Similarity Signal

When we notice others’ interests and identities, we build relationships and communication skills to connect with our classmates. Today, we will practice a signal we can use when we notice we have something in common with a classmate.

1. Introduce a short, non-verbal signal students can use when they hear a student share an interest, identity, or experience they have in common. Example signals might include a thumbs up or a two-handed wave.
2. Lead a short practice activity using the signal. Examples include “My school is called ____”, “I like to play soccer,” or “I think cats are the best pets.”
3. After several examples, ask 2-3 students to share a statement which may be similar to others.
4. As students use other Kernels, reinforce the use of the Similarity Signal as part of the activity debrief.

• What did it feel like to have things in common with your classmates?
• Why do you think it’s important for us to notice our classmates’ interests?
• When are other times in or outside of school you might notice others’ interests?
• How can you let others, outside of our classroom, know that you share their interests?

For primary school students:

• The teacher can encourage the students to share facts that they have in common and that they already know. At the beginning of the activity, students can use the following statement: “I have something in common with ___ (child’s name) because ___.”

For students in grades 5-6:

• Each time students find something they have in common, the teacher can invite them to pair up and ask each other questions about their common interest.
• The teacher can encourage students to discuss not only similarities but also differences. For example, the first round of the game could focus on similarities and the second round on differences. students can form pairs and ask questions to learn more about each other.