Best for: Building relationships gradually throughout the semester.
Create a predictable opportunity for relational conversation during class. Use it weekly, every other week, or at natural transition points.
Keep the routine simple:
Prompt → Connect → Share → Rotate
Start with accessible prompts and gradually offer opportunities for deeper conversation.
Early in the semester
What's something you're looking forward to this week?
What's something that made you smile recently?
What's one thing you'd like your classmates to know about you?
As relationships develop
What's something you're figuring out right now?
What's a perspective or experience that influences how you approach this class?
What's something you've learned from someone in this class?
Periodically change partners or groups so students have opportunities to build relationships beyond their usual classmates.
Faculty Reflection:
Who seems increasingly connected to others? Who may still be on the edges of the classroom community? What small change could create another opportunity for connection?