Kick off the school year with 5 simple peer connection ideas that help build trust, kindness, and classroom community from day one. For more classroom routine ideas visit https://southernschoolhouse.com/classroom-routines/
By Shannon at Southern Schoolhouse
Peer Connection 1: Motivational Clip Challenge (see Reel on IG)
My daughter played club volleyball and it became a trend at tournaments to put motivational clips on random backpacks. I thought why not bring this to the classroom! This activity is a fun and meaningful way to reinforce class expectations and positive behavior.
First, give each student a clip with a motivational phrase (“You rock” “Never give up!” “You matter” etc.).
Next, let them create five of their own. Then, during the first week of school, they quietly clip someone each day who is modeling class expectations (see article, “Building a Culture of Respect).
Great for observation skills and peer encouragement.
Peer Connection 2: “Tag, You’re It” Compliment Stickers
Each student gets 3 “compliment tags” (sticky notes or printed badge cards).
They look for classmates who are showing kindness, teamwork, or helpfulness (class expectations) and secretly tag their desk, binder, or cubby.
At the end of the day, students share the compliment they received or gave (optional) or just take them home as a feel-good surprise.
Peer Connection 3: Classmate Bingo
Create a Bingo board filled with positive prompts like:
“Helped someone clean up,” “Included a new friend,” “Followed directions right away”
Throughout the week, students try to fill their board by observing others.
Each time they spot someone completing a square, they write that person’s name in the box.
Use it to start a Friday reflection or class shoutout session.
Peer Connection 4: Puzzle Piece People
First, prep a class puzzle with one blank piece per student.
On the first day, have each student decorate their piece with things they love or words that describe them.
As the week goes on, classmates can write kind notes or compliments on the back of each other’s pieces.
By Friday, assemble the puzzle and hang it up, a powerful reminder that everyone belongs.
Peer Connection 5: Kindness Chain Reaction
Start with one paper chain link, a note from you that says something like, “Thanks for being a great part of our class.” Use a popsicle stick (with student names) to randomly choose who will receive the first link. Loop the paper into a ring and begin building the chain somewhere visible in your room.
At the end of the day, that student reflects on the prompt: “Who made your day better today?”
They write a short note recognizing a classmate’s kindness or positive behavior and add it as the next link in the chain. You can draw a new popsicle stick each day to decide who receives the next link, ensuring everyone gets a turn.
Watch the chain grow each day as it wraps around the classroom, a visual reminder of connection, kindness, and noticing others. With one link added per day, your class will complete the full chain in about a month.
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