Civic action research requires building trust and a sense of community in your classroom. Throughout the civic action research cycle, students will be working together closely, sharing ideas and experiences, doing new things, and putting their heads together to wrestle with challenging, authentic questions.

In Stage 1 of the research cycle, “Build Community,” students will participate in games, icebreakers, and other ways of sharing and learning about each other to build community and learn to work together. They will also develop listening skills and determine group norms. These activities will help students find commonalities and make new friendships. They help to create an inclusive environment in which students feel safe and welcome, and encourage youth-adult communication.

The resources below are scaffolded and differentiated to support you and your students in this process! You can also use these activities at any time throughout the research process to strengthen the bonds in your classroom.