All Together Now

Lori Oliver

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Session 1 Lesson Plan

In this session, students will introduce themselves, explore shared interests through a Friendship Bingo icebreaker, and reflect on commonalities to foster belonging in the classroom.

Building connections at the start of the year helps students feel valued and included, laying the foundation for positive peer relationships and an inclusive classroom culture.

Audience

3rd Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Icebreaker activity and group reflection.

Materials

Name Tent Cards, Stickers or Markers, Friendship Bingo Worksheet, Getting to Know You Reflection Sheet, and Chart Paper and Markers

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Print one Friendship Bingo Worksheet and one Getting to Know You Reflection Sheet per student
Assemble name tent cards and provide markers or stickers for decorating
Display chart paper at the front of the room with the heading “Class Connections”

Step 1

Warm-Up & Introduction

5 minutes

Gather students in a circle and welcome them to the new school year
Give each student a Name Tent Card; they write their name and draw or write one favorite thing about themselves
Invite a few volunteers to share their name and favorite thing with the class

Step 2

Icebreaker Activity: Friendship Bingo

15 minutes

Distribute the Friendship Bingo Worksheet and stickers or markers
Explain that each square describes a common interest or experience; students circulate to find classmates who match each description and have them sign the square
Encourage students to aim for at least three completed lines and to talk with different peers
Circulate to prompt quieter students and model questions if needed

Step 3

Group Reflection & Debrief

10 minutes

Reconvene by the chart paper and ask volunteers to share something new they learned about a classmate; record common interests under “Class Connections”
Distribute the Getting to Know You Reflection Sheet
Instruct students to write one surprising fact they discovered and one thing they’re looking forward to this year
Collect reflection sheets for review and to inform future activities

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Worksheet

Friendship Bingo Worksheet

Find a classmate who matches each description. Ask them to sign their name in the box. Try to get five in a row!

Loves pizza Sign: _______	Has a pet at home Sign: _______	Speaks more than one language Sign: _______	Likes math Sign: _______	Favorite color is blue Sign: _______
Has a sibling Sign: _______	Visited another country Sign: _______	Plays a musical instrument Sign: _______	Enjoys drawing Sign: _______	Birthday in the same month as you Sign: _______
Born in this city Sign: _______	FREE SPACE Take any signature!	Can whistle Sign: _______	Likes sports Sign: _______	Has read more than 5 books this summer Sign: _______
Favorite animal is a dog Sign: _______	Has traveled by airplane Sign: _______	Can ride a bike Sign: _______	Likes science experiments Sign: _______	Favorite food is ice cream Sign: _______
Plays video games Sign: _______	Grows a garden or likes plants Sign: _______	Likes to sing Sign: _______	Watches cartoons Sign: _______	Favorite season is summer Sign: _______

Good luck filling your Bingo card and meeting new friends!

Worksheet

Getting to Know You Reflection Sheet

What is one surprising fact you learned about a classmate?
Who did you learn this from? (Their name): ___________________________
What is one thing you and a classmate discovered you both enjoy?
What are you most looking forward to this school year?
Write one question you still have or something you'd like to learn about your classmates:

Thank you for sharing! Your reflections help us build a classroom community where everyone belongs.

Slide Deck

Session 1: Getting to Know Each Other

Welcome! Today we’ll introduce ourselves, find common interests, and reflect on what makes our class special.

Welcome students to Session 1. Briefly explain that today we’ll get to know each other and start building our classroom community.

Warm-Up & Introduction

• Sit in a circle
• Decorate your Name Tent card with your name and a favorite thing
• Share your name and favorite thing with a friend

Distribute Name Tent Cards and markers or stickers. Ask students to write their name and draw or write one thing they love. Model an example: “My favorite animal is a cat.” Then invite 2–3 volunteers to share.

Icebreaker: Friendship Bingo

• Use the Friendship Bingo Worksheet
• Talk with classmates to find someone for each box
• Collect signatures and aim for at least three lines

Pass out the Friendship Bingo Worksheet. Show them how to read a square and ask questions. Circulate to support students who need question prompts: e.g., “Do you have a pet?”

Group Reflection & Debrief

• Share one new thing you learned about a classmate
• I’ll add our shared interests to the Class Connections chart
• What surprised you during bingo?

Guide students back to the front. Record responses under “Class Connections” on chart paper. Prompt sharing: “Who found someone who speaks another language?”

Reflection Time

• Complete the Getting to Know You Reflection Sheet
• Questions:

What surprised you?
Who did you learn this from?
What are you looking forward to?

Hand out the reflection sheets. Explain each question. Give students about 5 minutes to write complete answers. Check in with students who finish early.

Great Job Today!

Thank you for participating. Next time, we’ll set class norms and celebrate our unique strengths.

Praise the class for their enthusiasm. Remind them of any classroom routines. Preview Session 2: setting inclusive norms.

Lesson Plan

Session 2 Lesson Plan

Students will collaboratively establish inclusive classroom norms and practice a community-building handshake routine to foster belonging and mutual respect.

Engaging students in creating norms empowers them to own classroom culture, promoting safety and inclusion. The handshake activity builds interpersonal connections and reinforces community.

Audience

3rd Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Discussion, brainstorming, and partner practice.

Materials

Chart Paper and Markers, Sticky Notes, Class Norms Brainstorm Poster, Handshake Practice Cards, and Timer

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Print and display the Class Norms Brainstorm Poster
Cut and organize the Handshake Practice Cards into a deck
Provide sticky notes and markers at the poster station
Set up a timer for the handshake rotations

Step 1

Introduction & Discussion

5 minutes

Gather students in a circle and highlight the importance of respect and inclusion
Ask: “What makes our classroom a welcoming, safe place for everyone?”
Record a few student responses as an entry point

Step 2

Brainstorming Norms

10 minutes

Display the Class Norms Brainstorm Poster
Give each student a sticky note; they write one positive behavior or rule that promotes inclusion
Students place their notes on the poster
As a class, group similar ideas and select the top 5 norms to agree upon

Step 3

Norms Agreement

5 minutes

Read aloud the established norms with the class
Have students give a thumbs-up or nod if they agree to follow these norms all year
Post the finished poster in a visible spot

Step 4

Handshake Practice Activity

8 minutes

Explain that using friendly greetings helps build connections
Distribute the Handshake Practice Cards randomly to each student
Students pair up, read their card, and practice the described handshake or greeting
After 2 minutes, ring a chime and have students find a new partner to repeat

Step 5

Reflection & Closing

2 minutes

Invite 2–3 volunteers to share how their partner’s handshake made them feel
Reinforce how following norms and friendly greetings help everyone feel included
Preview Session 3: Celebrating our unique strengths

Activity

Class Norms Brainstorm Poster

Let’s work together to create a set of classroom norms that help everyone feel safe, respected, and included!

How to Contribute:

Think of one positive behavior or rule that will help our class be welcoming and kind.
Write your idea clearly on a sticky note.
Place your sticky note anywhere in the space below.

Things to Consider:

Ways we listen and speak to each other
How we include classmates in activities
Actions that show respect and kindness

Sticky Note Area

Next Steps (after everyone adds their notes):

We’ll group similar ideas together.
As a class, we’ll choose our top 5 norms and agree to follow them all year.
These norms will be displayed in our classroom for everyone to see and remember!

Activity

Handshake Practice Cards

Cut these cards apart and distribute one to each student. When the teacher signals, students pair up, read their card, and practice the handshake with their partner. After 2 minutes, switch partners and try a different card.

Card 1: High-Five Hello

Face each other.
Give a big high-five.
Pull back and wave hello.

Card 2: Fist Bump & Thumb Twist

Make a fist bump.
After bumping, wrap your partner’s thumb and twist gently.
Release and step back.

Card 3: Clap & Slide

Clap both of your partner’s hands once.
Slide one hand down to a handshake.
Shake gently, then smile.

Card 4: Snap & Pop

Snap fingers together three times.
Pop your knuckles.
End with a friendly handshake.

Card 5: Heart-Hand Greeting

Each partner makes half of a heart shape with one hand.
Bring both halves together to form a full heart.
Step back and say “Hello!”

Card 6: Double High-Five

Give two quick high-fives in a row.
After the second one, end with a thumbs-up.

Card 7: Wave & Fist Bump

Wave with your left hand.
Do a fist bump with your right hand.
Smile and say “Hi!”

Card 8: Hat-Tip & Shake

Pretend to tip an imaginary hat.
Offer your right hand for a handshake.
Shake and hold briefly.

Card 9: Elbow Bump & Smile

Bump elbows gently.
Step back and give a big smile.

Card 10: Create a Secret Handshake

Invent your own two-step handshake.
Practice it three times.
Show your teacher when you’re ready!

Slide Deck

Session 2: Creating Inclusive Norms

Today’s goals:
• Establish class norms for respect & belonging
• Practice friendly greetings to connect with peers

Welcome back, everyone! Today we’ll work together to create classroom norms that help us all feel safe and included, and then practice some fun greetings to build our community.

What Makes Our Classroom Welcoming?

• Respect each other’s ideas
• Listen when others speak
• Include everyone in activities

What else makes our classroom a safe, happy place?

Gather students in a circle. Prompt them to think about how they want to feel in our classroom all year. Record student ideas on chart paper.

Brainstorm Classroom Norms

• Write one positive behavior or rule on a sticky note
• Focus on respect, kindness, and inclusion
• Place your note on the poster

We’ll group ideas and choose our top 5 norms together.

Introduce the Class Norms Brainstorm Poster. Give each student a sticky note and marker. Ask them to write one behavior or rule that promotes inclusion, then place it on the poster.

Our Class Norms Agreement

Listen when others speak
Use kind words
Include everyone
Respect personal space
Help and support each other

👍 if you agree to follow these!

After grouping similar notes and selecting the top five, read each norm aloud. Ask students to give a thumbs-up if they agree to follow them all year. Then display the poster in a visible spot.

Handshake Practice Activity

• Take a Handshake Practice Card
• Pair up and practice your greeting for 2 minutes
• After the timer rings, find a new partner and try another card

Explain that friendly greetings help build connections. Distribute one handshake card to each student. Model the process: read the card, find a partner, practice, then rotate.

Reflection & Closing

• How did practicing greetings make you feel?
• Remember to follow our class norms

Next time: Celebrating our unique strengths!

Invite a few volunteers to share how their handshake made them feel. Reinforce the importance of our norms and friendly interactions. Preview Session 3.

Lesson Plan

Session 3 Lesson Plan

Students will celebrate their unique qualities by creating an “All About Me” poster and contribute a piece to a class mosaic collage, fostering self-expression and a sense of belonging.

Highlighting each student’s strengths and interests helps them feel valued and appreciated, promoting inclusion. The collaborative mosaic reinforces unity and celebrates diversity in our classroom.

Audience

3rd Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Creative project, sharing, and collaboration.

Materials

Poster Board or Construction Paper, Colored Markers and Crayons, Stickers and Decorative Items, All About Me Poster Template, Class Mosaic Collage Template, and Glue Sticks and Scissors

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Print one All About Me Poster Template and one Class Mosaic Collage Template per student
Gather poster board or construction paper, colored markers, crayons, stickers, decorative items, scissors, and glue sticks
Arrange tables for easy movement and set aside a display area for finished posters

Step 1

Introduction & Brainstorm

5 minutes

Gather students and explain that today we’re celebrating what makes each of us special
Ask: “What makes you unique?” Record responses on chart paper to spark ideas

Step 2

All About Me Poster Creation

15 minutes

Distribute poster supplies and the All About Me Poster Template
Instruct students to complete sections: favorite things, talents, family background, and dreams
Encourage creativity: drawings, photos, stickers, and decorative items
Circulate to support students and prompt deeper reflection

Step 3

Gallery Walk & Sharing

5 minutes

Have students place completed posters around the room
Provide each student a sticky note to write one positive comment and place it on a classmate’s poster
Encourage respectful and specific feedback

Step 4

Class Mosaic Collage Assembly

3 minutes

Demonstrate how to cut a small section from their poster or use a duplicate template piece
Distribute the Class Mosaic Collage Template
Invite students to glue their piece onto the shared mosaic, creating a colorful collage

Step 5

Reflection & Closing

2 minutes

Invite 2–3 volunteers to share something new they learned about a classmate
Reinforce how each unique contribution strengthens our classroom community
Praise students’ creativity and collaboration

Activity

All About Me Poster Template

Use this template to share what makes you unique! Decorate your poster with drawings, stickers, or photos and fill in each section.

1. My Name & Picture
Write your name clearly and draw a self-portrait or attach a photo.
Name: ___________________________

2. My Favorite Things
List at least three things you love (food, games, books, animals, etc.).

3. My Talents & Interests
What are you good at or enjoy doing? (e.g., singing, sports, reading).

4. About My Family
Tell us something special about your family or where you come from.

5. My Dreams & Goals
What do you hope to learn or accomplish this school year?

6. One Fun Fact
Share something surprising or interesting about yourself!

When you’ve finished, decorate the border with colors, stickers, or drawings that show your personality. Ready to share with the class!

Activity

Class Mosaic Collage Template

Use this template to assemble our class mosaic. Each student will cut a small square (about 3×3 inches) from their completed All About Me Poster or use a duplicate piece. Write your name on the back, then glue your piece into any empty square below. When all squares are filled, we’ll have a vibrant collage showing how all our unique pieces come together!

Steps:

Cut your mosaic square.
Write your name on the back.
Choose an empty spot and glue your piece in place.
Step back and admire our class mosaic!

Slide Deck

Session 3: Celebrating Our Unique Strengths

Today’s goals:
• Create an All About Me poster to share your uniqueness
• Give positive feedback and build a class mosaic collage

Welcome back! Today we’re celebrating what makes each of us special by creating personal posters and combining pieces into a class mosaic. Explain the day’s goals and timeline.

What Makes You Unique?

• Talents and interests (e.g., sports, music, art)
• Favorite things (food, games, books)
• Family background and fun facts

What else makes you special?

Prompt students to brainstorm qualities, talents, and interests that make them unique. Record ideas on chart paper to inspire poster content.

All About Me Poster Activity

• Use the template to share your name, favorites, talents, family, dreams, and fun facts
• Decorate with drawings, stickers, or photos
• Take about 15 minutes to complete your poster

Distribute the All About Me Poster Template, markers, crayons, stickers, and other supplies. Encourage creativity and reflection as students fill out each section.

Gallery Walk & Sharing

• Place posters around the room
• Write one positive comment on a sticky note for a classmate
• Be respectful and specific with your feedback

Once posters are complete, have students arrange them around the room. Give each student a sticky note to write a positive, specific comment on a classmate’s poster.

Class Mosaic Collage Assembly

• Cut a 3×3″ square from your poster or use a duplicate template piece
• Write your name on the back
• Choose an empty spot on the mosaic template and glue your piece

Explain how to cut or use a duplicate piece for the mosaic. Distribute the Class Mosaic Collage Template and guide students to glue their square in any empty spot.

Reflection & Closing

• What did you learn about a classmate today?
• How do our unique pieces make our class stronger?

Great work celebrating our strengths and creating together!

Invite 2–3 volunteers to share something new they learned about a classmate. Emphasize how each unique contribution builds our classroom community.