Game: Idea Card Shuffle

Objective: Generate diverse, student-driven SEL norms through collaborative discussion to ensure all voices contribute to a safe classroom environment.

Audience: 9th–12th Grade Students
Time: 10 minutes

Materials:

• SEL Norms Idea Cards (see full list below)
• Sticky Notes
• Markers

Prep (5 minutes):

• Print and cut out all SEL Norms Idea Cards.
• Shuffle the cards and place them face-down in the center of each table or distribute randomly.
• Provide each group with sticky notes and markers.

Instructions:

1. Shuffle & Discuss (3 minutes)
   • Ensure each student has one idea card.
   • In groups of 3–4, students take turns reading their card aloud.
   • As a group, discuss what the card’s suggestion means and why it matters for a positive classroom.
2. Draft & Post Norms (7 minutes)
   • Each group selects one of their discussed ideas to phrase as a clear, student-friendly norm.
   • Write the chosen norm on a sticky note.
   • Post the sticky-note norm onto the Classroom Norms Anchor Chart.
   • (Optional if time remains) Quickly rotate cards so groups can refine an additional norm.

SEL Norms Idea Cards (shuffle these prompts):

• Actively listen when others speak
• Show respect through words and actions
• Encourage and uplift classmates
• Use kind and inclusive language
• Share thoughts honestly and respectfully
• Be open-minded to new perspectives
• Maintain confidentiality in discussions
• Offer support when someone takes a risk
• Allow everyone a chance to speak
• Stay present and engaged
• Learn from mistakes without judgment
• Celebrate each other’s successes
• Give constructive feedback kindly
• Ask questions to deepen understanding
• Take responsibility for your actions
   
   

SEL Norms Discussion

Objective:
Guide students to refine, agree upon, and connect co-created SEL norms to their personal aspirations (“aspire”), ensuring shared understanding and commitment.

Time: 15 minutes
Materials: Classroom Norms Anchor Chart, dot stickers (or markers), seating in a circle or U-shape

1. Discussion Guidelines (1 minute)

• Remind students of our co-created discussion norms (active listening, respect, one voice at a time).
• Encourage everyone to contribute and honor differing perspectives.

2. Reviewing & Refining Norms (8 minutes)

1. Spotlight a Norm
   • Facilitator: Point to one norm on the anchor chart.
   • Question: “What does this norm look and feel like in our classroom?”
     • Follow-up: “Can someone share a quick example from past classes?”
2. Clarity Check
   • Question: “Is the wording clear to everyone? How might we make it simpler or more inclusive?”
     • Follow-up: “What words could we swap to make this norm stronger?”
3. Missing Ideas
   • Question: “Looking at our list, is there an important idea about emotional safety or respect that’s missing?”
     • Follow-up: “How would you phrase that as a norm?”
4. Dot Voting
   • Distribute 3 dots per student.
   • Students place dots on their top three norms.
   • Those norms with the most dots become our Top 5.

3. Connecting Norms to Aspiration (4 minutes)

1. Aspire Reflection
   • Refer to the words and phrases captured around “aspire” in our warm-up.
   • Question: “How do our Top 5 norms help us reach what we aspire to be or become?”
     • Follow-up: “Which norm aligns most with your personal ‘aspire’ word, and why?”
2. Quick Pair & Share
   • Turn to a partner for 1 minute: each student names one norm and how they will use it to support their aspiration.

4. Closing & Commitment (2 minutes)

• Invite 2–3 volunteers to share one concrete action they’ll take this week to live by our norms and pursue their aspiration.
• Remind students: We’ll revisit these norms and our commitments regularly to ensure this remains a safe, supportive space for everyone.
   
   
  End of Discussion — Post the finalized Top 5 norms on the Classroom Norms Anchor Chart for all to see.