How Do You Build Classroom Community Without the Cringe?

Let’s be honest: community-building can feel awkward for both teachers and students. Those week-long icebreaker marathons can leave everyone rolling their eyes, wondering when they’ll finally get to actual class content. The truth is, you can foster a strong, connected classroom without forcing cheesy activities or wasting instructional time. With the right approach, building a classroom community can feel natural, intentional…and even enjoyable! Read on for three tips to break the ice without the cringe.

Integrate Icebreakers into Content

Standalone icebreakers have their place, but they get old quickly. Remember that your middle and high school students aren’t just doing icebreakers in your class…they’re doing them in EVERY class. Given a choice between “tell me a fun fact” and “let’s dive into a lesson,” many students would choose the latter. So, consider integrating get-to-know-you activities into your content! When community-building activities feel like a seamless part of the curriculum, students engage more genuinely, and you get the added bonus of reinforcing content at the same time.

The Museum of You is perfect for History or Social Studies. Students create exhibits representing their personalities and interests, giving peers a meaningful way to get to know one another while connecting to historical “exhibits” or museum-style projects in class.
Use the Treasure Trap Trivia Game to blend review and relationship-building. This game introduces a collaborative, competitive format that can be reused throughout the year, making it a fun way for students to interact and practice teamwork.

By embedding these types of activities naturally into lessons, community building stops feeling like an add-on and starts feeling like part of the classroom culture.

Foster Relationships One Conversation at a Time

Strong classroom communities are built on real relationships, not just shared activities. One of the most powerful ways to build trust is the 2x10 method: dedicate two minutes a day for ten consecutive days to a brief, personal conversation with each student. These chats aren’t about academics—they’re about interests, experiences, and connection. And before you panic, these chats are not all at once! Choose one student per period, use the method for 10 days, and then repeat with another set of students. We promise that it’s worth the effort!

Even short, intentional interactions can make a huge difference. Over time, students notice that you see them as individuals, which encourages engagement, respect, and a willingness to collaborate with classmates. While you can’t meet with every student at once, rotating through the class consistently ensures that everyone feels valued and heard.

Make Community Building a Year-Round Priority

Community building doesn’t end after the first few weeks of school. Like any classroom culture practice, it requires consistent attention. Incorporate collaborative projects, group challenges, reflective discussions, or quick team-building exercises throughout the year. Encourage students to take ownership of the class culture by letting them lead small activities or share their interests with peers.

When students feel connected to both you and one another, they take more academic risks, participate more fully, and develop empathy for their classmates. By making community building an ongoing priority, you create a classroom environment that’s supportive, engaging, and dynamic from day one to the last day of school.

Creating a connected classroom doesn’t have to feel forced, awkward, or cringe-worthy. By weaving activities into lessons, intentionally building relationships through small daily interactions, and maintaining a focus on community year-round, you’ll foster a space where students feel seen, valued, and ready to learn. We’re rooting for you!