Connection Quest
A hands-on activity that encourages conversations and strengthens their sense of belonging.
15–30 min
Find Your Match
A quick team building activity for teachers that sparks conversation and connection across your whole building.
Alissa Christensen
Give each staff member a card with one half of a famous pair. Throughout the day, they mingle to find their match. It's a simple, low-prep game that gets people talking to colleagues they don't usually cross paths with.
Why try it
This activity pulls staff out of their usual circles and gives them a natural reason to start a conversation. It works across grade levels, departments, and roles, and the element of surprise keeps energy high throughout the day.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Instructions
1
Print and prep the cards
Use the included pair cards or create your own. Each card should have one half of a pair: Peanut Butter, Chips, Taylor Swift, etc. Shuffle the cards and set aside one for each staff member.
2
Hand out cards at arrival
Give each staff member one card as they arrive. Let them know the goal: find the person holding their match before the end of the day.
3
Let the mingling happen
Staff search for their match throughout the day during passing periods, lunch, or any natural break. No structured time needed.
4
Celebrate the matches
At the end of the day, announce which pairs found each other. Award a small prize to the first pair to match up, or enter all matched pairs into a raffle.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Staff meeting kickoff
Use Find Your Match at the start of a staff meeting. Whoever finds their match first kicks off the meeting with a fun fact about their partner.
Department challenge
Track which department gets all their pairs matched first. Adds a little friendly competition across your building.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Use the tracker
The included tracker sheet lets you log which staff member has which card. Helpful if someone loses theirs or you need to nudge a few stragglers.
Leader Tip #2
Create the pairs intentionally
Assign cards so that people who rarely interact end up paired together. A quick look at your staff roster before printing can make the game more effective.
Leader Tip #3
Give staff a heads up
A quick mention the day before goes a long way. Let them know something fun is happening tomorrow so they arrive ready to play.
Built by Educators, for School Leaders
This resource was created in collaboration with passionate educators and school leaders who believe in the power of intentional connection.
Alissa Christensen
Head of Customer Success
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