Lesson Plan
Quiet Connections Lesson Plan
Students engage in low-pressure icebreaker exercises—paired prompts and a simple plus-one/minus-one sharing—to introduce themselves and build peer connections safely.
Socially anxious students often avoid participation; these gentle, structured activities lower barriers, foster trust, and create an inclusive classroom atmosphere.
Audience
10th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Guided, low-pressure partner and group sharing
Materials
- Conversation Prompt Cards, - Plus One Minus One Instruction Sheet, - Sticky Notes, - Pens or Pencils, and - Timer or Smartphone
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print and cut out the Conversation Prompt Cards.
- Make 6–10 copies of the Plus One Minus One Instruction Sheet.
- Arrange chairs in an open circle or semi-circle for easy eye contact.
- Place pens or pencils and a stack of sticky notes at each seat.
- Review both materials to ensure smooth delivery.
Step 1
Welcome & Ground Rules
5 minutes
- Greet students warmly as they enter; invite them to sit anywhere in the circle.
- Briefly explain today’s aim: gentle introductions at each student’s own pace.
- Establish norms: no one must share more than they’re comfortable with, listen actively, be respectful.
- Remind students they can pass if they prefer not to answer a prompt.
Step 2
Activity 1: Conversation Prompt Pairs
10 minutes
- Distribute one Conversation Prompt Card to each student.
- On “go,” each student reads their prompt silently, then finds a partner to discuss for 1–2 minutes.
- After time’s up, ask one partner from each pair to stay and the other to rotate to a new partner.
- Repeat pairing and rotation 2–3 times so students meet multiple classmates.
Step 3
Activity 2: Plus One, Minus One
10 minutes
- Hand out the Plus One Minus One Instruction Sheet and a pen.
- On the sheet, students write: “One thing I’m excited about this year (+1)” and “One thing I’m nervous about (–1).”
- Invite volunteers to stick their sheet (or just the positive/negative part) on a shared board or read aloud.
- Affirm each share, normalize nerves, and celebrate excitement.
Step 4
Group Reflection & Close
5 minutes
- Ask each student to share (verbally or via sticky note) one word describing how they felt during activities.
- Read aloud a few responses, highlighting supportive language.
- Reinforce that the classroom is a safe space; encourage them to continue small connections.
- Thank everyone for participating and remind them these connections will grow over time.
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Slide Deck
Quiet Connections
Low-Pressure Icebreakers for Socially Anxious 10th Graders
30 Minutes | Tier 1 Classroom
Welcome students warmly and introduce yourself. Briefly explain that today’s activities are designed to help everyone connect at their own pace and comfort level.
Objectives & Rationale
• Engage in gentle, structured conversations to build peer connections safely.
• Normalize both excitement and nerves about the school year.
• Foster a supportive and inclusive classroom atmosphere.
Why? Socially anxious students often avoid participation; these guided icebreakers lower barriers and nurture trust.
Highlight the goals of today’s lesson and why it’s especially helpful for students who feel anxious in social settings.
Welcome & Ground Rules
• Sit anywhere in the circle.
• No one must share more than they’re comfortable with.
• Listen actively and respect each other.
• You may pass if you prefer not to answer.
Go over these norms slowly, inviting students to ask clarifying questions. Emphasize that passing is OK.
Activity 1: Conversation Prompt Pairs
- Distribute one Conversation Prompt Card to each student.
- Read silently, then find a partner and discuss for 1–2 minutes.
- When time’s up, one partner stays and the other rotates to a new partner.
- Repeat rotations 2–3 times to meet multiple classmates.
Distribute the cards and model the first pairing if needed. Keep the timer visible and give gentle reminders.
Conversation Prompt Examples
• What’s a book or movie you love and why?
• Describe your favorite place (real or imaginary).
• Share one happy memory from a past summer.
• What skill or hobby would you like to learn?
• If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
• What’s one thing that always makes you smile?
Explain that these are just examples; you can create more cards tailored to students’ interests.
Activity 2: Plus One, Minus One
- Hand out the Plus One Minus One Instruction Sheet and a pen.
- On your sheet, write:
- One thing you’re excited about this year (+1)
– One thing you’re nervous about (–1)
- One thing you’re excited about this year (+1)
- Invite volunteers to share aloud or stick their sheet on the board.
- Affirm each share, normalize nerves, and celebrate excitement.
Model your own +1 and –1 first to make students feel more comfortable sharing.
Group Reflection & Close
• Share one word (verbally or on a sticky note) describing how you felt today.
• I will read a few responses and highlight our supportive language.
• Remember: this classroom is a safe space, and these connections will grow over time.
Thank you for participating!
Collect sticky notes if used and close by reinforcing community. Thank students for their openness.
Worksheet
Conversation Prompt Cards
Print and cut out each card. Distribute one card per student, read silently, then pair up to discuss your prompt for 1–2 minutes.
What’s a book or movie you love and why?
Describe your favorite place (real or imaginary).
Share one happy memory from a past summer.
What skill or hobby would you like to learn?
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
What’s one thing that always makes you smile?
What’s your favorite food and why?
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Name a song that always lifts your mood.
Describe your ideal weekend.
Share one interesting fact about yourself.
Worksheet
Plus One, Minus One Sheet
Use this sheet to reflect on one positive expectation and one area of concern for the upcoming school year. Write your responses in the spaces below. When you’re ready, you may choose to share one or both with the group or post your sheet on the board.
1. One thing I’m excited about this year (+1):
2. One thing I’m nervous about this year (–1):
Warm Up
Feeling Check-In
Before we begin, let’s take a moment to notice how we’re feeling right now. This quick check-in helps us understand our comfort level and support one another.
1. Choose how to share your feeling:
- Write one word that best describes how you feel about today’s class.
- Or draw a simple emoji (happy, nervous, excited, etc.).
2. Write or draw here:
3. Share (optional):
- Place your note on our Feeling Board (or hand it to me).
- Or turn to a nearby classmate and share your word or emoji.
4. Notice & Normalize:
As you see others’ responses, remember everyone’s feelings are valid. Some may feel calm, others curious or shy—and that’s okay!
Let’s begin with this small step of sharing so we can better support each other today.
Cool Down
One Word Close
As we wrap up today’s session, reflect on how you feel and choose one word that best captures your experience.
Your word:
Optional Sharing:
- Place your sticky note with your word on the board.
- Or quietly tell a nearby classmate your word.
Thank you for sharing and contributing to our supportive classroom community!