Patterns of Connection

Approximately once a month (or more often), have students write down four names – 3 classmates that they want to get to know better, work on a team project or assignment with, or just sit next to; and one classmate who has been a good friend during that prior time period. The teacher’s job is to study these responses and to look for patterns, in order to identify kids who are struggling to connect with others, or who are isolated or lonely. Who is not being named or requested? Who is not getting friend nominations? This exercise can be critical to enabling connections to the un-named kids. (internet search: teacher Kathy Pitt)