Stronger Together Activity

Overview

This 15-minute interactive session is designed for Adult Edge teachers during staff development to emphasize the importance of building rapport with GED students. Teachers will engage in a collaborative group performance of the hip hop song "Stronger Together" that highlights trust, attendance, and academic gains – key factors in student success and engagement.

This activity aligns with the Common Core State Standards' emphasis on collaborative communication, speaking and listening skills, and purposeful academic discussions that foster respect and understanding in adult learning environments.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.1: Initiate and participate effectively in collaborative discussions with diverse partners.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly and persuasively in diverse formats.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.6: Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks to enhance understanding and engagement.
Recognize and articulate how building rapport with adult learners promotes trust, attendance, and academic achievement.

Materials Needed

Printed lyrics to "Stronger Together" (one copy per group)
Timer or stopwatch
Open space for group performances
Whiteboard or flipchart for facilitator notes

Lesson Plan Breakdown

Time	Activity	Description	Facilitator Script Excerpt
2 minutes	Introduction	Welcome teachers, explain objective and relevance to GED student success. Highlight Common Core standards.	“Welcome everyone! Today we'll use music and teamwork to explore strategies for building strong relationships with our GED students. This is key to increasing trust, attendance, and learning gains, which the Common Core encourages through collaborative communication and expression.”
2 minutes	Group Division	Divide 20 teachers into 4 groups of 5. Distribute lyrics.	“I’m dividing you into four groups. Each group will interpret and perform different sections of the hip hop song, ‘Stronger Together.’ Let’s use this as a metaphor for building student rapport.”
5 minutes	Group Planning and Rehearsal	Groups design their performance—assign lines, practice delivery, gestures, rhythm. Encourage creativity and clear message.	“Take 5 minutes to decide who says which lines and how to perform it. Think about how your tone, gestures, and teamwork show trust and connection—just like with our students.”
4 minutes	Group Performances	Each group performs their section (approx. 1 min each).	“Let’s hear your performances! Remember, communicate the energy and message of building trust and community.”
2 minutes	Debrief and Discussion	Facilitate conversation on how rapport building affects student engagement and success. Link back to Common Core standards and real classroom practice.	“Great job, everyone! How can the energy and collaboration we just practiced help us build stronger relationships with our learners? Remember, engaging students through trust and respect helps improve attendance and academic progress—goals the Common Core supports through speaking and listening.”

Facilitator Detailed Script

Introduction

“Welcome, Adult Edge Teachers! Today’s quick activity illustrates how building rapport with our GED students is foundational for promoting trust, improving attendance, and supporting academic gains. The Common Core State Standards emphasize collaborative, respectful communication—skills we’ll practice through group performance. We’ll use the hip hop song ‘Stronger Together’ as our vehicle to experience teamwork, creativity, and connection.”

Group Division

“I’m dividing you into four groups of five. Each group will be responsible for performing a different section of ‘Stronger Together.’ Don’t worry if you’re new to performing—we’re focused on communication and collaboration.”

Group Planning

“Use this time to assign who will say or rap each line, decide on rhythm and gestures, and rehearse. Notice how your group members listen to each other and build on ideas—that’s exactly what rapport-building with students looks like.”

Performances

“Group 1, you’re up first—bring energy and clarity! Group 2, get ready. Let’s celebrate each group’s contribution as a sign of how working ‘stronger together’ moves us forward.”

Debrief

“Thank you all for your enthusiasm! Now, reflect: How does building rapport—as we demonstrated by working cooperatively—help your GED students? When students feel valued and connected, they attend regularly and invest in their learning, which the Common Core emphasizes through academic conversations and participation. Keep this teamwork mindset front and center in your teaching.”

Assessment

Informal observation of group collaboration during planning phase.
Quality and clarity of group performance presentations.
Participation and insights shared during the debrief aligned with CCSS speaking and listening goals.

Notes for Facilitators

Use positive reinforcement to encourage risk-taking and creativity.
Connect each part of the activity back to real classroom applications supporting GED student success.
Keep energy high and foster a fun, supportive atmosphere.

This engaging, standards-aligned activity blends creativity with adult learner communication strategies, offering Adult Edge teachers a memorable experience to enhance their student rapport skills.