Challenge students to create their own secret handshake with a partner!
This activity supports the development of the following social-emotional skills: relationship skills and social awareness.
Introduce students to “secret handshakes,” which are when two (or more) people come up with their own unique greeting by combining gestures, dance moves, facial expressions, songs/words, etc. into a fun sequence! Explain that secret handshakes are a shared tradition which can bring people together, strengthening a special connection or common culture between them.
As inspiration, watch the video below with your students, which explains how to perform several secret handshakes. Then, ask students to find a partner classmate and work together to create their own secret handshake. Encourage them to get creative and playful!
After students create their secret handshakes, invite them to perform their handshakes for the class.
Note: during the COVID-19 pandemic, students should come up with handshakes which don’t include physical contact.
Guide students through a post-activity reflection by asking the following questions:
This activity was created in partnership with the Merrills EDU.
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