Identity Sparks Slides Community Compass • Day 1 Grade 7 Advisory & Community
Room Community
Identity Sparks
Uncover your superpowers, share your story, and ignite the connections that power our classroom crew.
Spark Warm-Up
Two Truths & A Spark
Create & Design
Your Identity Crest
Share & Connect
Crew Gallery Walk
Warm-Up: Two Truths & A Spark
5-7 Minutes
1
How It Works
Think of 2 true facts about your summer or hobbies, plus 1 "Spark Wish" (something cool you hope to try this school year).
Example: "I baked 40 cupcakes, I play soccer, and my Spark Wish is learning how to code games."
2
Table Guess Routine
Share your 3 statements with your elbow partner.
Partner guesses which one is the future Spark Wish!
Swap roles so both voices are heard equally.
Ground Rule: Celebrate every response—no teasing, only curiosity!
Ready? Turn & Talk!
The Identity Crest Challenge
Individual Work: 15 Mins
Quadrant 1
Core Passions
What lights you up? Music, sports, gaming, art, books, cooking, or pets.
Draw or write 2 items
Quadrant 2
Superpower
A strength you bring: humor, listening, creativity, problem-solving, or calm.
Name your strength
Quadrant 3
Personal Motto
A lyric, quote, or sentence you live by when things get challenging.
Write your motto
Quadrant 4
7th Grade Goal
One new milestone you want to reach socially, creatively, or academically.
Set your target
Use colored pencils, sketches, or words. Make it 100% authentically YOU!
Handout On Your Desk
Silent Gallery Walk & Sticky Sparks
10 Mins Movement
A
Leave Crest on Desk
Place your crest flat on your desk with sticky notes beside it. Push your chair in gently.
B
Browse with Care
Roam silently around the room. Look for people who share a passion or have a unique strength.
C
Leave 2 Sticky Sparks
Write an encouraging note: "We both love soccer!" or "Your motto inspires me!"
Look for at least ONE classmate you haven't spoken with yet today.
Day 1 Debrief: Crew Reflections
Closing Circle
Whole-Class Popcorn Reflection
"What is one surprising thing you learned about a classmate today, or one strength in our room you are glad to have on our crew?"
Preview for Day 2: Common Ground
Tomorrow, we step into the Connection Quest to interview peers, discover hidden commonalities, and build active listening habits!
Our Classroom Crest Wall is officially open! Thank you for sharing your authentic selves today.
Identity Crest Handout Community Compass Sequence • Lesson 1 Grade 7 Advisory
My Identity Crest
Name:
Date:
Your crest represents who you are, what you value, and what you bring to our 7th grade crew. Complete each quadrant with drawings, symbols, or words.
Quadrant 1 Passions & Interests
What hobbies, music, sports, or topics make you lose track of time?
Quadrant 2 Hidden Superpower
A personal strength you bring to groups (e.g., humor, listening, calmness, logic).
Quadrant 3 Personal Motto / Quote
A line, lyrics, or saying that inspires you when facing a tough challenge.
Quadrant 4 7th Grade Hope or Goal
One skill you want to master or a goal you want to achieve this school year.
My One-Word Identity Spark:
Keep It Bold
Part 2: Crew Connection Log Identity Sparks
Gallery Walk & Connection Log
As you silently view your classmates' crests, find 3 peers who spark your curiosity. Note their strengths and any shared connections.
Classmate Discoveries
Classmate #1 Name:
Discovery 1
One interesting passion or strength on their crest:
One connection or similarity we share:
Classmate #2 Name:
Discovery 2
One interesting passion or strength on their crest:
One connection or similarity we share:
Classmate #3 Name:
Discovery 3
One interesting passion or strength on their crest:
One connection or similarity we share:
Reflect & Connect
1. What is one strength our classroom has as a whole, based on what you saw today?
2. What is one positive action you can take this week to make our classroom feel welcoming to everyone?
Ready for Day 2: Speed Interviews & Common Ground! Crew Compass Approved
Identity Sparks Teacher Guide Teacher Facilitation Guide • Day 1 of 3 Grade 7 Community Building
Identity Sparks: Facilitator Guide
45–50 Minutes
Core Objective: Establish a welcoming classroom culture where every 7th grader feels valued, seen, and empowered to contribute their individual identity and strengths.
00–08 MIN
Welcome & Spark Warm-Up
08–25 MIN
Identity Crest Creation
25–40 MIN
Gallery Walk & Sticky Sparks
40–48 MIN
Circle Debrief & Exit Ticket
1 Warm-Up: Two Truths & A Spark (8 min)
Frame this as low-stakes and fun. Emphasize that the "Spark Wish" can be small (e.g., "try a new book series") or ambitious ("join track and field").
Teacher Script: "In our room, we honor who you already are and who you want to become. Listen closely to your partner—what excites them?"
2 Identity Crest Crafting (17 min)
Distribute colored pencils and the crest handout. Walk around encouraging students who feel stuck:
Passions: Remind them passions aren't just school subjects—include music, pets, cooking, sports, or gaming.Superpower: Reframe as character strengths (e.g., patient, observant, good listener, humor).
3 Silent Gallery Walk & Sticky Sparks (15 min)
Hand each student 2 sticky notes. Set ground rules: silent movement, hands to self, only respectful/encouraging comments.
Positive Feedback Starters: "I love your motto!", "I also play the drums!", "Your goal is super inspiring!"
Adaptations & Supports
Reluctant Sharers:
Allow symbolic doodles, logos, or 1-word responses. Never force oral sharing on Day 1.
Multilingual Learners:
Encourage mottos or passions written in native languages. Invite them to translate their motto.
Fast Finishers:
Invite them to add color/border patterns or write an extra sticky spark for someone whose desk has none yet.
Closing Circle Questions
"Who discovered a shared interest with someone they've never talked to before?"
"How does knowing each other's superpowers help us work better in group projects?"
"What is one feeling you want our classroom to have every single day?"
Materials Needed
✓ 1 Crest Handout per student
✓ Colored pencils / markers
Common Ground Slides Community Compass • Day 2 Active Listening & Connection
Connection Quest
Common Ground
Beyond first impressions: practicing active listening, discovering shared threads, and building real peer respect.
Active Listening
The 3-L Rule
Speed Interviews
3 Quick Rounds
Affinity Map
Shared Orbit Venn
The Active Listening Code: 3-L Rule
Classroom Norm
1
Look
Show you care with calm eye contact or attentive body posture facing your speaker. Put pens down while they talk.
2
Listen
Listen to understand, not just to reply! Wait until they fully finish their sentence before you speak.
3
Link
Ask a genuine follow-up question or say: "That's interesting because..." to build a bridge.
Golden Rule: No interrupting, no one-upping ("well I did that better"). Respect is total.
Speed Interview Challenge
4 Mins Per Partner
Partner Routine
A Partner A speaks: Answers the prompt for 90 seconds while Partner B listens actively.
B Partner B switches: Answers the prompt for 90 seconds while Partner A listens.
C Log & Thank: Record 1 common ground and say: "Thanks for sharing with me!"
Prompt Starters
Round 1: "What is your dream weekend: chilling, adventuring, or creating?"
Round 2: "If you could instantly master any musical instrument or sport, what?"
Round 3: "What helps you feel most supported when you're stressed?"
When the chime rings, say thank you and move to your next assigned interview partner! Record in your worksheet log
Mapping the Shared Orbit
Synthesis: 10 Mins
Only You
Unique habits, niche talents, or personal viewpoints that make you distinct.
The Overlap
Surprising shared habits, favorite foods, pet peeves, or shared hopes for 7th grade!
Your Peers
Fascinating ideas and perspectives you learned from your classmates today.
Middle school superpower: realizing that we are far more connected than we appear on the surface!
Day 2 Debrief: Active Listening Wins
Closing Circle
Partner Appreciation Routine
Turn to one person you interviewed today and deliver your specific compliment card:
Connection Quest Worksheet Community Compass Sequence • Lesson 2 Grade 7 Active Listening
Connection Quest: Interview Log
Name:
Date:
3-L Active Listening Goals:
☐ Look: Eyes on speaker ☐ Listen: No interrupting ☐ Link: Ask 1 follow-up
1 Round 1: Free Time & Energy
Partner Name:
Prompt: "What is your dream weekend: chilling, adventuring, or creating? Why?"
What my partner shared:
Follow-up question I asked:
Common ground or difference noted:
2 Round 2: Curiosity & Talents
Partner Name:
Prompt: "If you could instantly master any musical instrument or sport, what?"
What my partner shared:
Follow-up question I asked:
Common ground or difference noted:
3 Round 3: Support & Teamwork
Partner Name:
Prompt: "What helps you feel most supported or encouraged when you're stressed?"
What my partner shared:
Follow-up question I asked:
Common ground or difference noted:
Remember: Active listening means valuing their perspective! Turn over for Orbit Map →
Part 2: Affinity Map & Debrief Common Ground
The Shared Orbit Map
Reflect on your 3 interviews. Map your individual identity, your classmates' unique insights, and the common threads connecting you.
My Orbit Only
Unique habits or tastes none of my partners had
Shared Threads
Surprising commonalities, values, or hopes in common
Classmates' Orbit
Cool facts, hobbies, or ideas learned from peers
Communication Reflections
1. How did it feel when your partner used active listening (eye contact, not interrupting)?
2. What is one listening habit you commit to practicing during group work this term?
Peer Appreciation Shoutout Card
(Write and hand to one of your interview partners)
To:
From:
"One thing I really admired or appreciated about talking with you today was:"
Common Ground Teacher Guide Teacher Facilitation Guide • Day 2 of 3 Grade 7 Active Listening & Dialogue
Common Ground: Facilitator Guide
45–50 Minutes
Core Objective: Guide students to practice explicit active listening routines, uncover hidden peer commonalities, and build empathy across social circles.
00–07 MIN
3-L Listening Norms Launch
07–25 MIN
Speed Interview Rotations
25–38 MIN
Shared Orbit Synthesis
38–48 MIN
Appreciation Exchange & Debrief
Rotation Setup: Concentric Circles or Speed Rows
Avoid free-choice partner selection so students cross social bubbles:
Concentric Circles: Inside circle faces outside circle. On rotation cue, inside circle shifts 2 chairs clockwise.Facing Desks: Two rows of desks face each other. Row 1 remains seated; Row 2 rotates one seat right.Odd Number Strategy: Create one "Trio Station" where time is split into three 60-second shares, or partner with the teacher!
Facilitator Script & Timekeeper Signals
To launch: "In middle school, we often assume we know who someone is before we even talk to them. Today is about replacing assumptions with curiosity."
Transition chime: "Switch speakers! Partner B has the floor for 90 seconds. Partner A, practice active listening with eyes and nod."
Middle School Trouble Spots & Quick Fixes
One-word mumbles: Coach listeners to ask: "Tell me more about why you like that."
Interrupters: Remind the room: "Listening isn't waiting for your turn to talk; it's absorbing what they are offering."
Look-Fors During Rotations
✓ Body language turned toward peer without phone or desktop distractions
✓ Follow-up questions that genuinely connect to partner's comment
✓ Warm tone during the appreciation card exchange
Closing Reflection Prompts
"Did anyone find an unexpected commonality with someone you thought was completely different?"
"How does listening well protect people's feelings and help everyone take risks in class?"
Teacher Prep
✓ Double-sided Connection Quest sheet
✓ Chime, bell, or timer for rotations
✓ Scissors (optional for compliment slip)
Day 2 Milestone: Students experience empathy in real time, laying the groundwork for our collaborative Day 3 Crew Charter!
Crew Charter Slides Community Compass • Day 3 Norms & Classroom Charter
Our Collective Pact
Crew Charter
From individuals to a team: co-creating the agreements that keep our classroom safe, brave, and inspiring every single day.
Rules vs. Norms
Why Agreements Matter
The 4 Pillars
Our Culture Blueprint
The Signing
Pledge & Time Capsule
Rules vs. Community Agreements
Class Mindset Shift
Old School "Don't" Rules
• Made by someone else without our voice.
• Focus only on punishments: "Don't do this, don't do that."
• Doesn't teach how we actually treat one another.
Our Crew Agreements
• Co-created by every student in this room.
• Focus on values: "How we uplift, listen, and grow together."
• Owned and protected by the entire crew!
When students own the norms, everyone protects the community culture.
The 4 Pillars of Our Crew Charter
Consensus Building
1
Respect the Mic
One voice at a time. We listen to peers with full attention and value different perspectives.
2
Academic Bravery
Mistakes are proof of learning. No laughter, eye-rolling, or side comments when someone takes a risk.
3
Lift As We Climb
In group work, we pull our weight and ensure no teammate is left confused or isolated.
4
Own the Impact
If conflict happens, apologize sincerely, fix the harm, and reset without holding grudges.
Turn to your group: Which pillar is most critical for you to thrive this year? Discuss for 2 Mins
The Charter Signing Protocol
Community Commitment
1
Personal Focus
On your Blueprint sheet, choose 1 specific pillar you will personally champion this semester.
2
Wall Signature
Come up to the classroom charter poster and sign your signature alongside your classmates.
3
Time Capsule
Write a secret letter to your future self at the end of 7th grade. Sealed until the final week!
By signing, you promise to be someone who makes this classroom feel safe for all.
Community Compass: Mission Complete!
Grade 7 Crew Official
Squad Blueprint Handout Community Compass Sequence • Lesson 3 Grade 7 Classroom Agreements
Classroom Crew Blueprint
Name:
Date:
Work with your table crew to draft actionable agreements for how our class treats each other in key moments.
Scenario 1: Respect The Mic When someone is speaking or presenting...
What specific behaviors prove the speaker is valued and heard?
Our Agreed Action: "In our room, we will..."
Scenario 2: Academic Bravery When someone gives a wrong answer or struggles...
What reactions make it safe for everyone to take academic risks?
Our Agreed Action: "In our room, we will..."
Scenario 3: Lift As We Climb During group activities or teamwork...
How will we make sure work is shared fairly and no one feels isolated?
Our Agreed Action: "In our room, we will..."
Scenario 4: Own The Impact When conflict, hurt feelings, or misunderstandings occur...
How do we apologize, repair the relationship, and move forward?
Our Agreed Action: "In our room, we will..."
Consensus Rule: Every member of your group must agree to these statements. Turn to Page 2 for Pledge →
Part 2: Personal Pledge & Future Self Crew Charter
My Personal Crew Commitment
Community is built on personal integrity. Choose your primary focus and seal your commitment to our classroom.
Official Student Pledge
I, , pledge to be an active, respectful member of this classroom crew. The pillar I personally promise to champion most this semester is:
☐ Respect Mic
☐ Academic Bravery
☐ Lift As We Climb
☐ Own Impact
Signature:
Date:
Confidential Letter to My End-of-Year Self
Do Not Open Until June
1. One positive contribution I want to be known for making to our classroom community:
2. When schoolwork gets tough or overwhelming, what should my future self remember?
3. One hope I have for how my classmates and I will support each other throughout 7th grade:
Sealed and stored safely in the Class Time Capsule Vault.
Compass Sequence Complete
Crew Charter Teacher Guide Teacher Facilitation Guide • Day 3 of 3 Grade 7 Norms & Classroom Culture
Crew Charter: Facilitator Guide
45–50 Minutes
Core Objective: Facilitate collaborative consensus to transform student voice into a binding classroom charter, closing the launch sequence with high student ownership.
00–08 MIN
Rules vs. Agreements Framing
08–22 MIN
Small Group Scenario Consensus
22–38 MIN
Whole-Class Charter Synthesis
38–48 MIN
Signing Ceremony & Time Capsule
Reframing: Negative Rules into Positive Commitments
7th graders default to "don't" rules. Coach them to describe what the desired action looks and sounds like:
Instead of: "Don't laugh when someone messes up."
Instead of: "Don't talk over each other."
Fist-to-Five Consensus Protocol
When voting on proposed charter wording, use a quick hand signal:
5 Fingers: "Love it! I fully champion this norm."3–4 Fingers: "I agree and can live with this agreement."0–2 Fingers: "I have a concern. Let's adjust the wording."
The Signing Moment Ceremony
"A rule is something forced on you; an agreement is something you choose to protect. When your name goes on our poster, you are helping build the safest, most supportive room in our school."
Keeping the Charter Alive
Weekly Pillar Spotlight:
Select 1 pillar per week (e.g., "Academic Bravery") and celebrate student callouts every Friday.
Restorative Check-Ins:
When group friction occurs, ask: "Which charter agreement can help us reset right now?"
Mid-Year Revision:
Schedule a 15-minute tune-up in January to evaluate and update norms as students mature.
Display & Storage
Poster Board / Chart: Transfer the agreed text to a large display chart for prominent classroom mounting.
Time Capsule Box: Have an envelope or shoebox labeled "7th Grade Crew Capsule" for sealed student letters.
Sequence Debrief
Congratulations! Your classroom community has a shared language, deeper peer empathy, and a strong foundation for the entire school year.
