Relationship-Building Activities

In this one-session 30-minute lesson, 4th-6th grade students will reflect on their school-year experiences, celebrate their accomplishments, and create a collaborative end-of-year card. This Tier 2 group support allows students to process mixed emotions, affirm positive moments, and foster a sense of closure and excitement for next year.

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 30-minute Pre-K lesson, children will explore relationship skills like sharing, turn-taking, and kindness through fun circle-time activities, puppet play, and a friendship tree craft. Building these early social skills supports positive interactions and lays the foundation for lifelong friendships.

Kick off the school year by helping first graders set personal learning goals in a fun, interactive way that builds classroom community and confidence. In this 15-minute, one-session Tier 1 lesson, students will identify what they want to learn, share with peers, and craft a visual Goal Garden. Perfect for a first-grade audience ready to bloom!

In this 15-minute, end-of-year community-building game, fourth-grade students strengthen friendships through memory, movement, and laughter! Perfect for Tier 1 whole-class engagement, this game helps students reflect on shared experiences and celebrate their time together.

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 15-minute Tier 1 lesson for kindergarten newcomers, students will engage in simple activities that foster friendships, trust, and a sense of belonging during their first days of school. Through a fun warm-up, guided discussion, group activity, a cooperative game, and a reflective cool-down, kids will start feeling like a classroom community.

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.

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.

A fun, interactive 30-minute session to help kindergarteners meet classmates, learn basic classroom routines, and practice friendship skills. This Tier 1 lesson fosters a positive classroom community from day one.

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 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 45-minute, whole-class Tier 1 lesson for 10th graders, students will explore their social supports, identify friendship strengths, and foster positive peer connections over one session. This engaging activity helps students build awareness of healthy relationships and teamwork skills essential for emotional well-being and community building.

A 15-minute morning meeting lesson for 2nd graders to build friendship skills through greetings, sharing, and positive affirmations. This Tier 1 classroom activity fosters a welcoming environment and helps students practice social-emotional skills to strengthen classroom community.

In this 15-minute Tier 1 lesson, students will practice introducing themselves and describing their summer break using verbal and nonverbal responses. This lesson supports access points learners with hand-over-hand assistance, visual prompts, and adaptable activities to build communication skills and confidence.

In this lesson, Pre-K and Kindergarten students will be introduced to the school environment. They will learn about important places and people they may need to know at school. The goal is to help students feel comfortable and prepared as they start their school experience. This is crucial for young learners to build a sense of security and excitement about their new environment.

A lively classroom activity that helps students tune into peers’ emotions and foster empathy through nonverbal cues—key for strong summer friendships. This Tier 1 lesson for 5th graders spans a single 30-minute session and builds vital social-emotional skills through interactive games and guided discussion.

A 30-minute Tier 1 reflection activity for 7th graders transitioning to secondary school. Students will reflect on their feelings, goals, and strategies for success to build confidence and excitement for the upcoming year.

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.

In this 15-minute Tier 1 Morning Meeting, 4th graders will explore the qualities of friendship, practice kind communication, and build a supportive classroom community. This session sets a positive tone for the day by encouraging students to identify and appreciate friendship skills.

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.

In this 30-minute Kindergarten lesson, students will explore empathy and kindness by connecting to different seasons of the school year. Through read-aloud, discussion, and a fun craft activity, they will practice recognizing feelings and showing kindness to peers. This whole-class Tier 1 lesson sets the tone for a supportive community.

In this 30-minute 3rd grade lesson, students will reflect on memorable moments from their school year, share experiences with classmates, and practice empathy by exploring peers’ feelings. By recognizing and appreciating each other’s experiences, they strengthen classroom connections and understanding.

A fun, student-centered 15-minute activity to help 1st graders practice basic interpersonal communication skills like greeting, taking turns, and asking questions. This Tier 1 lesson encourages cooperation and confidence in everyday conversations.

A fun, 20-minute session for 2nd graders to explore and share their first-day emotions and expectations. This Tier 1 classroom lesson sets a positive tone, builds community, and helps students feel heard and connected.

In this 30-minute, single-session lesson, 3rd graders will reflect on their school year through the lens of empathy. Students will recall meaningful moments, share with classmates, and practice understanding others’ feelings—strengthening classroom community and social-emotional skills.

This hands-on lesson for Pre-K and Kindergarten invites students to celebrate friendship by creating a ‘Friendship Quilt.’ Each student decorates a quilt square that represents what makes a good friend, fostering inclusivity, empathy, and cooperative learning.

In this engaging, shamrock-themed end-of-year reflection lesson, 3rd graders will review their achievements, favorite memories, and goals for next year using a simple three-leaf template. This Tier 1, 30-minute session helps students practice self-awareness, celebrate growth, and look ahead in a fun, thematic way.

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.

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.

In this 30-minute 3rd grade Tier 1 lesson, students will reflect on meaningful moments from their school year, share experiences with peers, and practice empathy by recognizing others’ feelings. This lesson builds classroom community and social-emotional skills.

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.

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 lesson for 3rd graders, students will reflect on meaningful moments from their school year, share experiences with peers, and practice understanding others’ feelings to strengthen classroom empathy. This lesson builds self-awareness, listening skills, and emotional connection.

Kick off the year with a classroom party where students share favorite colors, foods, and games—building bonds through celebration. This Tier 1 lesson for kindergarten lasts one 40-minute session and helps students form friendships and feel welcome.

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.

In this lesson, kindergarten students will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and share what they hope to learn from the garden club. This activity is important as it helps build a sense of community and allows students to express their interests, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.

This lesson involves an indoor 'treasure hunt' where Pre-K students search for tokens symbolizing aspects of friendship, such as sharing, listening, and kindness. The activity encourages teamwork and helps students understand the importance of these values in building friendships. By working together, students will develop social skills and strengthen their bonds with classmates.

In this single 15-minute Tier 1 lesson for 4th graders, students will participate in two community circles to celebrate end-of-year achievements, build connections, and share reflections. These circles foster classroom community, encourage empathy, and leave students with positive closure as the school year ends.

In this 30-minute, Tier 3 lesson for 2nd graders transitioning into a new sub-separate classroom, students will process their feelings about saying goodbye, celebrate their achievements, and look forward to new beginnings. Through guided discussion, reflection activities, and creative expression, children will build emotional resilience, recognize their strengths, and ease the move to their new learning environment.

In this 30-minute, Tier 3 lesson for 2nd graders transitioning into a new sub-separate classroom, students will process their feelings about saying goodbye, celebrate their achievements, and look forward to new beginnings. Through guided discussion, reflection activities, and creative expression, children will build emotional resilience, recognize their strengths, and ease the move to their new learning environment.

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 30-minute pre-K SEL lesson, students will explore what makes a classroom community, learn to appreciate each other’s uniqueness, and practice kindness through interactive activities. This foundational lesson builds a supportive environment where every child feels valued and connected.

In this 15-minute Tier 1 lesson, kindergarten students will explore what it means to be a friend through interactive discussions and a creative activity. This foundational social-emotional lesson helps students build empathy, cooperation, and positive peer interactions.

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 15-minute kindergarten lesson, students will explore what makes a good friend and practice friendly behaviors. Building friendships early helps students develop social skills, empathy, and a sense of belonging.

In this 30-minute Tier 1 lesson for 2nd graders, students will explore what makes a good friend, practice kind communication, and celebrate friendship through interactive activities. This lesson helps young learners build social-emotional skills, empathy, and positive classroom relationships.

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.

In this lesson, students will create 'fortune tellers' to learn how to ask questions and share interests with new friends. This interactive activity helps students understand the foundations of making friends through fun and creativity. It is important as it encourages social interaction, communication skills, and empathy among students.

In this 30-minute 3rd grade lesson, students will reflect on their meaningful school-year moments, share personal experiences with peers, and practice empathy by understanding classmates’ feelings. Building empathy strengthens our classroom community and helps students connect more deeply.

In this fun 15-minute lesson, kindergarteners will learn how to build positive relationships with the teacher and peers through greetings, a collaborative web activity, and a kindness reflection. This Tier 1 lesson fosters empathy, communication, and classroom community right from the start.

This lesson introduces kindergarten students to the concept of a classroom as a family, emphasizing respect, kindness, and making connections with classmates. Through a short video and interactive activities, students will learn how to create a supportive and caring environment at school. This lesson is important as it helps young students understand the value of relationships and community in their learning 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.

In this 30-minute Pre-K SEL lesson, students will explore the concept of community within their classroom through engaging read-aloud, interactive activities, and collaborative discussion. This lesson fosters a sense of belonging, cooperation, and empathy—essential skills for young learners to feel safe and connected at school.

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.

In this quick, fun 15-minute session, 5th graders will share personal tidbits and discover common interests to build classroom community. This icebreaker sets a positive tone, encourages social skills, and helps students feel connected on day one.

In this 30-minute 3rd grade lesson, students reflect on meaningful moments from their school year, share experiences, and practice seeing things from others’ perspectives to strengthen empathy and classroom community.

This lesson introduces Pre-K students to the concept of friendship, focusing on understanding and building positive relationships with peers. Through engaging activities and discussions, students will learn the importance of kindness, sharing, and cooperation, which are essential skills for their social development.

A dynamic lesson that kicks off the school year by helping students set goals and get excited about learning. Fosters community and ownership from day one. Audience: 3rd Grade Class; Sessions: 1 session of 45 minutes; Tier 1.

This lesson helps students get to know their school counselor in a fun, interactive way. Establishing a connection with the counselor can create a stronger support system for students and provide them with a familiar face to turn to for help.

In this playful 15-minute lesson, preschoolers explore what makes a good friend through interactive activities, games, and guided discussion. Fostering early social skills and empathy sets the stage for positive relationships and cooperative classroom community.

In this 30-minute Tier 1 lesson, Pre-K students collaborate in fun, supportive activities to practice asking for help and offering assistance. By building communication and social skills through games and discussions, children develop empathy, confidence, and a stronger classroom community.

In this hands-on lesson for Grades K-2, students will plant and decorate individual flowerpots that symbolize a "friendship flower" they’re growing through acts of kindness and empathy. This lesson helps young learners understand how small caring actions strengthen friendships and create a positive classroom community. It’s a 1-session, 45-minute lesson that integrates social-emotional learning with art and science.

In this 30-minute Tier 1 classroom session, 1st-grade students will reflect on their school year, identify their accomplishments and feelings, and celebrate their growth through a creative “time capsule” activity. This lesson helps students with emotional disabilities process experiences, boost self-esteem, and gain closure as they prepare for the next school year.

In this lesson, students will create a 'Friendship Tree' by adding leaves that represent positive friendship traits. This activity will help students understand and discuss the qualities that contribute to strong and healthy friendships. By engaging in this creative and interactive task, students will develop social-emotional skills and learn the importance of positive interactions with peers.

In this 20-minute Tier 1 activity for 1st graders, classmates uncover each other’s hidden strengths through fun interactions, building respect, recognition, and a supportive classroom vibe. This quick enrichment develops social-emotional skills like empathy and positive self-image through recognition activities.

This lesson introduces Pre-K 4 students to the concept of friendship through playful activities and simple discussions. It's important as it helps young children develop basic social skills and understand the value of kindness and sharing. The lesson is designed for a single 30-minute session, suitable for a Tier 1 classroom setting.

In this 30-minute small-group lesson for 2nd graders, students will explore how to build connections and foster a sense of belonging through interactive activities. By the end, each child will understand that everyone has something to contribute and feel more connected to their peers.

This lesson is designed to warmly welcome new 3rd-grade students to the classroom, helping them feel comfortable and excited about their new environment. It's important to create a positive first impression and foster a sense of belonging, which will support their social-emotional development and engagement in learning. The session will last 30 minutes and is suitable for all students in the class.

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.

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 engaging 30-minute session, 5th graders will reflect on the year’s social growth, practice key relationship skills, and set goals for middle school. This Tier 2 social skills group helps students build confidence, gratitude, and planning for future friendships. Includes interactive activities, reflection prompts, and a fun closing ritual.

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.

A 3-session unit for 2nd graders to celebrate their year, process feelings about change, and build confidence for 3rd grade. This Tier 1 Classroom Lesson uses readings, discussions, activities, and reflective worksheets to guide students through goodbyes and transitions in 30-minute sessions.

A four-session group lesson for 1st–4th graders on building positive friendships through empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution. This Tier 2 small-group series provides engaging readings, discussions, games, and activities designed to support students with ADHD, autism, and communication needs, helping them practice social skills and foster meaningful connections.

Engage a 3rd grade student with a personalized attendance icebreaker that makes them feel special and acknowledged. This quick activity helps build rapport and comfort within the classroom.

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 30-minute Tier 1 lesson for 1st graders, students will learn simple strategies to handle friendship ups and downs, understand feelings, and practice making up after disagreements. By building empathy and conflict-resolution skills, kids will feel more secure in their friendships and reduce the cycle of “I’m not your friend anymore.”

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 30-minute, one-session counseling lesson for 3rd graders, students will reflect on their school year experiences through a carousel activity. By rotating among reflection stations, they collaboratively share and read insights, building community and celebrating growth. This Tier 1 lesson fosters self-awareness and positive closure to the year.

In this engaging 8-minute warm-up for 1st graders, students will create a “support squad” chart listing family, friends, and community helpers who can offer emotional support. This activity builds awareness of their personal support networks, strengthens social-emotional skills, and helps them recognize resources in their community. Students will feel empowered and connected as they visualize their own safety net.