Teacher instructions: Set up a large circle of chairs in the classroom or outside. Start with an icebreaker game "Stand up, sit down". Students take it in turns to stand up and make a statement that applies to them - e.g. I like broccoli, I have a dog, I play league, I like Fortnite. People stand up if the statement is also true for them.

Then, read out the list of statements below and have students stand up if it applies to them. Feel free to add your own statements that are relevant to the class.

Next, ask students to name something about the person to their right that is the same as them. They cannot repeat something someone else has said. Then, name something about the person to their right that is different to them. Finally, give a compliment to the person on their right.

Sentence starter - I find it easiest to learn when... Students go around the circle and finish the sentence (they are allowed to repeat answers).

Finally, lead a discussion about understanding that everyone learns in different ways and asks how we can all support each other and show empathy in the classroom. Come up with three ideas as a class of changes that could be made.

Purpose of activity: To encourage student understanding that everyone works in different ways and that the way they like to work doesn’t mean it is the right way. As a class, these discussions can prompt the establishment of a class treaty of how, as a community, they can show empathy and support each other in their learning.