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Relax & Relate

Lesson Plan

Relax & Relate

Help 7th graders unwind after state testing through lighthearted icebreakers, team-building games, and guided reflection to strengthen peer connections and boost morale.

Post-testing fatigue can lower engagement and peer connection. This fun, low-pressure session recharges students’ social energy, fosters teamwork, and promotes positive classroom climate.

Audience

7th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive games and reflection.

Materials

Soft Toss Ball, Icebreaker Question Cards, Team Challenge Cards, Reflection Prompt Sheet, and Timer

Prep

Gather & Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Icebreaker: Question Ball

5 minutes

  • Students stand in a circle.
  • The teacher holds the Soft Toss Ball and randomly reads one question from the top of the Icebreaker Question Cards.
  • Teacher tosses the ball to a student; that student answers the question aloud.
  • That student picks the next card, reads it, and tosses the ball to another peer until 4–5 questions are answered.

Step 2

Main Activity: Team Challenge

20 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups of 4–5.
  • Give each group one Team Challenge Card.
  • Challenges might include building the tallest paper tower, solving a quick puzzle, or completing a human knot.
  • Set the Timer for 10 minutes. Groups work together to complete their challenge.
  • At 10 minutes, groups rotate cards and try a second challenge for another 10 minutes.
  • Encourage positive feedback and cheering between groups.

Step 3

Reflection & Cool-down

5 minutes

  • Have students sit back in the circle and distribute the Reflection Prompt Sheet.
  • Prompt sheet questions: “What did you enjoy most?”, “How did your team work together?”, “One thing you learned about a friend?”
  • Give students 2–3 minutes to write responses.
  • Invite a few volunteers to share one reflection with the class.
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Slide Deck

Relax & Relate

A fun 30-minute social skills workshop for 7th graders to unwind after state testing.

Welcome students! Introduce today’s fun session and set a positive tone. Briefly explain that this workshop helps everyone relax and connect after testing.

Materials

  • Soft Toss Ball
  • Icebreaker Question Cards
  • Team Challenge Cards
  • Reflection Prompt Sheet
  • Timer

(Arrange chairs in a circle with space in the middle.)

Quickly display and point to each item so students know what we’ll be using.

Objectives

By the end of this workshop, you will:

  • Unwind and have fun
  • Strengthen peer connections
  • Practice teamwork and communication

Read each objective aloud and check for understanding.

Workshop Agenda

  1. Icebreaker: Question Ball (5 min)
  2. Team Challenges (20 min)
  3. Reflection & Cool-down (5 min)

Briefly run through the agenda so students know what to expect. Emphasize the time allocations.

Icebreaker: Question Ball

  • Stand in a circle.
  • Teacher reads a question from the Icebreaker Question Cards.
  • Toss the Soft Ball to a student; they answer and draw the next card.
  • Continue until 4–5 questions have been answered.

Explain the rules: model tossing the ball, reading a card, and answering. Encourage energy and quick turns.

Main Activity: Team Challenges

  • Split into groups of 4–5.
  • Give each group a Team Challenge Card.
  • Work on Challenge #1 for 10 min, then rotate cards for Challenge #2 (10 min).
  • Cheer and support other groups!

Divide students into groups, hand out challenge cards, and set the timer. Circulate to offer encouragement.

Reflection & Cool-down

  • Sit back in a circle.
  • Complete the Reflection Prompt Sheet:
    • What did you enjoy most?
    • How did your team work together?
    • One thing you learned about a friend?
  • Volunteers share responses.

Distribute the Reflection Prompt Sheet. Give students writing time, then invite volunteers to share.

Great Job!

Thank you for participating!
Keep this positive energy going in class and beyond.

Congratulate the class on their participation. Encourage them to use these skills in everyday interactions.

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