Session 1 Script: Icebreaker Bash

1. Welcome & Warm-Up (5 minutes)

Teacher (smiling at the door):
“Good morning, friends! Welcome to Connection Quest. I’m so happy to see each of you today. Over the next few sessions, we’ll be getting to know one another, building friendships, and learning how to work together as a team.

“Right now, as you come in, please pick up a name tag and a marker from the table. If you need help, just let me know. When you have your materials, find a seat at your desk and get ready to share a bit about yourself.”

(Pause to greet students, help with name tags, then gather attention.)

Teacher:
“Before we start, raise your hand if you’ve ever felt a little nervous meeting someone new. [Wait, scan responses.] That’s perfectly normal! Today, our activities will help us feel more comfortable and excited about making new friends.”

2. Name Tag Introductions (5 minutes)

Teacher (holding up own name tag):
“On your name tag, write your name in big, clear letters. Then write or draw your favorite hobby—for example, I might draw a soccer ball because I love soccer. Take your time!”

(Allow 1–2 minutes for writing.)

Teacher:
“Great job! Now stand up and walk around the room. Your goal is to find three classmates whose hobbies you share or that you think sound interesting. When you meet someone, say:

‘Hi, I’m ___, and I love ___. What do you like to do?’

And then ask one follow-up question, like ‘Why do you enjoy that hobby?’”

(Set a 2-minute timer, circulate, gently remind students to use full sentences and eye contact.)

Teacher (timer dings):
“Alright, friends, please return to your seats.”

Teacher:
“Who would like to share one hobby they discovered in common with someone else? [Take 1–2 volunteers.] That’s awesome—thank you for sharing!”

3. Icebreaker Question Pairs (10 minutes)

Teacher (holding up a stack of cards):
“Next, we’re going to use our Icebreaker Question Cards. Each pair of students will get one card. Turn to your neighbor, introduce yourself by name, and take turns asking each other the two questions on your card. Remember:

• Listen carefully to their answer.
• Ask one follow-up question to learn more.

You’ll have 3 minutes with each partner. When you hear the chime, find a new partner and pick a new card.”

(Distribute cards, start timer, play gentle chime after 3 minutes, repeat two rounds.)

Teacher (after third chime):
“Time’s up—please return to your seats.”

Teacher:
“Who can tell us one interesting thing they learned about a classmate? [Choose a volunteer or two.] Thank you for sharing—those are great connections!”

4. All About Me Worksheet (7 minutes)

Teacher (holding up the worksheet):
“Now it’s time for our All About Me Worksheet. On your desk is a sheet where you will:

1. Write your name.
2. Write your favorite color.
3. Write your favorite animal.
4. Draw a self-portrait.

Be as creative as you like! If you’re not sure how to spell a word, raise your hand and I’ll help. I’ll play some quiet music while you work.”

(Play soft background music, circulate to support spelling and encourage detailed drawings. Give a 1-minute warning.)

Teacher (after 7 minutes):
“Great job, artists and writers! Please put your pencils down.”

5. Group Share & Reflection (3 minutes)

Teacher:
“To wrap up, let’s share. Who would like to show their self-portrait and tell us their favorite animal? [Invite 2–3 students.]”

Teacher (after shares):
“Thank you! Now, think about today’s activities. How did it feel to learn something new about someone else? [Pause for responses.] Yes—exciting, comforting, fun! Learning about each other helps us feel connected and valued.”

Teacher:
“That feeling of connection is exactly what Connection Quest is all about.”

6. Next Steps (Closing)

Teacher:
“You all did an amazing job today building new friendships. Keep noticing things you have in common with your classmates and always listen when someone shares. In our next session, we’ll play team-building games to work together even more. Have a wonderful rest of your day, and I’ll see you next time!”

All About Me Worksheet

Hello, 3rd graders! Use this worksheet to tell us more about you. Be creative and have fun!

1. My Name Is:
   
   
   
   

2. My Favorite Color Is:
   
   
   
   

3. My Favorite Animal Is:
   
   
   
   

4. If I Could Have Any Superpower, It Would Be:
   
   
   
   

5. Three Words That Describe Me:

   1. ___________________________
      
   2. ___________________________
      
   3. ___________________________
      

6. Draw A Self-Portrait Here:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

7. Something Else I’d Like My Classmates To Know About Me:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Session 2 Activity: Friendship Web

Objective: Students will visualize their connections by discovering shared interests and experiences. This activity builds teamwork, empathy, and a sense of belonging.

Materials:

• A ball of yarn or string
• Name Tags (optional: stick-on labels)
• Chart paper or whiteboard
• Markers
• A list of prompt cards (see Prep)

Time: 30 minutes

Prep (10 minutes):

• Clear desks to create a circle in the center of the room.
• Write each student’s name on a name tag or label and place them at each desk.
• Create prompt cards with simple statements such as:
  • “I have a pet.”
  • “My favorite food is pizza.”
  • “I play a sport.”
  • “I love to read books.”
  • “I have a sibling.”
  • “My favorite color is blue.”
• Place the prompt cards face down in the center of the circle.

Instructions:

1. Form a Circle (2 minutes)

   • Ask students to pick up their name tag (if using) and place it on their shirt.
   • Invite everyone to move their chairs into a large circle, sitting shoulder to shoulder.

2. Explain the Web (3 minutes)

   • Show the ball of yarn and explain that each strand of the web represents a connection between classmates.
   • Demonstrate: hold the yarn end, pick a prompt card, read it aloud, and identify someone who shares that trait. For example: “I have a pet.” “Sarah, I have a pet cat too!”

3. Build the Web (15 minutes)

   • The first student picks a prompt card, reads it, names one or two classmates who match, and gently tosses the ball of yarn to one of them while holding on to their end of the string.
   • The next student repeats: draw a card, read it, find a peer who shares that trait, and toss the yarn to them (while still holding on).
   • Continue until each student has drawn at least one card and connections crisscross to form a web.
   • Encourage students to use full sentences: “I also love to read books, Emily!”
   • Remind them to speak clearly and look at each other when tossing the yarn.

4. Observe & Reflect (7 minutes)

   • Once the web is complete, pause and ask students to look at the colorful connections.
   • On chart paper or the whiteboard, draw a simple circle labeled “Our Classroom Community” and a smaller web sketch beneath it.
   • Invite volunteers to share:
     • “How did it feel when you saw how many connections we have?”
     • “Why is it important to notice what we have in common?”

5. Debrief & Clean Up (3 minutes)

   • Gently wind the yarn back into a ball and explain you’ll use it for future activities.
   • Ask students to return chairs to their desks and reflect:
     • Turn to a neighbor and say one new thing you learned about them.

Extension (if time allows):

• Pass out sticky notes and ask each student to write one interest or fun fact. Post them on a “Connection Wall” to revisit throughout the unit.

Next Steps: In Session 3, we’ll use these connections as a foundation for a small-group collaborative project where empathy and understanding guide our teamwork.