Build connections from day one!
Start the school year with this engaging Back-to-School "Getting to Know You" activity designed to help students share about themselves, discover common interests, and foster a strong sense of belonging in your classroom. Inspired by John Hattie’s research on the powerful effect size of belonging in student achievement, this activity doubles as both an icebreaker and a community builder for your Spanish class.
Perfect for middle school and high school Spanish learners, this resource encourages meaningful interaction in the target language while creating a welcoming and inclusive classroom culture. Students will have opportunities to express themselves, listen actively to peers, and find connections that help strengthen classroom relationships.
What’s Included:
Printable and Digital Versions (Google Slides™ compatible)
Student-friendly instructions in Spanish (editable to fit your needs)
Fun, conversation-based prompts to help students open up
Community-building questions that promote inclusion and respect
Optional reflection prompts to deepen connections
Why Teachers Love It:
✅ Builds classroom community from day one
✅ Supports positive student-teacher relationships
✅ Encourages authentic communication in Spanish
✅ Aligns with research-based strategies for student success
✅ Works for any proficiency level – adaptable for differentiation
Perfect For:
First day of school
Beginning-of-year activities
Advisory or homeroom periods
SEL (Social Emotional Learning) lessons
Spanish 1, Spanish 2, or Heritage Spanish learners
💡 Teacher Tip: Pair this activity with a short mini-lesson on belonging and inclusion. Share Hattie’s research with students so they understand why a sense of belonging matters for learning and life.