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 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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

Students explore how building and nurturing positive connections supports their emotional and social well-being. This 1-session lesson for middle schoolers uses interactive activities to strengthen relationship skills and self-awareness.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

A whole-class lesson that explores active listening and icebreaker activities to strengthen peer connections. Builds foundational relationship skills for a positive classroom environment. Audience: 5th Grade, 1 session, 45 minutes.

In this 30-minute small group activity, 5th graders will develop key social skills—initiating conversations, active listening, and empathy—through interactive icebreakers and role-play. This Tier 2 session boosts students’ confidence in everyday interactions and strengthens peer connections.

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.

Small-group discussions and exercises that build students’ ability to understand and share feelings, strengthening peer relationships. This Tier 2 lesson for a 5th grade group spans one 35-minute session focusing on school climate and peer empathy.

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 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.

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 60-minute Tier 1 lesson for 8th graders, students will practice conversational skills and empathy to build meaningful connections with classmates. This lesson fosters a supportive classroom community by guiding students through interactive activities that promote active listening, personal sharing, and collaborative dialogue.

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 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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Over three lively 20-minute sessions, 5th-grade girls will strengthen their friendship skills through engaging activities, discussions, and games. This series fosters empathy, communication, and conflict-resolution abilities, helping students form deeper, more supportive bonds in and out of the classroom.

A 45-minute Tier 1 session for 10th graders to celebrate successes from the past school year, identify growth areas, and set goals for the future. This lesson fosters self-awareness, goal-setting skills, and a growth mindset to help students start the new year motivated and focused.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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 30-minute, one-session lesson for 7th-grade summer school teaches students to respect each other’s differences by exploring perspectives, building empathy, and practicing respectful communication. This Tier 1 classroom lesson includes interactive activities, discussions, and assessments to engage struggling attendees and support positive behavior.

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 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.

In this 30-minute Tier 2 group session, 9th graders struggling with school avoidance will explore root causes of their feelings, learn practical coping strategies, and set achievable school attendance goals. This safe, collaborative environment helps students feel supported and empowered to re-engage with school life.

In this one-session SEL Morning Meeting for 2nd graders, students will build community, practice emotional check-ins, and set a positive tone for the day. This 15-minute Tier 1 lesson fosters self-awareness, empathy, and social skills—key foundations for successful learning and relationships.

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.

In this 15-minute, no-prep Tier 1 lesson for 8th graders, students will explore empathy and compassion through quick activities that foster understanding of others’ feelings. This engaging, active session equips students with practical skills to build a kinder classroom 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 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.