September Is Friendship Month! 20 Low-Prep Activities to Build Classroom Friendships

September is here, and with it comes fresh notebooks, new faces, and... Friendship Month! As teachers, we know that building a strong classroom community is the foundation for a successful school year. And what better way to start than by helping our students form new friendships?

Creating opportunities for students to bond doesn’t have to mean hours of prep work. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of 20 low-prep activities that span across various subjects—math, science, social studies, art, gym, and STEM. These activities are designed to foster connection, teamwork, and fun. Let’s make this September a month filled with laughter, learning, and lasting friendships!

Math Activities

1. Math Buddy Challenges:

Pair up students and give them a simple math challenge to solve together, like a puzzle or a riddle. This encourages collaboration and problem-solving skills. Bonus: Have them create their own math riddles to stump other pairs!

2. Group Graphing Project:

Divide the class into small groups and have each group create a graph about a fun topic (favorite ice cream flavors, pets, etc.). Groups can then present their findings to the class, practicing teamwork and communication.

3. Math Bingo:

Create a bingo card with math problems in each square. As you call out the answers, students have to find the matching problem on their card. This is a fun way to reinforce math skills while fostering friendly competition.

4. Number Line Up:

Have students line up in order based on a number you give them (e.g., their birthdays in the year or a random number you assign). This activity promotes cooperation and gets students moving.

5. Measurement Relay:

Set up a simple obstacle course and have teams measure the distances between points using different units (centimeters, meters, etc.). This activity combines math skills with physical activity and teamwork.

Science Activities

6. Partner Planting:

Pair up students and have them plant seeds in small pots. Over the month, they’ll work together to water and care for their plant. This activity teaches responsibility and cooperation.

7. Mini Volcanoes:

Provide each pair or small group with baking soda, vinegar, and food coloring. Let them create mini volcanoes together and observe the reactions. It’s a simple yet exciting way to explore chemistry and teamwork.

8. Weather Watching:

Assign pairs to be the class meteorologists for the week. They can record daily weather conditions and present a short report. This encourages observation skills and collaboration.

9. Build a Bridge:

Using simple materials like straws, tape, and paper, challenge students to build a bridge that can hold a small weight. This STEM activity promotes creative thinking and teamwork.

10. Nature Scavenger Hunt:

Organize a scavenger hunt around the schoolyard where pairs or small groups look for various natural items (leaves, rocks, etc.). This activity encourages exploration and cooperation.

Social Studies Activities

11. Class Culture Quilt:

Have each student decorate a square piece of paper with symbols or pictures representing their culture or family. Then, assemble these into a quilt to display in the classroom. This project helps students share their backgrounds and learn about each other.

12. Time Capsule:

As a class, create a time capsule filled with items or notes that represent the students. Bury it in a safe spot and plan to open it at the end of the year. This activity fosters a sense of belonging and anticipation.

13. Historical Pen Pals:

Assign each student a historical figure and pair them up to write letters to each other from their character's perspective. This not only makes history fun but also encourages creative writing and understanding different viewpoints.

14. Map Making:

Have students pair up to create a map of the classroom or school. They can mark important places and add creative elements. This project promotes spatial awareness and cooperation.

15. Friendship Interviews:

Students pair up and interview each other about their hobbies, family, and dreams. They can then present what they've learned about their partner to the class. This activity helps build empathy and listening skills.

Art Activities

16. Collaborative Mural:

Create a large mural paper for the classroom and assign sections to different groups of students. Each group contributes their artwork based on a common theme, such as “What Friendship Means to Us.” This activity encourages creativity and teamwork.

17. Friendship Bracelets:

Provide students with beads and string to make friendship bracelets. They can create one for themselves and one to give to a classmate. This simple activity promotes kindness and sharing.

18. Group Story Illustrations:

Have each group of students create illustrations for different parts of a class story. This collaborative project encourages creativity and storytelling skills.

19. Art Swap:

Organize an art swap where students create a piece of art and then swap it with another student. This helps them appreciate each other’s work and builds a sense of community.

20. Class Talent Show Art Gallery:

Host a mini talent show where students can showcase their artwork, crafts, or any creative skills. They can work in pairs or small groups to prepare and present their talents. This activity celebrates individual strengths and fosters a supportive environment.

Let’s Build Those Bonds!

These activities are designed to be easy to implement and full of fun, helping your students build friendships and teamwork skills without a lot of prep work. By incorporating these ideas into your classroom, you’re not only celebrating Friendship Month but also setting the tone for a supportive, connected classroom community.

Don’t forget to share your experiences and ideas! Join our Resilient Rebels Facebook Group to connect with other teachers, share your successes, and find even more inspiration for your classroom. Let’s make this September a month of friendship, fun, and fabulous learning!

If you are like me and love planning fun activities for this weird and wonderful holidays, check out Fun Day Google Calendar Download and Journal Prompts. It’s a great way to know which fun holidays are coming up.