Relationship-Building Activities

This lesson focuses on helping 9th-grade students reconnect with each other and their school environment after a vacation. It's important for building a positive classroom community and easing the transition back to school. The session will last 30 minutes and is designed to be engaging and interactive.

In this lesson, 9th graders will engage in quick activities to build supportive relationships. Through ice-breakers and paired discussions, students will practice active listening and empathy, which are crucial skills for developing strong connections with peers. This lesson is important as it helps students feel more connected and supported in their school environment, promoting a positive and inclusive atmosphere.

In this engaging 9th-grade lesson, students will explore the importance of connections and relationships in their lives through fun activities and games. This lesson aims to foster a sense of community and enhance interpersonal skills, making it relevant and applicable to students' everyday experiences. The session will last 45 minutes and is designed to be inclusive for all students, providing a supportive environment for learning and growth.

This 30-minute end-of-year SEL lesson for transitional kindergarten students helps them reflect on their growth, celebrate friendships, and practice gratitude and empathy through a fun group activity. It’s designed to strengthen the classroom community and leave students feeling appreciated and connected.

In this lesson, students will explore how the change in seasons can impact their feelings. Through a creative art project, each student will draw a seasonal tree and write their feelings on the leaves. This activity encourages emotional expression and reflection, helping young students to connect their emotions with environmental changes, fostering self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

In this lesson, students will gather in a circle to share their holiday experiences and new year hopes. This open dialogue encourages empathy and understanding, providing students with a sense of connection and community as they reflect on shared experiences and future aspirations. This lesson is important as it helps students develop social-emotional skills, such as active listening and empathy, which are crucial for building a supportive classroom environment.

In this interactive small group activity, students participate in a 'snowball' game where they write and share things about themselves to discover common interests. This lesson helps students build connections and understand each other better.

This lesson aims to help students understand the importance of building relationships through communication and teamwork. The activities will engage students in discussions and a fun physical game, strengthening their ability to connect with others.

This lesson engages students in a game-based activity designed to help them introduce themselves and build new friendships. Through a series of interactive and collaborative tasks, students will learn effective communication and social skills. This lesson is important as it fosters a sense of community and belonging, which is crucial for students' social-emotional development and well-being.

This lesson focuses on relationship building for 9th-grade students, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and empathy in forming strong connections. In a single 30-minute session, students will engage in activities that highlight the significance of understanding and respecting diverse perspectives, which is crucial for their social and emotional development.

This lesson involves forming small groups where students can share personal experiences and listen to one another. The activity aims to strengthen empathy and understanding, fostering a supportive classroom environment as students return from break. This lesson is important as it helps students develop social-emotional skills, enhances their ability to empathize with peers, and builds a strong, supportive class community.

This engaging 7th-grade lesson is designed to welcome students back from break by reigniting their enthusiasm for learning. Through a mix of activities, discussions, and games, students will reflect on their past achievements and set new goals, making the transition back to school smooth and exciting. The lesson is structured for a single 60-minute session and aims to create a positive and motivating classroom environment.

This lesson encourages 7th graders to reflect on their relationships with peers and how these relationships have evolved over time. Through a combination of experiential learning and collaborative discussion, students will engage in activities that promote self-awareness and empathy. This lesson is important as it helps students develop social-emotional skills, fostering a supportive and understanding classroom environment.

In this lesson, students will collaboratively create a 'Friendship Tree' where each leaf represents a positive trait or act of kindness from their classmates. This activity fosters a caring and inclusive classroom atmosphere, encouraging students to recognize and celebrate each other's contributions to the community. By participating in this project, students will develop social-emotional skills such as empathy, teamwork, and appreciation for diversity.

This 3-session lesson for 3rd graders focuses on developing friendship-building skills, essential for social-emotional growth. Students will engage in activities that promote understanding, empathy, and effective communication, helping them form and maintain positive relationships.

This lesson provides students with the opportunity to check in with their emotions and set personal goals for the school year. It includes activities that focus on self-awareness and emotional intelligence, helping students to start the school year with a positive mindset. This lesson is important as it encourages students to reflect on their emotions, understand their feelings, and set achievable goals, fostering a supportive and empathetic classroom environment.

In this one-session, 30-minute Tier 1 end-of-year counseling lesson, 3rd graders will reflect on their emotional and academic growth, celebrate successes, and set intentions for summer. This engaging wrap-up helps students recognize their achievements, process feelings about transitioning to 4th grade, and build a positive classroom community.

This two-session lesson for 6th graders focuses on teaching students the essential skills for making and maintaining friendships. Through engaging activities and discussions, students will learn how to initiate conversations, show empathy, and build trust. This lesson is crucial for developing social skills that will help students navigate their social environments more effectively.

This small group session will engage students in activities that foster empathy and understanding, crucial components of healthy relationships. Empathy helps students connect with others and build supportive networks.

This lesson focuses on enhancing social bonds among students during the winter months, a time when feelings of isolation can be more prevalent. Through engaging team-building exercises and communication skills workshops, students will learn to connect more effectively with their peers. This lesson is important as it fosters a supportive classroom environment, encourages empathy, and helps students develop essential social skills.

This is a 30-minute Tier 2 small-group workshop for 6th graders focused on CASEL Relationship Skills—empathy and cooperation. Students will engage in interactive activities to practice perspective-taking, collaborate on role-play challenges, and reflect on supportive peer interactions.

In this lesson, students will use a gardening metaphor to explore how to nurture and grow friendships. Through activities like creating a 'Friendship Growth Plan' and engaging in collaborative projects, students will learn the importance of positive connections. This lesson is important as it helps students develop social-emotional skills, such as empathy and teamwork, which are crucial for their personal and academic growth.

In this lesson, students will participate in a collaborative activity where they pass a ball of yarn to each other, sharing something they learned over break or a positive intention for the new year. This activity creates a visual web that connects students, fostering a sense of unity and understanding among peers. This lesson is important as it helps students build connections and empathy, enhancing their social skills and creating a supportive classroom environment.

In this lesson, students will engage in a creative group activity where they present icebreaker self-portraits, highlighting aspects of their identity and goals for the new term. This activity helps foster a sense of belonging and mutual understanding among peers, which is crucial for building a supportive classroom environment. By expressing themselves through art, students can explore their personal identities and connect with classmates on a deeper level.

In this lesson, students will participate in Winter Reflection Circles, where they will share one thing they learned about themselves this year and one thing they hope to achieve in the coming months. This activity encourages self-reflection, active listening, and empathy, fostering a sense of community and personal growth. It is important as it helps students connect with their peers and reflect on their personal development.

A one-session, 30-minute group lesson for 1st graders exploring end-of-year feelings and transitions. Students will recognize and name their emotions, practice expressing them, and build coping strategies for the upcoming break—an essential step for social-emotional growth, especially for multilingual learners through UDL supports.

In this lesson, students will engage in team-building exercises designed to enhance peer relationships and teamwork. Through activities focusing on listening, communication, and mutual support, students will foster a deeper sense of connection with their peers. This lesson is important as it helps students develop essential social skills that are crucial for their personal and academic growth.

In this brief session, students will explore the core elements of supportive relationships and engage in an activity to identify supportive figures in their lives. This lesson is important as it helps students recognize the value of supportive relationships in enhancing their well-being, fostering a sense of belonging, and building resilience.

In this 30-minute small-group session, 6th grade students with autism will reflect on their transition to middle school, social-emotional growth, coping skills learned, challenges faced, and set goals for 7th grade. This end-of-year activity helps students consolidate their experiences, build self-awareness, and prepare for the next school year.

In this lesson, students will explore and share their own cultural and familial holiday traditions. This activity aims to foster a sense of community and appreciation for diversity within the classroom. By learning about each other's traditions, students will develop empathy and understanding, which are crucial for building a supportive and inclusive environment.

This lesson involves a scavenger hunt where students interact with classmates based on given clues. It encourages communication, teamwork, and the forming of new friendships. This activity is important as it helps young students develop social skills, learn to work together, and build a sense of community in the classroom.

Designed for upper elementary to high school students, this lesson helps ease anxiety around seasonal transitions and encourages students to view change as an opportunity. Through activities and discussions, students will prepare emotionally for summer, focusing on potential growth and new adventures.

This lesson focuses on building connections between students and their teacher through a fun and interactive game. The activity is designed to be inclusive and supportive, accommodating the needs of students diagnosed with autism. By fostering a sense of belonging and understanding, this lesson aims to create a positive classroom environment that encourages communication and trust.

This engaging lesson for 5th graders focuses on building healthy friendships and resolving conflicts. Through interactive activities, games, and discussions, students will learn essential social skills that are crucial for their personal development and everyday interactions. This lesson is designed for a single 45-minute session and includes pre and post surveys to assess understanding and growth.

This lesson engages young learners in a discussion about how different seasons might affect our feelings. Students will match various weather conditions with emotions and create artworks expressing how they feel in different seasons. This lesson is important as it aids in emotional expression and creativity, helping children understand and articulate their feelings in relation to their environment.

In this Tier 2 small-group lesson, 10th graders will analyze school climate survey data on belonging to identify patterns and develop action steps. Over a 40-minute session, students will interpret connection data, discuss root causes, and design a plan to strengthen belonging in their community.

In this lesson, students will gather in a circle to share personal reflections on what the holiday season means to them. This activity encourages students to discuss traditions, family, and what they look forward to during the holidays. It is important as it promotes listening skills and respect for diverse perspectives, helping students to appreciate the variety of experiences and traditions among their peers.

In this lesson, students will collaboratively create a 'friendship fruit salad' where each fruit represents a quality of a good friend. This hands-on activity will focus on teamwork and communication, helping students understand the importance of working together and appreciating diverse qualities in friendships. By engaging in this activity, students will develop social-emotional skills that are crucial for building positive relationships.

This lesson focuses on teaching 7th-grade students essential social skills to enhance their ability to connect with others. In a single 30-minute session, students will explore the importance of empathy, active listening, and effective communication. These skills are crucial for building strong relationships and fostering a supportive classroom environment.

Help students practice small talk skills that can lead to stronger connections. This lesson focuses on making meaningful interactions out of everyday conversations, designed for a 9th-grade group. It's a 25-minute session aimed at enhancing social skills through practical exercises and discussions.

This lesson is designed to help students feel more comfortable with the idea of starting at a new school through active learning strategies. It includes interactive activities to build social skills, reduce anxiety, and promote empathy among classmates.

This 5-session lesson series is tailored for small groups of students transitioning from middle school to high school, focusing on building new friendships. Each 45-minute session provides strategies to connect with peers, understand social dynamics, and develop communication skills essential for forming meaningful relationships. This lesson is crucial for easing the social transition and fostering a supportive peer network.

This 15-minute session is designed for adult staff to foster connections and build rapport through engaging activities. It's important as it helps create a positive work environment and encourages collaboration. The session includes a lesson plan and a fun activity to break the ice and promote interaction.

In this lesson, students will explore the characteristics of supportive friendships and learn strategies to maintain these relationships. Through engaging activities and discussions, students will develop empathy and active listening skills, which are crucial for building strong, supportive connections. This lesson is important as it helps students understand the value of healthy friendships and equips them with tools to nurture these relationships.

This lesson focuses on the importance of building and maintaining healthy relationships. Students will engage in discussions and team-building exercises to explore different scenarios and develop skills for fostering positive social connections. This lesson is crucial for helping students recognize the value of supportive relationships and how they contribute to personal and social well-being.

In this lesson, students will gather in a circle to share personal reflections on what the holiday season means to them. This activity encourages students to discuss traditions, family, and what they look forward to during the holidays. It is important as it promotes listening skills and respect for diverse perspectives, helping students to appreciate the variety of experiences and traditions among their peers.

A fun, 30-minute reflection session for 2nd graders to celebrate what they’ve learned this school year, share memorable moments, and set simple goals for summer and beyond. This Tier 1 lesson encourages self-awareness, boosts confidence, and fosters a positive transition into the summer break.

In this 30-minute Pre-K class, students will explore their feelings about the end of the year and the transition to a new grade level through discussion, activities, and creative expression. This lesson supports emotional literacy by helping young learners identify and share their emotions, easing anxiety around change, and building a positive mindset for the year ahead.

This lesson aims to boost school attendance and engagement by fostering a sense of community and belonging among Grade 8 students. Through a blended learning approach, students will participate in a discussion that encourages them to share their thoughts on school spirit and involvement. This lesson is important as it helps students feel more connected to their school environment, which can lead to improved attendance and academic performance.

This lesson introduces 2nd-grade students to the concept of relationships and their importance in creating a supportive and caring classroom environment. Through a video and interactive discussion, students will explore how their classroom can be like a family, emphasizing respect, kindness, and connection. This lesson is crucial for fostering a sense of belonging and community among students, helping them develop social skills and empathy.

In this lesson, students will engage in a 'Warm Wishes Exchange' where they write or draw positive notes of encouragement for their classmates. This activity is designed to create a kind mail exchange that fosters a supportive classroom atmosphere and reinforces the practice of uplifting others through thoughtful communication. By participating in this activity, students will develop empathy and learn the importance of positive interactions.

In this lesson, 9th-grade students will engage in a fun and interactive activity that helps them find common interests and facilitates social connections. The activity will encourage students to share their interests and learn about their peers, promoting a sense of belonging and fostering new friendships.

This lesson encourages students to engage in random acts of kindness within their school and community. It aims to foster a sense of contribution and empathy, enhancing their social-emotional development during the holiday season. By participating in this challenge, students will learn the importance of kindness and how small actions can have a big impact.

This lesson is designed for 8th grade girls to help them learn how to make new friends, focusing on social skills and building connections. It's a single 20-minute session that includes interactive activities and discussions, making it ideal for students with social skills IEP goals.

In this lesson, students will explore and share their own cultural and familial holiday traditions. This activity aims to foster a sense of community and appreciation for diversity within the classroom. By sharing personal stories and traditions, students will learn to value different cultural backgrounds and develop empathy and understanding for their peers.

A whole-class kick-off to explore and define your school’s climate, empowering 6th grade students to voice their experiences and suggestions. This 45-minute, single-session Tier 1 lesson helps students understand, reflect on, and shape their school environment through engaging activities and discussions.

In this lesson, students will participate in a 'Friendship Circle' where they take turns sharing something about themselves using a 'talking stick.' This activity is designed to foster communication skills and help students learn more about their classmates, building a sense of community. It is important as it encourages active listening, respect for others, and self-expression in a supportive environment.

In this single 30-minute Tier 1 SEL lesson, 7th graders will explore the key elements of healthy friendships—communication, trust, empathy—and practice skills to build and maintain strong peer relationships. By engaging in interactive activities and reflective discussions, students will gain confidence in identifying positive qualities in themselves and others, setting the stage for supportive, lasting friendships.

A 45-minute kick-off session for 6th graders to explore and define our school’s climate, allowing students to voice their experiences and suggestions. This Tier 1 classroom lesson builds community and sets the tone for a positive environment.

In this lesson, students will participate in an Empathy Circle, where each student shares a positive experience from their holiday break. This activity is designed to foster active listening and empathy among peers, helping students to understand and appreciate diverse perspectives. By engaging in this exercise, students will develop important social-emotional skills that are crucial for building a supportive and inclusive classroom environment.

This lesson helps middle school students understand and develop the skills necessary for building and maintaining healthy friendships, using swimming as a metaphor. Through engaging activities and games, students will explore the qualities of a good friend and learn how to communicate effectively, just like a synchronized swimming team. This lesson empowers students with social skills essential for their personal and academic lives. Designed for a small group setting, it will be completed in a single 15-minute session.

In this lesson, students will participate in a Friendship Circle where they will share compliments or appreciations about the person next to them. This exercise is designed to foster bonds among classmates and reinforce a supportive community environment. By engaging in this activity, students will develop social-emotional skills such as empathy, active listening, and positive communication, which are essential for building a harmonious classroom atmosphere.

In this lesson, students will explore the importance of empathy in building strong friendships. Through interactive activities and discussions, they will learn how to understand and support their friends, fostering a more inclusive and caring classroom environment. This lesson is crucial for developing social-emotional skills that are essential for creating a supportive and inclusive community.

An individual session focused on using empathy as a tool for building stronger connections, tailored to the student's personal experiences and challenges. This lesson is important as it empowers students to understand and connect with others, enhancing their social-emotional skills and fostering a supportive environment.

In this lesson, students will participate in a Reflective Story Circle where they will share personal stories about overcoming challenges or experiencing joy. This activity is designed to foster a supportive classroom environment by enhancing empathy and active listening skills. By sharing and listening to each other's stories, students will develop a deeper understanding of their peers and build a sense of community.

In this lesson, students will collaboratively create a 'recipe' for a good friendship, identifying key ingredients such as trust, kindness, and communication. This interactive activity helps young students understand and appreciate the elements of strong, supportive relationships, fostering social-emotional learning and teamwork skills.

Engage children in collaborative storytelling by connecting the growth of plants with personal growth. Through planting activities and narrative-building, students will explore themes of change and friendship, enhancing social skills and a sense of community. Ideal for K-2 students in a single 60-minute session.

A fun summer-themed SEL activity designed for small groups of 1st graders to explore and share their emotions using bright beach imagery and playful prompts. This 15-minute session helps students build emotional awareness and communication skills in a joyful, seasonal context.

This lesson involves an ice-breaker activity where students choose an 'emotion card' and share a time when they felt that way. This activity is designed to promote emotional literacy and connection among peers, fostering a supportive class environment. It helps students articulate their feelings and understand others' emotions, which is crucial for their social-emotional development.

In this lesson, Pre-K students will participate in a 'Friendship Circle' where they will share something kind about a classmate. This activity is designed to encourage social skills, kindness, and empathy among young learners. By sharing positive thoughts, students will learn to appreciate their peers and build a supportive classroom environment.

In this 30-minute lesson, 9th graders will explore the key ingredients of making and sustaining friendships through interactive activities and reflective practice. Students will learn why friendships matter for well-being and develop strategies to initiate, build, and maintain connections. Perfect for Tier 1 classroom support to foster social skills campus-wide.

Boost elementary students’ emotional intelligence by promoting empathy and relationship skills through cooperative games and role-playing exercises. This one-session lesson empowers students to understand others' feelings and strengthen friendships through fun, interactive activities.

Encourage a sense of belonging by holding structured discussions aimed at fostering community. Students share personal stories and listen actively, creating a shared experience that reinforces empathy and connection.

This 30-minute Tier 1 social skills session helps 7th graders relax and reconnect after state testing through engaging warm-ups, group activities, and mindfulness practices. It supports students’ emotional well-being and fosters peer connection, enhancing classroom community.

In this one-session lesson, 7th graders will practice essential friendship skills—empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution—to build a positive classroom community and reduce unkind behavior. This Tier 1 (Classroom-Wide) session is 30 minutes long and requires no prior prep beyond printed materials.

In this lesson, students will plant seeds that symbolize different qualities of friendship. As the seeds grow, students will learn about the importance of nurturing relationships, both in the garden and in their social interactions. This lesson is important as it combines hands-on science with social-emotional learning, helping students understand the value of care and attention in friendships.

An 8-week series designed for 5th grade students to help them identify, create, and manage positive peer relationships. Each session will focus on different aspects of peer interactions, including communication, empathy, conflict resolution, and teamwork. The series aims to equip students with the skills necessary to build and maintain healthy relationships with their peers.

In this lesson, students will participate in a 'Winter Friendship Web' activity where they pass a ball of yarn around a circle, sharing kind words and affirmations with each other. This activity is designed to foster inclusivity and connection, helping to build a strong community as students support each other during the holiday season. It encourages students to express kindness and recognize the value of friendship, which is crucial for their social-emotional development.

This 3-session lesson for 7th graders focuses on fostering a sense of importance and care towards school. Through engaging activities, discussions, and games, students will explore the value of education in their lives. This lesson is crucial for helping students develop a positive attitude towards learning, which can lead to better academic performance and personal growth.