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Name Ball

10 minutes

Step 2

Main Activity: Common Ground Chart

15 minutes

Step 3

Cool-Down: Reflective Share

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Connection Quest: Session 1

Welcome everyone! Today is Session 1 of our Connection Quest series. Introduce yourself briefly, explain the purpose of the series, and set a positive tone.

Session Objectives

Read through each objective aloud. Emphasize how these goals build trust and community.

Materials Needed

Show the materials visually if possible. Confirm you have extra name tags and markers for late arrivals.

Warm-Up Activity: Name Ball

Explain rules clearly. Model tossing the ball and sharing a fun fact. Encourage enthusiastic participation.

Main Activity: Common Ground Chart

Divide students into groups of 3–4. Circulate to prompt discussion. After 10 minutes, call groups back up to share one highlight.

Cool-Down: Reflective Share

Invite each student to speak briefly. Reinforce positive observations and thank students for participating.

Activity

Lesson Plan

Session 2 Lesson Plan

Students will deepen peer connections and practice active listening by engaging in discovery-based interactions and reflecting on new insights about classmates.

Meaningful conversations through targeted questions help build empathy, trust, and a stronger classroom community, supporting students’ social-emotional well-being and collaborative skills.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Session Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Quick Name Recall

5 minutes

Step 2

Main Activity: People Bingo

20 minutes

Step 3

Cool-Down: Reflective Share

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Connection Quest: Session 2

Welcome back! Today is Session 2 of Connection Quest. Briefly recap Session 1 highlights and explain that today’s focus is deeper discovery and active listening.

Session Objectives

Read each objective slowly. Emphasize how today’s activities build on name familiarity to deepen trust and empathy.

Materials Needed

Show or distribute materials as you review them. Point out the [People Bingo Worksheet](#worksheet-people-bingo).

Warm-Up Activity: Quick Name Recall

Model tossing the ball and recalling a peer’s name and fact. Encourage accuracy and positive reinforcement.

Main Activity: People Bingo

Explain each square prompt. Circulate and encourage students to talk to peers they haven’t met yet.

Sample Bingo Grid

Display a sample grid for reference or project this slide. Adjust the layout if you have a printed version.

Cool-Down: Reflective Share

Encourage each student to speak briefly. Highlight the value of listening and sharing.

Worksheet

Lesson Plan

Session 3 Lesson Plan

Students will develop trust and improve verbal communication by guiding blindfolded partners through an obstacle course and reflecting on teamwork strategies.

Trust and clear communication are foundational for strong peer relationships. This session’s partner activities foster empathy, listening skills, and group cohesion while promoting social-emotional growth.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Session Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Pair Mirror

5 minutes

Step 2

Main Activity: Blindfold Obstacle Course

20 minutes

Step 3

Cool-Down: Reflective Share

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Connection Quest: Session 3

Welcome everyone to Session 3 of Connection Quest! Today we’ll focus on trust and communication through partner challenges.

Session Objectives

Read each objective clearly and explain how today’s activities develop trust and clear verbal instructions.

Materials Needed

Show or list materials so students know what to expect. Emphasize safe use of blindfolds and course space.

Warm-Up: Pair Mirror

Model the mirror activity: lead slowly and ask your partner to mirror you. Encourage attention to detail.

Main Activity: Blindfold Obstacle Course

Before starting, review safety: no running, clear path, gentle guidance. Circulate to support clear instructions.

Cool-Down: Reflective Share

Invite each student to share briefly. Record ideas on chart paper under two headings.

Lesson Plan

Session 4 Lesson Plan

Students will reflect on their shared experiences, express appreciation for peers, and set intentions to maintain and deepen classroom connections.

Reflecting on group progress and acknowledging positive contributions reinforces trust, celebrates community growth, and motivates students to continue fostering supportive peer relationships.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Session Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Connection Recall

5 minutes

Step 2

Main Activity: Appreciation Circle

20 minutes

Step 3

Cool-Down: Future Intentions

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Connection Quest: Session 4

Welcome everyone to Session 4 of Connection Quest! Today we will reflect on our journey, celebrate each other, and plan for continued connections.

Session Objectives

Read each objective and highlight how this session brings together what we’ve learned to strengthen connections and set positive intentions.

Materials Needed

Show materials or distribute them now so students can see what’s needed for each activity.

Warm-Up: Connection Recall

Explain the Connection Recall warm-up. Model tossing the ball and sharing a favorite moment. Encourage enthusiastic responses.

Main Activity: Appreciation Circle

Introduce the Appreciation Circle. Invite each student to speak and record keywords. Encourage sincerity and positive vibes.

Cool-Down: Future Intentions

Guide students through writing intentions and posting them. Read a few aloud and close with a positive affirmation.