Build Connection12 min Medium None
Desert Island
Students choose one object to bring to a desert island — and defend it.
Reveals values and reasoning styles — students see each other in a new light.
Instructions
Each student thinks of one object they'd bring to a desert island. They share it with a partner and explain their reasoning. Partners then present each other's choice to a small group and argue for why it's a good choice. Debrief: whose choice surprised you most?
Classroom timer
12:00
Best used when
When students know each other's names but not much else.
Variation
The object must say something true about who you are as a person — not just be useful.
Time
12 min
Noise
Medium
Prep
None
How did it go?
Quick evaluation — helps you find what works again.