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Community Quest

Lesson Plan

Community Quest Lesson Plan

Students will identify and practice key qualities of a supportive classroom community—trust, communication, respect, and collaboration—through interactive discussions and group activities.

A strong classroom community fosters belonging, safety, and engagement. This lesson builds essential social skills and encourages students to take ownership of a positive learning environment.

Audience

7th Grade Middle School Students

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Hands-on activities and guided discussions

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Icebreaker Introduction

5 minutes

  • Welcome students and explain the goal: building a supportive classroom community
  • Briefly define key traits: trust, communication, respect, collaboration
  • Model one personal example of community-building behavior

Step 2

Community Circle Discussion

10 minutes

  • Students sit in a circle and draw one card from Community Circle Discussion Cards
  • Each student reads their prompt aloud and shares their thoughts
  • Class discusses examples and common themes

Step 3

Group Poster Creation

15 minutes

  • Divide class into four groups; assign each group one trait (trust, communication, respect, collaboration)
  • Provide poster paper, markers, and encourage creativity
  • Groups illustrate and write examples of their trait in action
  • Circulate to prompt deeper thinking and collaboration

Step 4

Gallery Walk & Discussion

10 minutes

  • Groups display posters around the room
  • Students walk the gallery, leave comments or questions on sticky notes
  • Reconvene to highlight observations and ask clarifying questions

Step 5

Reflection & Closure

5 minutes

  • Distribute Community Reflection Sheets
  • Students write one actionable step they will take to strengthen the classroom community
  • Invite volunteers to share their commitments and display sheets for ongoing accountability
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Slide Deck

Community Quest

Building a Supportive Classroom Community

45-Minute Lesson | 7th Grade Tier 1

Welcome everyone! Today we begin our "Community Quest." Introduce yourself and greet students warmly. Briefly explain that our goal is to build a supportive classroom community together.

Lesson Objectives

• Identify qualities of a supportive community: trust, communication, respect, collaboration
• Practice these qualities through discussion and teamwork
• Commit to one actionable step to strengthen our class community

Read aloud the objective and explain each key term. Emphasize why a caring classroom helps everyone learn and feel safe.

Icebreaker Introduction

  1. Goal: Understand what makes a strong community
  2. Define key traits:
    – Trust
    – Communication
    – Respect
    – Collaboration
  3. Instructor models one personal example

Explain the icebreaker steps. Define each trait with a short, relatable story from your experience. Encourage participation.

Community Circle Discussion

• Sit in a circle.
• Each student draws a card from Community Circle Discussion Cards.
• Read prompt aloud and share thoughts.
• Class discusses examples and themes.

Arrange chairs in a circle. Distribute Community Circle Discussion Cards. Prompt students to listen and respond respectfully. Keep time as each shares.

Group Poster Creation

• Four groups → one trait each (trust, communication, respect, collaboration)
• Use poster paper, markers, index cards
• Illustrate and write real-life examples
• Collaborate and think deeply about your trait

Divide students into four groups and assign each one trait. Circulate and ask probing questions: “How does your poster show respect in action?” Encourage creativity.

Gallery Walk & Discussion

• Display posters around the room
• Students leave comments/questions on sticky notes
• Reconvene: discuss insights and clarify ideas

Have students walk around to view each poster. Provide sticky notes for feedback. Then reconvene to highlight interesting observations.

Reflection & Closure

• Complete Community Reflection Sheets
• Write one actionable commitment
• Share commitments and display for accountability

Distribute Community Reflection Sheets. Give students time to write one concrete step they will take. Invite volunteers to share.

Next Steps

• Display student commitments in the classroom
• Check in weekly on community goals
• Continue practicing trust, communication, respect, collaboration

Thank students for their participation. Remind them that building community is ongoing. Display reflection sheets and revisit regularly.

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Activity

Community Circle Discussion Cards

Use these cards during the circle discussion. Students draw one card, read the prompt aloud, and respond. Encourage classmates to listen respectfully and build on each other’s ideas.

Card Prompts:

  1. What does trust mean to you? Share a time when you felt trusted by someone.


  2. How can you show respect to your classmates every day? Give an example.


  3. Think of a time poor communication caused a problem. How could you have fixed it?


  4. Describe a situation where collaboration helped you solve a challenge. What made the teamwork effective?


  5. When someone feels left out, what actions can you take to help them feel included?


  6. What qualities make someone a good listener? Why is listening important in a community?


  7. Recall a moment you felt safe in a group setting. What behaviors contributed to that sense of safety?


  8. Why is honesty essential for building trust? Share a time honesty made a difference.


  9. How can asking thoughtful questions improve teamwork and understanding?


  10. Describe a time you worked with someone whose idea was different from yours. How did you handle it?


  11. If you see someone being disrespected, what steps will you take to stand up for them?


  12. What strategies do you use to clear up miscommunication in a group?












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Worksheet

Community Reflection Sheets

Name: ________________________________________


Date: ________________________________________

Reflection Questions

  1. Which quality of a supportive classroom community (trust, communication, respect, collaboration) resonates most with you and why?





  2. Describe a specific moment during our activities when you felt our class community was at its strongest. What behaviors or actions made it feel that way?





  3. Identify one area where you feel our classroom community could improve. What change will you make to help strengthen this area?





  4. Write one concrete, actionable step you will take this week to strengthen our classroom community. Be as specific as possible.


  5. How will you remind yourself to follow through with this commitment? (For example: setting a reminder, partnering with a classmate, posting a note)


Thank you for reflecting on how you can contribute to a positive, supportive classroom community!

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