Lesson Plan
Building Our Crew Lesson Plan
Students will build connections by sharing personal interests and discovering commonalities through interactive icebreakers and collaborative activities, establishing a supportive classroom community.
A strong classroom community on day one reduces anxiety, fosters belonging, and encourages student collaboration and respect throughout the year.
Audience
7th Grade, Middle School Students
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Hands-on icebreakers and reflection.
Materials
- Student Name Tags, - Markers, - Sticky Notes, - Soft Toss Ball, - Icebreaker Question Cards, - Buddy Bingo Sheet, and - Community Reflection Exit Ticket
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Print enough copies of Icebreaker Question Cards, Buddy Bingo Sheet, and Community Reflection Exit Ticket
- Gather physical materials: student name tags, markers, sticky notes, soft toss ball
- Arrange seating in a circle or small clusters to encourage interaction
- Review each activity overview and sample questions on the generated materials
Step 1
Welcome and Name Tags
10 minutes
- Greet each student at the door with a name tag and marker
- Invite students to write their preferred name clearly
- Introduce today’s goal: “We’re building our crew by getting to know each other and finding common ground”
Step 2
Name Toss Icebreaker
10 minutes
- Have students form a large circle
- Place Icebreaker Question Cards face down in the center
- One student picks a card, reads the question aloud, tosses the ball to a classmate, and both share answers
- Continue until most students have introduced themselves at least once
Step 3
Buddy Bingo
15 minutes
- Distribute Buddy Bingo Sheet and a marker to each student
- Explain that each square describes something a peer might have done or likes (e.g., “Has a pet turtle”)
- Students circulate, ask classmates questions, and have them sign matching squares
- First student to complete a bingo reads one interesting discovery aloud
Step 4
Community Reflection
10 minutes
- Ask students to grab a sticky note and complete the Community Reflection Exit Ticket
- Prompts: “One new thing I learned about a classmate” and “One hope I have for our classroom”
- Collect sticky notes as students leave and display them on a designated “Our Crew Wall”
Slide Deck
Building Our Crew
First Day Community Building for 7th Grade
Let’s connect, collaborate, and have fun!
Welcome students and set a positive tone for the first day. Introduce yourself briefly and explain the purpose of today’s lesson: to get to know each other and start building a welcoming classroom community.
Today’s Objectives
• Connect with classmates by sharing personal interests
• Discover commonalities through fun icebreakers
• Collaborate in Buddy Bingo to learn something new about each other
• Reflect on what makes our classroom a supportive community
Read aloud each objective. Emphasize that these goals will guide today’s activities and help everyone feel seen and valued.
Agenda
- Welcome & Name Tags (10 min)
- Name Toss Icebreaker (10 min)
- Buddy Bingo (15 min)
- Community Reflection Exit Ticket (10 min)
Briefly walk through each part of the lesson. Point out the time you’ll spend on each activity so students know what to expect.
Welcome & Name Tags
• Greet each classmate at the door with a name tag and marker
• Write your preferred name clearly
• Today’s goal: “We’re building our crew by getting to know each other”
As students arrive, hand out name tags and markers. Encourage them to write their preferred name and decorate if they like. Remind them that names are how we show respect and build trust.
Name Toss Icebreaker
• Form a large circle
• Place Icebreaker Question Cards face down in the center
• One student draws a card, reads aloud, then tosses the ball to a peer
• Both share answers, then the next student continues
• Goal: Everyone introduces themselves at least once
Explain how the Name Toss works: students pick a question card, toss the ball, and both share answers. Model one round yourself or with a volunteer to ensure they understand.
Buddy Bingo
• Each student gets a Buddy Bingo Sheet and a marker
• Squares describe a peer (e.g., “Has a pet turtle”)
• Circulate, ask classmates questions, and get signatures on matching squares
• First to bingo: share one interesting discovery with the class
Highlight that students must talk to different peers for each square. Encourage them to ask follow-up questions and listen actively. Circulate to support groups who need help thinking of questions.
Community Reflection Exit Ticket
• Grab a sticky note and complete the Community Reflection Exit Ticket
• Prompts:
– “One new thing I learned about a classmate”
– “One hope I have for our classroom”
• Leave your note on our “Our Crew Wall” as you exit
Distribute sticky notes and exit tickets. Remind students to be honest and thoughtful. Collect the notes as they leave and post them on the class “Our Crew Wall.”
Let’s Keep Building!
Thank you for sharing and listening!
• Check out our “Our Crew Wall” to see what your classmates wrote
• Tomorrow: We’ll build on today’s connections with teamwork challenges
Wrap up by thanking students for their participation. Preview tomorrow’s lesson and encourage them to keep building these connections.
Worksheet
Icebreaker Question Cards
Instructions: Cut the cards apart. During the Name Toss Icebreaker, pick one card, read your question aloud, then toss the ball to a classmate. Both of you share your answers!
- What is your favorite hobby and why?
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
- What is a book or movie you love and what makes it special?
- Do you have a family tradition? Describe it.
- What is your dream vacation destination and why?
- What is your favorite subject in school and what do you like about it?
- Do you play a sport or musical instrument? Tell us about it.
- What is a food you could eat every day?
- If you could meet anyone (real or fictional), who would you choose?
- What is one thing that always makes you laugh?
- Share a fun fact about yourself that few people know.
- What is one goal you have for this school year?
- Do you have a favorite video game or app? What do you like about it?
- What is your favorite season and what do you enjoy doing then?
- If you could learn any new skill instantly, what would it be?
- Who is someone you admire and why?
- What is your favorite animal and what do you find interesting about it?
- Describe a memorable adventure you’ve had.
- If you could invent something, what would it be?
- What is one thing you’re looking forward to this year?
Worksheet
Buddy Bingo Sheet
Instructions: Find classmates who match each description. When you find one, have them sign their name in the box. Try to get five in a row to win a Bingo!
| Is left-handed | Has a pet cat | Loves to read mystery books | Has run a race | Plays a musical instrument |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speaks more than one language | Has a birthday in summer | Likes spicy food | Has traveled to another country | Wears glasses |
| Favorite subject is art | Plays video games on weekends | FREE SPACE Take a break! | Enjoys drawing | Has more than two siblings |
| Has seen a sunrise early | Favorite ice cream is chocolate | Has a hidden talent | Plays a board game often | Has a middle name they like |
| Favorite sport is soccer | Has a pet turtle | Has done volunteer work | Has been to a concert | Has a memorable adventure story to share |
Worksheet
Community Reflection Exit Ticket
Instructions: Grab a sticky note and thoughtfully respond to each prompt. When you’re finished, leave your note on our “Our Crew Wall” as you exit.
1. One new thing I learned about a classmate:
2. One hope I have for our classroom this year: