Relationship-Building Activities

A back-to-school kickoff lesson for 10th graders, harnessing the excitement of autumn to build community, set personal goals, and reflect on aspirations. This Tier 1, whole-class session lasts 45 minutes and includes engaging activities, journaling, and a meaningful exit ticket to launch a successful school year.

This lesson focuses on helping 9th-grade students reconnect with each other and their school environment after a vacation. It's important for building a positive classroom community and easing the transition back to school. The session will last 30 minutes and is designed to be engaging and interactive.

In this 30-minute 5th grade lesson, students will build connections and a sense of belonging as they return to school after break. Through interactive activities and reflection, they’ll practice empathy, collaboration, and share personal stories to strengthen the classroom community.

A dynamic lesson that guides teachers in crafting an interactive first-day icebreaker incorporating seasonal themes to build community and excitement. This resource helps teachers foster connections and set a welcoming tone for K–12 students in a 45-minute session.

This resource introduces students to seasonal changes and classroom routines through interactive fall-themed activities, building excitement for the new school year. Perfect for 3rd graders in a 45-minute Tier 1 classroom session, this lesson helps students connect to the season while reinforcing routines, collaboration, and reflection.

Start the school year with a dynamic SEL lesson designed for 12th graders to build connection, self-awareness, and a supportive classroom community. Over a single 30-minute session, students will engage in icebreaker activities, reflect on strengths and goals, and practice active listening—kickstarting a positive year of growth.

A dynamic 8-session program to help high school students smoothly transition back to school by building routines, confidence, and social connections. This Tier 1 lesson equips all students with strategies for time management, goal setting, and self-care, ensuring they start the year strong. Each 25-minute session includes collaborative discussions, hands-on activities, and guided scripts for teachers.

In this 30-minute Tier 1 lesson for 1st graders, students will engage in fun, interactive activities to build classroom community and ease first-week jitters. Through a name game warm-up, an All About Me craft, and a Friendship Exit Ticket cool-down, students will get to know each other, practice listening and sharing, and feel excited about their new class.

An engaging individual reflection activity for Pre-K students where each child designs a seasonal superhero self-portrait to celebrate their unique strengths and connect back-to-school excitement. This 15-minute Tier 3 lesson fosters self-awareness, creativity, and confidence through art and storytelling.

In this 30-minute Tier 1 lesson for the whole school, students will reflect on their previous year and set meaningful goals for the year ahead. This warm-up worksheet sparks self-awareness, motivation, and optimism as students return to school.

A fun, interactive SEL back-to-school icebreaker that brings 8th graders and staff together to build community and trust through a collaborative wave activity. This 30-minute Tier 1 session helps students and staff connect, practice emotional awareness, and set a positive tone for the year.

A 30-minute individual counseling session for 6th graders that kickstarts rapport building by discussing students’ summer experiences and having them set a personal emotional goal. This intro lesson helps students feel comfortable, heard, and empowers them to take ownership of their emotional growth.

In this one-session 30-minute lesson, 4th-6th grade students will reflect on their school-year experiences, celebrate their accomplishments, and create a collaborative end-of-year card. This Tier 2 group support allows students to process mixed emotions, affirm positive moments, and foster a sense of closure and excitement for next year.

A brief, 10-minute survey session for 5th–8th graders to gauge how they feel about returning to school, identify support needs, and gather their hopes and ideas for the year. This Tier 1 activity builds classroom community and informs teacher planning.

A brief, 10-minute survey session for 5th–8th graders to gauge how they feel about returning to school, identify support needs, and gather their hopes and ideas for the year. This Tier 1 activity builds classroom community and informs teacher planning.

This 5-day series of 30-minute icebreaker sessions for 7th graders introduces students to each other through fun, collaborative, and low-pressure activities. These Tier 2 group supports build rapport, communication, and a positive classroom atmosphere at the start of the school year.

A fun, interactive 30-minute lesson to welcome students back to school, build classroom community, and set positive expectations. This Tier 1 lesson engages the whole school audience with icebreakers and goal-setting activities to start the year off right.

An engaging one-on-one framework for a 9th-grade student to embark on a creative mission to learn about each other’s strengths and interests. This 20-minute MTSS Tier 3 session uses relationship-building activities to set the tone for a supportive classroom environment.

A collection of quick, engaging games designed to foster cooperation and communication as 4th graders settle into their new classroom environment. Perfect for a 30-minute back-to-school session, this Tier 1 lesson helps students learn names, build connections, and reflect on teamwork.

In this 30-minute Kindergarten lesson, students will explore empathy and kindness by connecting to different seasons of the school year. Through read-aloud, discussion, and a fun craft activity, they will practice recognizing feelings and showing kindness to peers. This whole-class Tier 1 lesson sets the tone for a supportive community.

In this 30-minute 3rd grade lesson, students will reflect on their meaningful school-year moments, share personal experiences with peers, and practice empathy by understanding classmates’ feelings. Building empathy strengthens our classroom community and helps students connect more deeply.

In this single 30-minute Tier 1 lesson for 3rd graders, students will reflect on meaningful moments from their school year, share experiences with peers, and practice understanding others’ feelings to strengthen classroom empathy. This lesson builds self-awareness, listening skills, and emotional connection.

In this 30-minute Tier 1 lesson for 7th graders, students will learn essential relationship skills—empathy, active listening, and healthy communication—through engaging activities. By the end, they’ll be better equipped to build positive connections with peers and navigate social interactions with confidence.

In this 15-minute, end-of-year community-building game, fourth-grade students strengthen friendships through memory, movement, and laughter! Perfect for Tier 1 whole-class engagement, this game helps students reflect on shared experiences and celebrate their time together.

A 30-minute Tier 1 reflection activity for 7th graders transitioning to secondary school. Students will reflect on their feelings, goals, and strategies for success to build confidence and excitement for the upcoming year.

In this lesson, 9th graders will engage in quick activities to build supportive relationships. Through ice-breakers and paired discussions, students will practice active listening and empathy, which are crucial skills for developing strong connections with peers. This lesson is important as it helps students feel more connected and supported in their school environment, promoting a positive and inclusive atmosphere.

In this engaging 9th-grade lesson, students will explore the importance of connections and relationships in their lives through fun activities and games. This lesson aims to foster a sense of community and enhance interpersonal skills, making it relevant and applicable to students' everyday experiences. The session will last 45 minutes and is designed to be inclusive for all students, providing a supportive environment for learning and growth.

This 30-minute end-of-year SEL lesson for transitional kindergarten students helps them reflect on their growth, celebrate friendships, and practice gratitude and empathy through a fun group activity. It’s designed to strengthen the classroom community and leave students feeling appreciated and connected.

In this 30-minute 3rd grade lesson, students will reflect on memorable moments from their school year, share experiences with classmates, and practice empathy by exploring peers’ feelings. By recognizing and appreciating each other’s experiences, they strengthen classroom connections and understanding.

In this lesson, students will explore how the change in seasons can impact their feelings. Through a creative art project, each student will draw a seasonal tree and write their feelings on the leaves. This activity encourages emotional expression and reflection, helping young students to connect their emotions with environmental changes, fostering self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

Kick off the school year with a harvest-themed icebreaker that connects students to autumn traditions, builds community, and sets a warm classroom tone. This Tier 1 lesson for a 3rd Grade class spans one 30-minute session and includes engaging activities and supports for all learners.

In this 30-minute, single-session lesson, 3rd graders will reflect on their school year through the lens of empathy. Students will recall meaningful moments, share with classmates, and practice understanding others’ feelings—strengthening classroom community and social-emotional skills.

Students explore how building and nurturing positive connections supports their emotional and social well-being. This 1-session lesson for middle schoolers uses interactive activities to strengthen relationship skills and self-awareness.

In this single 15-minute Tier 2 small-group morning meeting, 4th graders will learn how to build and strengthen friendships through engaging activities. This lesson fosters social skills, empathy, and positive peer connections, helping support students who need extra friendship-building practice.

In this single 15-minute Tier 1 lesson for 4th graders, students will participate in two community circles to celebrate end-of-year achievements, build connections, and share reflections. These circles foster classroom community, encourage empathy, and leave students with positive closure as the school year ends.

In this 30-minute, 6th-grade Tier 1 lesson, students learn to craft respectful interview questions to engage with their families, deepening understanding and building communication skills. This foundational activity supports social-emotional learning and strengthens family–school connections.

In this 30-minute 3rd grade Tier 1 lesson, students will reflect on meaningful moments from their school year, share experiences with peers, and practice empathy by recognizing others’ feelings. This lesson builds classroom community and social-emotional skills.

In this 45-minute, whole-class Tier 1 lesson for 10th graders, students will explore their social supports, identify friendship strengths, and foster positive peer connections over one session. This engaging activity helps students build awareness of healthy relationships and teamwork skills essential for emotional well-being and community building.

This one-session, 30-minute welcome back activity helps 8th graders reconnect, build community, and set positive intentions for the year. Through fun icebreakers and reflection prompts, students will feel seen and excited. Grade 8, Tier 1, 30 mins.

An interactive icebreaker letting students craft a personal identity map while connecting to back-to-school goals, building community and rapport. This 30-min Tier 1 lesson for a 5th grade class helps students reflect on who they are and what they hope for this year.

In this lesson, students will gather in a circle to share their holiday experiences and new year hopes. This open dialogue encourages empathy and understanding, providing students with a sense of connection and community as they reflect on shared experiences and future aspirations. This lesson is important as it helps students develop social-emotional skills, such as active listening and empathy, which are crucial for building a supportive classroom environment.

In this 15-minute session, 4th graders engage in fun community-building exercises to deepen connections with classmates they already know. This activity helps strengthen trust, communication, and empathy, setting a positive tone for the school year. Tier 1, Classroom-wide support.

In this interactive small group activity, students participate in a 'snowball' game where they write and share things about themselves to discover common interests. This lesson helps students build connections and understand each other better.

In this 30-minute, one-session lesson, 3rd graders explore the concept of school climate, why it matters, and how they can help create a welcoming, positive environment for everyone. This Tier 1 lesson builds community, empathy, and a sense of belonging—key ingredients for student success.

A fun, individual back-to-school activity for Pre-K students to build comfort and confidence on their first day. This 15-minute session helps students share about themselves, learn their teacher’s warm welcome, and settle into the classroom. Designed for one-on-one Tier 3 support.

This playful Pre-K lesson welcomes little learners back to school with engaging activities that build social-emotional skills and classroom routines. Over a single 30-minute session, students will learn about classroom spaces, meet peers, and practice morning routines to set a positive tone for the school year.

An interactive whole-class lesson to assess and boost positive interactions, helping 5th graders feel valued and connected. This 45-minute Tier 1 session engages students in reflecting on school climate and building community positivity.

In this 30-minute Tier 1 lesson, 10th graders who feel socially anxious will participate in low-pressure icebreaker activities to build comfort and trust in the classroom. These gentle, engaging exercises are designed to help students connect at their own pace and set a positive tone for the school year.

This lesson aims to help students understand the importance of building relationships through communication and teamwork. The activities will engage students in discussions and a fun physical game, strengthening their ability to connect with others.

This lesson engages students in a game-based activity designed to help them introduce themselves and build new friendships. Through a series of interactive and collaborative tasks, students will learn effective communication and social skills. This lesson is important as it fosters a sense of community and belonging, which is crucial for students' social-emotional development and well-being.

Small-group reading and discussion that links local culture and student experiences to strengthen community bonds. This Tier 2 session for a 9th Grade group takes 35 minutes and helps students explore local heroes, share experiences, and map personal connections to foster a positive school climate.

In this 45-minute group lesson, 8th grade students will co-create a vision board of hopes and strategies for the school year using mixed media. This Tier 2 activity fosters collaboration, goal-setting, and self-expression, helping students build a positive mindset and peer support network as they transition back to school.

In this 30-minute Tier 3 lesson for a 6th grader, students will explore strategies and build confidence for returning to school. This lesson focuses on personalized goal-setting, coping strategies, and a supportive plan to ease the transition. Perfect for individual support, it helps students feel prepared and empowered for the new school year.

In this engaging two-session exploration, 5th graders will identify and discuss the factors that make their school environment safe, welcoming, and supportive. Students will collaborate, reflect, and create visual representations of school climate elements, fostering a stronger sense of belonging and ownership of their community.

A one-on-one academic coaching tool for a 10th-grade student, focusing on setting and achieving short-term goals mapped to the four seasons over four sessions of 20 minutes each. This Tier 3 individualized lesson helps visualize progress, build motivation, and ensure consistent check-ins by aligning goals with real-world seasonal themes.

In this 30-minute Tier 1 social-emotional lesson, 7th graders will engage in fun icebreakers and team-building activities to get to know each other and foster a supportive classroom community. This introductory session builds trust, improves communication, and lays the foundation for positive peer relationships throughout the year.

In this single-session lesson, 5th graders will learn how to make friends and practice kindness through interactive activities and discussions. Building positive relationships and a supportive classroom environment on Day 1 helps students feel safe, connected, and ready to learn.

This engaging 7th-grade lesson is designed to welcome students back from break by reigniting their enthusiasm for learning. Through a mix of activities, discussions, and games, students will reflect on their past achievements and set new goals, making the transition back to school smooth and exciting. The lesson is structured for a single 60-minute session and aims to create a positive and motivating classroom environment.

A lively classroom activity that helps students tune into peers’ emotions and foster empathy through nonverbal cues—key for strong summer friendships. This Tier 1 lesson for 5th graders spans a single 30-minute session and builds vital social-emotional skills through interactive games and guided discussion.

This lesson involves forming small groups where students can share personal experiences and listen to one another. The activity aims to strengthen empathy and understanding, fostering a supportive classroom environment as students return from break. This lesson is important as it helps students develop social-emotional skills, enhances their ability to empathize with peers, and builds a strong, supportive class community.

This lesson encourages 7th graders to reflect on their relationships with peers and how these relationships have evolved over time. Through a combination of experiential learning and collaborative discussion, students will engage in activities that promote self-awareness and empathy. This lesson is important as it helps students develop social-emotional skills, fostering a supportive and understanding classroom environment.

This lesson provides students with the opportunity to check in with their emotions and set personal goals for the school year. It includes activities that focus on self-awareness and emotional intelligence, helping students to start the school year with a positive mindset. This lesson is important as it encourages students to reflect on their emotions, understand their feelings, and set achievable goals, fostering a supportive and empathetic classroom environment.

In this one-session, 45-minute Tier 1 lesson for 8th graders, students will engage in interactive icebreakers and reflective activities to build community and foster a sense of belonging. This lesson sets the tone for a supportive classroom environment by helping students get to know each other and see themselves as part of a unified circle.

This 3-session lesson for 3rd graders focuses on developing friendship-building skills, essential for social-emotional growth. Students will engage in activities that promote understanding, empathy, and effective communication, helping them form and maintain positive relationships.

In this lesson, students will collaboratively create a 'Friendship Tree' where each leaf represents a positive trait or act of kindness from their classmates. This activity fosters a caring and inclusive classroom atmosphere, encouraging students to recognize and celebrate each other's contributions to the community. By participating in this project, students will develop social-emotional skills such as empathy, teamwork, and appreciation for diversity.

In this Tier 2 small-group lesson for 5th graders, students will strengthen social skills by exploring qualities of good friends, practicing empathy, and developing strategies for resolving conflicts. This 30-minute session helps students build supportive peer relationships and fosters a positive classroom community.

In this one-session, 30-minute Tier 1 end-of-year counseling lesson, 3rd graders will reflect on their emotional and academic growth, celebrate successes, and set intentions for summer. This engaging wrap-up helps students recognize their achievements, process feelings about transitioning to 4th grade, and build a positive classroom community.

This engaging 15-minute beginning-of-year lesson for Pre-K students focuses on community building, classroom routines, and self-introductions. It helps young learners feel safe, connected, and excited to start school by practicing greetings and sharing about themselves.

Students will partner up to interview each other and co-create digital boards showcasing their peer’s strengths, building relationship skills aligned with CASEL competencies. This Tier 1, one-session (60-minute) lesson for a 5th grade class fosters empathy, communication, and teamwork through interactive, technology-driven activities.