Introduction

As an educator, one of the most important skills you can teach your students is how to make introductions and build connections. This helps students develop essential social skills, fosters a sense of belonging in the classroom, and creates a foundation for healthy relationships. In this blog post, we will explore an easy, no-prep activity that will help students practice making introductions, as well as a set of discussion questions to encourage further exploration of this skill. We will also provide related skills and resources to support your students’ Social-Emotional Learning journey.

No-Prep Activity

The “Introductions and Connections” activity is a simple, no-prep exercise that encourages students to practice introducing themselves and making connections with others. Here’s how it works:

1. Begin by having students sit or stand in a circle.
2. Ask each student to think of a short introduction that includes their name and one interesting fact about themselves.
3. Going around the circle, each student will introduce themselves using their prepared statement, followed by the phrase “Nice to meet you.” For example: “Hi, I’m Josh. I’m new in this school. I love playing soccer. Nice to meet you.”
4. After each introduction, the rest of the group will respond with “Nice to meet you too, [student’s name].” For example: “Nice to meet you too, Josh.”
5. Once everyone has had a turn, ask students to reflect on the experience and share any connections they discovered with their peers.

This activity not only helps students practice making introductions but also encourages them to listen actively and find common interests with their classmates.

Discussion Questions

After completing the “Introductions and Connections” activity, use these discussion questions to further explore the importance of making introductions and building connections:

1. Why is it important to introduce ourselves when meeting new people?
2. How did it feel to share something about yourself with the group? Were you nervous, excited, or something else?
3. What did you learn about your classmates during this activity? Were there any surprises or connections you didn’t expect?
4. How can making introductions and building connections help us develop stronger relationships in our daily lives?
5. What are some other ways we can practice and improve our social skills?

Related Skills

In addition to making introductions and building connections, there are many other social skills that are essential for students to develop. Some of these skills include:

• Active listening
• Empathy and understanding
• Effective communication
• Respecting personal boundaries
• Conflict resolution

By teaching these skills, you will help your students create a more inclusive, supportive, and positive learning environment.

Next Steps

Now that you have learned about the “Introductions and Connections” activity and have explored the importance of developing social skills, it’s time to take the next step in your students’ Social-Emotional Learning journey. We invite you to sign up for free samples of our resources, including activities, videos, and lesson plans designed to help students develop essential social skills. By incorporating these resources into your classroom, you will be providing your students with the tools they need to build strong connections and thrive in their social lives.