Activities to Start the Year

September 11, 2022

Students anonymously share their anxieties about the new school year, consider how to support each other, store their findings in a "time capsule" that they revisit later in the year – and pass on their wisdom and encouragement to the next class.

September 1, 2021

In this back-to-school activity, high school students partner with students from a class in a neighboring school to share and document strategies and coping mechanisms.

September 1, 2021

Students discuss the concept of Ubuntu, or interconnectedness, then consider the news this summer and its impact on us and on others around the world.

August 11, 2021

A collection of community building activities, SEL Tips, games, and lessons on self-care to get your year off to a good start.  

September 21, 2020

Nineteen classroom activities and guidelines to help you and your students get your virtual school year off to a good start.

August 28, 2019

This school year opens at a time of fear and trauma for immigrant children across the United States. Here are eight ways educators can protect students from harm and ease their distress.

August 13, 2019

Segue from the summer into the new school year by having students consider the summer's news, its impact on their communities, and what kind of impact they'd like to have in their communities.

August 8, 2019

How can we foster a classroom climate where every student feels supported - and where we can talk about the issues that are upsetting us? Here are some ideas.

August 13, 2018

The first few days of school are the perfect time to begin taking a restorative approach to discipline in your classroom. Step 1: Be in community with your students.

March 31, 2018

Register for our webinar to learn the basics of conflict resolution from a social and emotional learning standpoint (free & available on demand).