In order for learning to be effective, students need an environment where they feel safe to take risks in their learning. This is why I spend some time at the start of each semester for students to interact and get to know each other. 

Collaboration is a skill that the WEF identified as one of the 5 most important skills students need to build for the future. While the activities are engaging and fun, it’s important that we both consolidate the activity itself and also set aside time after each activity for students to reflect on their ability to collaborate and work with others. I've asked students to reflect on how well they communicated with peers, how well they listened, articulate the strategies they used to persevere with a challenge, brainstorm respectful ways to disagree with ideas (not people), how to agree and add to someone's ideas, etc.

I like to use these talk moves to encourage discussion throughout the year.