Lesson Plan
Sprint Warm-Up Plan
Students will engage in three fast-paced cooperative challenges that build communication, teamwork, and empathy aligned with CASEL competencies in a 20-minute SEL warm-up.
This lesson sparks positive social interactions, strengthens class cohesion, and empowers 3rd graders to practice effective communication and cooperation in a fun, supportive environment, laying the groundwork for ongoing social-emotional growth.
Audience
3rd Grade Class
Time
20 minutes
Approach
Quick, timed group activities with reflection.
Materials
- Quick Team Challenge Slides, - Human Knot Icebreaker Instructions, - Pass-the-Compliment Circle Instructions, - Timer or Stopwatch, and - Open Classroom Space
Prep
Teacher Preparation
5 minutes
- Review Quick Team Challenge Slides and familiarize yourself with each rapid challenge.
- Print or prepare to display Human Knot Icebreaker Instructions and Pass-the-Compliment Circle Instructions.
- Ensure a timer or stopwatch is available.
- Clear a central classroom area for movement-based activities.
Step 1
Warm-Up: Human Knot
5 minutes
- Invite students to stand in a circle close enough to reach across.
- Explain they will each grab two different classmates' hands, forming a 'knot.'
- Challenge the group to untangle into a circle without releasing hands.
- Emphasize clear communication, patience, and cooperation throughout.
- Reference Human Knot Icebreaker Instructions for details.
Step 2
Quick Team Challenges
10 minutes
- Divide students into 4 teams and assign each team a different corner.
- Use Quick Team Challenge Slides to present 3 rapid-fire tasks (e.g., cup tower, group balance, word relay).
- Allocate 2 minutes per challenge with a 30-second transition countdown each time.
- Prompt teams to plan roles, listen to ideas, and adjust strategies quickly.
- Rotate through all challenges, cheering progress and sportsmanship.
Step 3
Cool-Down: Pass-the-Compliment Circle
5 minutes
- Have students form a seated circle facing inward.
- Model giving a sincere compliment to the student on your right.
- Instruct each student to pass a compliment around the circle until it returns to you.
- Encourage eye contact, kindness, and specific praise.
- Debrief: ask how it felt to give and receive compliments and reinforce positive interactions.
- Use Pass-the-Compliment Circle Instructions as needed.
Slide Deck
Quick Team Challenges
• 3 rapid tasks, 2 minutes each
• 30-second transitions
• Work as a team: plan, listen, adjust, and cheer!
Welcome, everyone! Today we’ll race through three fun team challenges. Each challenge lasts 2 minutes with a 30-second transition. Emphasize clear talking, quick planning, and cheering on classmates.
Challenge 1: Cup Tower
• Use 20 plastic cups
• Build the tallest free-standing tower
• One cup per hand at a time
• Time: 2 minutes
Display cups and let teams inspect them. Remind students to assign roles—builders, cup carriers, stackers—and to talk through each move. Start timer at “Go!”
Challenge 2: Group Balance
• All team members stand inside one hoop
• No one can step off
• Communicate every move
• Time: 2 minutes
Show the hula hoop and explain everyone must fit their feet inside without touching the floor outside it. Encourage slow, coordinated shifts. Count down 30 seconds after the 2-minute mark.
Challenge 3: Word Relay
• Form a single-file line
• Whisper a word/phrase to the next person
• Last person shares it aloud
• Keep it clear and quiet
• Time: 2 minutes
Explain whisper-relay rules: start with a short word or phrase. Stress quiet voices and focused listening. After 2 minutes, gather final words and celebrate successes.
Warm Up
Human Knot Icebreaker Instructions
Purpose:
Builds teamwork, communication, patience, and problem-solving as students physically work together to untangle a human knot.
Time: 5 minutes
Materials:
- No special materials required (just an open space)
- Optional: printed cue-card or projected slide with the steps
Steps
- Have students stand in a close circle, shoulder to shoulder.
- Instruct each student to reach across and grab one classmate’s right hand and a different classmate’s left hand.
• Ensure no one holds both hands of the same person. - Once everyone is linked, challenge the group to untangle into a perfect circle without releasing hands.
• They may need to step over or duck under arms.
• Encourage them to talk through each move slowly and carefully. - If the group gets stuck, allow up to 30 seconds of silent, non-tangling repositioning before resuming communication.
Debrief Questions
- What communication strategies helped you make progress?
- How did you decide whose idea to try when you disagreed?
- What did you notice about teamwork when it got tricky?
Teacher Tips
- Model safe hand-holding and slow movements first.
- Remind students to speak up if they feel uncomfortable (e.g., someone is pulling too hard).
- Call attention to moments of strong cooperation and praise specific examples (“I noticed how Mia suggested stepping through gently!”).
- Encourage quieter students by asking them directly for ideas if the group stalls.
Game
Pass-the-Compliment Circle Instructions
Purpose:
Fosters kindness, active listening, and positive connection by having students share genuine compliments with one another.
Time: 5 minutes
Materials:
- No special materials required
- Optional: sticky notes or index cards for students who prefer to write their compliments first
Steps
- Have students sit in a circle facing inward so everyone can see each other.
- Model the activity by turning to the student on your right, making eye contact, and offering a sincere compliment (e.g., “I admire how you always help others”).
- The student who received the compliment then turns to their right neighbor and gives a compliment in the same way.
- Continue passing compliments around the circle until it returns to the teacher (or until time allows).
- Encourage students to speak slowly, make eye contact, and use kind, specific language.
Debrief Questions
- How did it feel to give a compliment?
- How did it feel to receive a compliment?
- What new thing did you learn about a classmate today?
Teacher Tips
- Remind students to be specific (“I like how you…” rather than “You’re nice”).
- Encourage quieter students by offering to help them find a compliment or use a written note if they feel shy.
- Highlight examples of strong compliments (“I noticed how Emma waited patiently to speak—that shows respect!”).
- Keep the pace relaxed so each student feels heard, not rushed.