First Chapter Fridays
Read aloud a chapter of a book your students are interested in to build community around stories and storytelling.
![Person sitting on the floor while holding a book.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/personholdingbook_2017_FH2174436_teaser.jpeg?h=84071268&itok=8vuJsWXh)
Compass Points
Students get an opportunity to give feedback about the class and communicate their needs and worries.
![A person holds a compass in their hand with the ocean in the background.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/personholdingblackandwhitecompass_FH2174435_teaser.jpeg?h=5dfb68b6&itok=-Xaib-Ey)
Mood Meter
This mood meter activity develops students’ vocabulary for describing their feelings and their empathy muscles.
![Two middle school students write with pencils on a big paper activity.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/ClassroomImage_FH2101676.jpg?h=c11c9c1d&itok=2LE9vXfG)
Exit Cards
Students share how they are feeling, what their needs are, and what goals they’d like to set in an exit card.
![A person holds a glass door open with a backpack over one shoulder.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/manholdingglassdoor_2017_FH2174434.jpg?h=d8832164&itok=qp7RoHxk)
What’s In a Name?
Students explore the relationship between our names, identities, and the societies in which we live.
![A pile of "Hello my name is" nametags and sharpie markers sit on top of a desk.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/nametags_2018_FH2174433.jpg?h=881f65d3&itok=7hpJX7aW)
Frame a Special Item
Students identify an object that holds special meaning and learn about each other by sharing the stories of these special items.
![A person holding a rectangular white photo frame near a body of water.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/personholdingwhitephotoframe_FH2174431.jpg?h=85ee10f1&itok=FI7scKNp)
Envisioning Our Classroom Space
Students analyze a poem in order to determine the qualities of a classroom community where members are seen, valued, and heard.
![Two students look at each other in conversation. One student is also taking notes.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/ClassroomEvent_2018_%20FH287178.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=CX7H4ckw)
Strategies for Parents & Teens: Back to School
Support your teen as they navigate the start of the school year.
![Grandmother And Her Grandchildren In Backpacks Preparing To Go To School](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-09/MCC_BTS%20Resource_Cover%20Img.png?h=3a73a9c1&itok=yvASb9YT)
Student Activities: Responding to Recent Shootings and the Perils of Daily Life
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These student-facing slides contain activities designed to help students process feelings of insecurity in the face of the recent shootings of young people going about their daily lives.
![KANSAS CITY, MO- APRIL 18: Protesters chant at a rally for Black teen Ralph Yarl in front of U.S. District Court on April 18, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-04/Rally%20for%20Ralph%20Yarl-Kansas%20City%20MO-2023%20%28FH2190247%29.jpg?h=a49d782d&itok=D_EEUE8c)
Identity Chart Template
Use this printable identity chart template in your classroom to help students map the many factors that shape a person or group's identity.
![The identity chart template PDF displayed against a teal background.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-10/Identity%20Chart%20Template%20%281900%20%C3%97%201414%20px%29%20%282%29.png?h=d3d13267&itok=-N5aFtDx)