Give each student a copy of The Power of Connection Worksheet. Take the students through each step within the worksheet. Below are brief explanations of each step. 

 

Activity #1 How are you?

Instruct the students to write a letter to self. Encourage them to use the art of discovery and ask questions like: What are some things that I really like about myself? What are my favorite things to do? What are some positive words that describe me? What is good? What is hard? What do I want to do? When do you feel confident? Your story matters. So...write it out. ​

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Please share the following concepts as a part of this lesson: You will spend more time with yourself than with any other person on the planet. So it is very important that you use positive intrapersonal communication with yourself (that means that you are kind in your mind).  Asking yourself good questions is a great way to practice the art of discovery. The great thing about this skill set is that it truly is a foundation for practicing authentically Noticing the goodness in yourself and others. Self-awareness is foundational in creating a sense of self-worth; leading to a sense of belonging. 

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Encourage children to draw a self-portrait and add drawings of things they love, positive words, favorite things etc. If time allows, encourage students to share their drawings with the class.

*Please consider using this daily as a way to connect and build relationships with your students.​​​

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Activity #2 T-Chart Active Listening vs. Disengagement 

This activity highlights the power of connection and the importance of active listening. 

#1 Ask the students if they can recall a time when someone asked them a question but didn’t listen once they began responding. How did this make them feel? 

#2 Define Active Listening as a class. For your reference active listening is listening to understand while using nonverbal communication to indicate you are listening.

#3Define disengagement as a class: For your reference designment is disconnection using nonverbal communication to indicate you are not listening. 

#4 Reference your worksheet. Have the students work independently and include examples of each in their T-Chart. Have them share their examples as a group or with a partner. 

#5 As time allows have a class discuss to reinforce the importance of active listening in different scenarios.

 

Activity #3 Let’s Practice Connecting 

We are going to practice connecting by combining activities 1 and 2.

Have students pair up (group of 3 if needed). Students will take turns asking each other how they are doing and actively listening to their partner. Have the students reference the bullet points on the worksheet. Remind them that their words matter. The level of connection will vary depending on how well they know their partner. Please encourage your students to be real! If it makes sense for your class, you may want to have a conversation around authenticity. 

 

Activity #4 Why does connection matter? 

Discuss as a class the value of connection. Does it matter? Students can take notes on their worksheet. 

Here are some possible prompts to help get the conversation going: Does connection help you feel like you belong? Do you think connection changes how well you do in school? Does connection help you want to come to school? Do your connections influence your confidence? (HINT, the answer is YES!) ☺ 

 

*Please encourage students to share what they’ve learned with family and friends. 

*If time allows ask students what they learned today and what their biggest takeaways are and how they can use this in real life? 

 

Lesson in review: 

It’s important that we take the time to check in with ourselves. It’s important when we are engaging in conversations that we practice active listening. Practicing connection helps us in real life situations. Connection matters. These are real world skills that can use in this classroom and far beyond.