Start the new year by helping your students reconnect, reflect, and build a positive classroom community!
 
Classroom Connections: New Year Edition is a fun, no-prep classroom activity that encourages students to discover what they have in common through engaging New Year-themed categories. As students share their ideas, they'll practice communication, active listening, and collaboration while strengthening friendships and creating meaningful classroom connections.
 
Perfect for the first week back after winter break, this activity invites students to think about new goals, exciting opportunities, acts of kindness, healthy habits, and hopes for the months ahead. As classmates compare their answers, they'll discover shared interests, celebrate differences, and begin the new year with a positive mindset.
 
What's Included
1 printable black-and-white PDF worksheet
Student-friendly directions
New Year-themed categories designed for Grades 3–6
No prep—just print and play!
 
How to Play
Students think of three answers for each category.
They write their responses on the worksheet.
Students take turns sharing their answers with the class.
Every time a classmate shares the same answer, students record a connection.
The student who makes the most classroom connections wins!
 
Perfect For
New Year classroom activities
January activities
Back from winter break
Classroom community building
Morning meeting
Goal-setting activities
Brain breaks
Early finishers
Fast finishers
Whole-class discussions
Small group activities
Substitute teacher plans
 
Skills Developed
Speaking and listening
Communication
Active listening
Critical thinking
Goal setting
Social skills
Student engagement
Classroom community
 
This printable activity is a fun and meaningful way to welcome students back after winter break while encouraging positive conversations, personal reflection, and teamwork. Students will enjoy discovering shared goals, interests, and ideas as they build stronger relationships with their classmates and start the new year together.
 
Grade Levels: 3–6
File Type: Printable Black-and-White PDF (1 page)
 
This resource is part of the Classroom Connections series, a collection of seasonal community-building activities designed to help students strengthen friendships, improve communication skills, and create a positive classroom environment all year long.