Connect and Grow Lesson Plan Connect & Grow
Individual Session (Tier 3) • 9th Grade
45 Minutes
Objective
To establish a positive and trusting rapport with a hesitant 9th-grade student through shared interests and low-stakes communication. Building this safety net is crucial for future academic and social engagement.
The Approach
Conversational, reciprocal, and engaging. The focus is on discovery and mutual sharing rather than instruction or assessment.
Materials List
Whiteboard or large chart paper
Variety of colored markers
Index cards or small slips of paper
Pens & Pencils
Student Interest Survey (Optional)
Cool Down Reflection sheet
Preparation Steps
• Review the lesson plan and adjust prompts based on any known student interests.
• Set up the physical space to be comfortable and non-threatening (e.g., sitting at a round table).
• Prepare 2 truths and 1 lie about yourself to model the first activity.
• Print the Interest Survey and Reflection sheets.
Session Flow
1
Warm-Up: Two Truths and a Lie
10 Minutes
Explain the activity rules. Start by sharing your own statements to model vulnerability and reduce pressure.
"I'll share three things. Two are true, one is a lie. Your job is to spot the lie! Then, it's your turn."
2
Shared Interests Brainstorm
20 Minutes
Use a whiteboard or chart paper. Brainstorm categories (music, movies, hobbies) and find "connection points."
"Let's see where our worlds overlap. What's one thing you're curious about right now?"
3
Cool Down Reflection
10 Minutes
Provide the Reflection sheet. Facilitate a brief discussion to reinforce positive connections made during the session.
Wrap-Up
5 Minutes
Thank the student, acknowledge a specific contribution they made, and set a positive tone for the next meeting.
Connect and Grow Slides Welcome
Connect & Grow:
Building Our Path Together
Let's discover what makes us unique and what we have in common!
Warm-Up: Two Truths and a Lie
Can you guess my lie?
1 I once met a famous astronaut.
2 My favorite food is sushi.
3 I can speak three languages.
How to Play
Share 3 statements about yourself.
Two are true , one is a lie .
The other person tries to spot the lie!
Discovering Our Worlds
What are you passionate about?
Movies & TV
Music
Gaming
Sports
Hobbies
My Interests & Hobbies
Think about the things that make you happy or excited. There are no wrong answers here!
Activities & Hobbies
Books, Movies & Shows
Music & Artists
Sports & Teams
"What's something you could talk about for hours?"
Finding Common Ground
Let's explore our connections and shared passions!
?
"Have you ever tried..."
!
"Me too! I love that..."
Reflect and Grow
Think back...
What did we discover today?
Take a moment with the Cool Down Reflection sheet.
Until Next Time!
Thanks for sharing and connecting today. I learned a lot about you, and I'm looking forward to our next session!
Connect and Grow Script Facilitator Script
Connect & Grow
Rapport-Building Facilitation Guide
Introduction
Teacher Script
"Hi [Student's Name] ! Thanks for coming today. My goal for our time together is really simple: I want us to get to know each other a little better. Sometimes it can feel a bit awkward starting fresh, so we're going to do some low-key activities that will help us find some common ground and just make you feel more comfortable here. There are no right or wrong answers, just an opportunity to connect. How does that sound?"
Allow time for student response. Maintain a relaxed, open posture.
Warm-Up: Two Truths and a Lie
Teacher Script
"Great! To kick things off, we're going to play a quick game called 'Two Truths and a Lie.' Have you played it before?"
"No worries if not! Here's how it works: I'll tell you three things about myself. Two of them will be true, and one will be a lie. Your job is to guess which one is the lie. Then, you'll get a chance to share your own two truths and a lie, and I'll try to guess yours. It's a fun way to learn some unexpected things about each other! I'll start first to show you how it's done."
Pro-Tip: Share one truth that is surprising or unique to spark curiosity, and make your lie plausible!
Activity: Shared Interests Brainstorm
Teacher Script
"That was a fun way to start! Now, I want to move into an activity where we can discover some of our shared interests. This isn't a test; it's just a conversation to see what excites us both. I have a whiteboard here. I'm going to write down some categories, and we can just brainstorm things we enjoy. How about we start with things like hobbies, movies, music, books, or even just random facts?"
"What are some things you really enjoy doing in your free time? Or any shows, movies, or games you're into right now?"
Facilitation Notes
Actively listen and make eye contact while the student speaks.
Write down their interests as they share them to validate their voice.
Share your own relevant interests to keep the conversation reciprocal.
If they are hesitant, offer specific prompts: "Is there a game you've played recently?" or "What kind of music is on your playlist right now?"
Cool Down Reflection
Teacher Script
"We've brainstormed some great ideas and found some cool connections! To wrap up, I have a few quick questions for us to reflect on. You can either tell me your answers, or if you prefer, you can jot them down on this Cool Down Reflection sheet. It's just a way to think about what we did today."
"What was one new thing you learned about me today, or about yourself?"
Cool Down Reflection Sheet Cool Down Reflection
Take a few moments to reflect on our session today.
Name:
Date:
Your honest thoughts are appreciated! There are no right or wrong answers—this is just for you to share your experience.
1. What was one new thing you learned about me today, or about yourself during our conversation?
2. What was something you enjoyed or found interesting about our session today?
3. Is there anything you're curious to talk more about next time, or something you think would make our next meeting even better?
4. On a scale of 1 to 5, how comfortable did you feel sharing today?
1
Not at all
2
A little
3
Somewhat
4
Mostly
5
Very much
Student Interest Survey Worksheet Student Interest Survey
Name:
Date:
This survey is just for me to get to know you a little better! There are no right or wrong answers, just share what you like.
1. Hobbies & Activities
What do you like to do outside of school?
2. Books, Movies, & TV
Favorite genres or specific titles?
3. Music & Artists
Who are you listening to right now?
4. Sports & Fitness
Do you play or enjoy watching sports?
5. Interesting Topics
What's something you find really interesting (in or out of school)?
6. New Skills
If you could learn any new skill or try any new activity, what would it be?
7. Uniquely You
Is there anything else you want me to know about you that makes you, YOU?
Uniquely Me Activity Guide Uniquely Me:
A Collage of Self-Expression
Alternative Connection Activity
Objective
To provide a creative, low-pressure outlet for a hesitant 9th-grade student to explore and visually express aspects of their identity, feelings, interests, and aspirations.
Why This Activity?
This activity offers a non-verbal pathway for self-expression, which can be incredibly beneficial for students who may find it challenging to articulate their thoughts and emotions verbally. It fosters self-awareness and provides a tangible representation of their inner world.
Materials Needed
Assorted magazines & newspapers
Construction paper or cardstock
Scissors & Glue sticks
Markers or colored pencils
Glitter, fabric, or yarn (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1
Introduction to Self-Expression (5 min)
"Today, we're going to create something that tells a story about YOU, without using many words..."
Explain that a collage is like a visual diary.
Emphasize that focus is on personal meaning, not artistic skill.
2
Gathering Your Story Pieces (15-20 min)
"Don't overthink it—just pick what resonates with you..."
Encourage the student to tear out or cut anything that catches their eye.
Offer prompts: "What images make you feel happy? What words describe your passions?"
3
Building Your Unique Collage (15-20 min)
"You can layer them, overlap them, or leave space..."
Encourage experimentation with placement before gluing.
Remind them there's no pressure to fill every single space.
4
Reflecting on Your Creation (Optional)
"What's one piece that feels really important to you, and why?"
Create a safe, non-judgmental space for sharing.
Focus on what they want to share, not on interpreting it for them.
Teacher Pro-Tip
While the student works, you can create your own collage too! This modeling reduces the feeling of being "watched" and makes it feel like a shared creative session.
