Finding Shared Interests Lesson Plan

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Standards Addressed

• Relationship Skills: the ability to develop positive relationships with diverse individuals and groups.
• Social Awareness: the ability to demonstrate an understanding of the perspectives of others and show respect and empathy.

Objectives

Students will be able to:

• Practice effective communication and cooperation skills by engaging in partner discussions
• Identify common interests with peers
• Reflect on the experience of connecting with peers

Materials

• Individual dry-erase board or large sheets of paper for students to write on
• Notebook or computer for reflection
• Puzzles (preferably from a dollar store)
• Timer

Assessment

Students can be assessed on:

• Pair work
• Reflection

Activating Prior Knowledge

Ask students, “What makes a friendship special?” Encourage students to reflect on their existing relationships as they respond. Explain that today’s lesson will involve interacting with multiple classmates to discover shared interests, which is a key part of building new relationships.

Lesson Steps

1) Explain that students will partner up and have 5 minutes to find as many things in common as possible. Then, they will spend 3-5 minutes completing a simple puzzle together. When the time is up, they will rotate to a new partner and repeat the activity. Adjust the timing as needed to fit the schedule and student needs.

(This activity can be completed in one day or serve as a daily warm-up with students partnering with a new student each day.)

2) Lead a classroom discussion and create a list of topics for students that offer examples of common ground such as hobbies, sports, music, books, movies, siblings/family, values, strengths, and fears.

3) Pair students and give each pair something to write their list on (notebook, large sheet of paper, tablet, etc.). Monitor student performance by circulating the room and providing support or guidance as needed. Set clear behavioral expectations for students to be respectful, attentive, and open-minded while speaking with their partners. At the 5-minute mark, pass out one puzzle to each pair to complete.

4) If teachers are doing multiple partners in a row, have students move to a new partner after 3-5 minutes of working on the puzzle or when the puzzle is complete, whichever is more appropriate.

5) Bring the class back together for a quick share-out. Encourage students to share something they learned about a partner or something they have in common.

Reflection

Instruct students to write a journal entry about one meaningful connection they made and how they felt during the conversation. Emphasize the importance of being honest and thoughtful in their reflections.

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Here is the printable version of the Finding Shared Interests Lesson Plan.

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