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Sign Up for EmailsBuilding Strong Connections in the Classroom
Every student deserves to feel welcomed, valued and connected.
Whether a child is adjusting to a military move, starting at a new school or simply looking for their place in the classroom, strong relationships can make all the difference. These free lesson plans help educators create inclusive classroom communities where every student has opportunities to build friendships, strengthen resilience and develop a sense of belonging.
Developed by pediatric mental health experts, these ready-to-use activities are designed specifically for educators and organized by grade level to make implementation simple.
What's Inside Each Lesson Plan
Each grade-level toolkit includes practical activities educators can begin using immediately, including:
- Classroom community-building activities
- Weekly student check-ins
- Conversation starters
- Friendship-building exercises
- "Getting to Know You" worksheets
- Recommended reading lists
- Parent and caregiver resources
- Tips for supporting military-connected students throughout the school year
Everything is designed to fit naturally into existing classroom routines while helping students build meaningful connections.
Choose Your Grade Level
Pre-K–Kindergarten
Age-appropriate activities that help young learners build friendships, express emotions and create a welcoming classroom environment through play, conversation and simple routines.
Download Pre-K–KindergartenGrades 1–5
Interactive lessons that encourage teamwork, empathy and belonging while helping students connect with classmates and develop positive classroom relationships.
Download Grades 1–5Grades 6–8
Designed for middle school students, this toolkit includes weekly check-ins, conversation starters, friendship-building activities and classroom exercises that encourage self-reflection, resilience and meaningful peer connections.
Download Grades 6–8Grades 9–12
Resources that help high school students build relationships, strengthen emotional awareness and foster classroom communities where every student feels seen, heard and supported.
Download Grades 9–12Created by Pediatric Mental Health Experts
These free lesson plans were developed by The Kids Mental Health Foundation with support from Bread Financial to give educators practical strategies that strengthen classroom connections and promote mental wellness for military-connected youth and other new students.
