A lesson to build community and foster a sense of belonging in our 8th-grade classroom.

• Objective: Students will participate in interactive icebreakers and reflective activities to learn peers’ names, interests, and strengths.
• Why: Establishing connections early reduces anxiety, builds trust, and creates a supportive environment where every student feels seen and valued.

1. Form a large circle.
2. Toss the ball to a classmate, say your name, and answer a quick prompt (e.g., favorite hobby).
3. That student tosses to another, repeating the process.
4. Continue until everyone has had a turn.

For full procedure, see Name Ball Instructions.

• Distribute the Circle Connection Bingo Worksheet.
• Circulate and ask classmates questions that match bingo squares (e.g., “Find someone who plays an instrument”).
• When you find a match, get that peer’s signature in the square.
• First to complete a row calls “Connection!” Then keep playing until time’s up.

1. Reconvene in the circle.
2. Invite the bingo winner to share one new thing they learned.
3. Ask volunteers to share interesting commonalities or surprises.
4. Highlight how many connections the class discovered together.

• Give each student a Reflection Prompt Card and a sticky note.
• Possible prompts:
– “One thing I learned about a classmate that surprised me.”
– “How I felt connecting with someone new.”
• Students write responses and post on the designated wall or board.

• Read aloud a few volunteer reflections.
• Acknowledge themes of shared interests and new connections.
• Reinforce: “Everyone belongs to this classroom circle.”
• Preview the next class focus.

Thank you for joining our Circles of Connection. Looking forward to a wonderful year of learning and growing together!