Digital Strength Board Guide

Overview

Use this step-by-step guide to structure your peer interview and co-create a digital board that highlights your partner’s unique strengths. Follow each step to ensure you listen actively, take clear notes, and design a creative, meaningful board.

Materials Needed

• Device with internet access
• Shared digital workspace (e.g., Google Slides or Jamboard)
• Interview question sheet (provided by the teacher)
• Note-taking tool (paper or digital)

Step 1: Prepare for the Interview (5 minutes)

1. Review key relationship skills: empathy, active listening, and positive feedback.
2. Look over your interview question sheet.
   • Questions may include:
   • “What is one strength your friends admire about you?”
   • “Tell me about a time you helped someone.”
   • “What makes you feel proud of yourself?”
3. Decide who will ask the first question and who will listen (you will switch roles later).

Step 2: Conduct the Interview (7 minutes)

• Interviewer: Ask questions clearly and pause to let your partner think.
• Listener: Maintain eye contact, nod, and say brief responses (“I see,” “Tell me more”).
• Record specific examples, feelings, and stories your partner shares.
• After 3–4 minutes, switch roles.

Step 3: Organize Your Notes (3 minutes)

• Review your notes together.
• Identify at least three core strengths with supporting examples.
• Choose a short phrase or quote from your partner for each strength.

Step 4: Set Up the Digital Board (2 minutes)

1. Open your shared workspace.
2. Create a new slide or frame titled with your partner’s name.
3. Draw three sections or placeholders—one for each strength.

Step 5: Design and Personalize (8 minutes)

• For each strength section, add:
  1. Title (e.g., “Great Listener”)
  2. Quote or short phrase from your interview
  3. Bullet point with a specific example
• Choose a color scheme or template that reflects your partner’s personality (calm, bold, playful).

Step 6: Add Visual Elements (5 minutes)

• Insert relevant images, icons, or emojis that symbolize each strength.
• Adjust size and placement so the board looks balanced and clear.

Step 7: Review and Edit (5 minutes)

• Read your board aloud to check for spelling and clarity.
• Ensure each strength is supported by a concrete example.
• Ask your partner if the board feels accurate and positive.

Step 8: Final Touches & Share (5 minutes)

• Add a closing note or “Thank You!” message to your partner.
• Share the finished board with another pair for feedback using the Peer Board Evaluation rubric.

Tips for Success

• Use high-contrast colors to make text easy to read.
• Keep visuals simple—avoid clutter.
• Speak in complete sentences when adding text.
• Be respectful and upbeat; focus on strengths rather than weaknesses.
  
  
  Good luck, and have fun highlighting the best in each other!

Peer Board Evaluation Rubric

Use this rubric to provide constructive feedback to your classmates. Circle or note the level achieved for each criterion and add comments.

Comments & Suggestions

Overall Strengths:






One Thing to Improve:

Connection Reflection

Take a moment to think about today’s activity and your partner. Respond to the prompts below.

1. What is one new thing you learned about your partner’s strengths?
   
   
   
   
2. How did it feel to actively listen and highlight someone else’s positive qualities?
   
   
   
   
3. Which CASEL relationship skill (empathy, active listening, or teamwork) did you practice most, and how can you use it in the future?
   
   
   
   
4. One way you can continue building positive connections in our classroom is…