Team-Building Strategies for the Secondary Classroom

Team-building activities get a lot of love in the first few days of school. Those early class periods are full of icebreakers, get-to-know-you games, and community-centric experiences. By the time the second marking period rolls around, it can feel like those moments of fun and connection have vanished. However, our need for classroom community is ever-present. When students feel connected with each other, the learning environment becomes more positive and effective; so, it’s vital to prioritize team-building throughout the year. We totally get it — it can feel impossible to balance the demands of middle and high school curricula with year-round team-building activities. Thankfully, it IS possible…with a little bit of creativity. Read on for 3 ideas to help you incorporate team-building year-round!

1. Create group work opportunities

One of the simplest ways to keep team-building alive is by creating regular group work opportunities. It doesn’t have to be fancy — even quick activities like think-pair-shares or jigsaw discussions can go a long way! On the other hand, if you’re looking for some more sustained collaboration, group projects can be an impactful way to combine course content with interpersonal skill-building. In both the big and small moments of collaboration, remember that purposeful grouping makes a difference—rotate groups periodically so students can work with new classmates and build a more inclusive classroom environment.

2. Build team spirit through games

Games aren’t just for the first week of school! When used wisely, they can be quick, engaging ways to foster community throughout the year. Putting students in teams for content review games, like Treasure Trap or Bubble Pop, can be an easy way to enhance your community-building efforts. Sometimes, though, it is worthwhile to play games solely for the sake of team-building. If you’re looking for a seasonal option, try our “Thanksgiving Fake Out” trivia game where students work in teams to create fake (but convincing) fun “facts” about the holiday. For an everyday option, consider adding short, whole-class brain breaks into your lessons, like Pictionary or charades. These mini-breaks help keep students energized and connected, making the classroom a more positive space for everyone.

3. Be quietly strategic

Sometimes, the most effective team-building happens when it’s seamlessly integrated into your routine. Get to know your students on a deeper level by using “About Me” activities throughout the year. Not only do these activities help students reflect on their own identities, but they also give you insight into shared interests and potential connections. Use this information to pair or group students who might have things in common, fostering natural connections and helping students feel seen and valued.

We hope that whether you try one of these strategies or feel inspired to use a team-building method of your own, you will find ways to prioritize connections in your classroom all year long. Even small moments of community creation can lead to powerful outcomes!

Questions? Ideas to share? We’d love to chat! Send us an email at hello@survivinginsecondary.com, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.