Core Curriculum
Building a Culture of Connection, Community, and Belonging
At Kikori, we believe cultivating connection, community, and belonging is not a one-time initiative—it’s a daily practice and a lifelong journey. Each new school year offers students a fresh opportunity to build relationships, grow self-awareness, and become confident, compassionate individuals. Kikori equips educators with the tools, mindset, and support to guide that journey with intention.
💡 The Philosophy Behind Kikori’s Approach
Grounded in Group Development Theory, these activities guide students from forming early connections to developing authentic relationships in inclusive, supportive communities. Kikori’s experiential learning activities are crafted to foster meaningful shared experiences that help students:
Build trust with
their peers
Strengthen emotional insight and self-awareness
Cultivate a strong sense of belonging and identity
Kikori's Community Building Model
Our curriculum is built on a research-based Community Building Model inspired by the stages of group development: Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing. Through this framework, educators guide students to build safe, connected spaces, practice collaboration and empathy, and grow into reflective, responsible leaders. This model lays the foundation for resilient classrooms where whole-child development is prioritized and community flourishes.
In this first stage, students are getting to know one another and learning how the group works. There's excitement and curiosity, but also a need for structure, safety, and clear expectations.
Forming
As comfort increases, differences in opinions, personalities, and behavior may surface. This stage involves navigating conflict, building emotional awareness, and developing trust through guided support.
Storming
The group begins to find its rhythm—students understand expectations, collaborate more easily, and start to feel a stronger sense of community and shared purpose.
Norming
Students work together confidently, support each other’s growth, and show leadership. The group functions with trust, cooperation, and a collective commitment to thriving together.
Performing
The Play-Reflect-Connect-Grow Process
Based on Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle, every activity follows a proven path:
Engaging in real-world, active experiences
Thinking deeply about what was learned and felt
Relating insights to personal and group experiences
Applying learning to future situations and challenges
Hands-On, Minds-On, Hearts-On Approach
Kikori integrates all learning domains—physical, cognitive, and emotional—with our signature approach:
Hands-on
Engaging, movement-based activities that bring learning to life
Minds-on
Opportunities for critical thinking, reflection, and exploration
Hearts-on
Encouraging self-expression, empathy, and character growth
🧠 The Neuroscience Advantage
According to neuroscience research, experiential learning activates multiple areas of the brain—creating stronger connections and boosting retention. As expert James Zull explains, real learning physically changes the brain. Kikori’s method doesn't just teach—it transforms.
Curriculum Structure Overview
The curriculum is divided into 3 units, each lasting 12 weeks. Within each unit are 2 stages (6 weeks each), and each stage contains 6 weekly modules focused on connection, growth, and self-discovery.
Connecting with
Selfand Others
Building trust, positive relationships, and self-awareness
Getting to Know Each Other
Stage 1: 6 Weeks
Stage 2: 6 Weeks
Learning to Trust and Depend on One Another
Growing a
Community
Strengthening communication, goal-setting, and teamwork
Caring Communication Skills
Stage 1: 6 Weeks
Stage 2: 6 Weeks
Setting Individual and Group Goals
Creating a Sense of Belonging
Collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership
Problem Solving & Resolving Conflict
Stage 1: 6 Weeks
Stage 2: 6 Weeks
Moving from Learning to Leading
How the Curriculum Works
Each 6-week stage is broken into weekly modules, all designed to support the whole child—emotionally, socially, cognitively, and physically. Every week includes 5 of the following activites and a Summative Assessment to wrap up each module with a final project or activity to reflect growth and showcase student learning.
Opening & Closing Circles
Start and end the day with connection and intention
Activate Activities
Hands-on experiences to introduce the week’s theme
Practice Activities
Skill-building through games, discussions, and collaboration
Brain Breaks
Mindful moments and movement to recharge and refocus
Appraise Activities
Cooperative learning structures to reflect and grow
Fun + Learning = Success
Students stay engaged with meaningful, hands-on activities
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Flexible for Every Setting
Use in classrooms, at home, or online
Strengthen Relationships
Start and end the day with trust, connection, and community
Support All Learners
Flexible formats and pacing for different learning needs
Why Choose the Kikori Core Curriculum?
Case Studies
At Riverside Elementary in Jackson, MN, a powerful transformation is underway. Led by Principal Kim Meyer and a dedicated team, the school is becoming a place where every child feels seen, heard, and supported.
With three years of collaboration between Tuftonboro School and Kikori, Bridges Day has grown from a transition event to a transformational experience. Next year’s focus? Keep what works — and turn up the connection.
Read the study
Through a district-wide partnership with Kikori, LYSD has brought social-emotional learning (SEL) to life in a way that honors Yupik traditions, uplifts student voices, and fosters resilience. This is the story of how a rural district turned SEL into a pathway for healing, growth, and community revival.
At Griffin Memorial, “students thrive when they feel connected, supported, and known”. With a commitment to the Responsive Classroom approach, Griffin educators set out to create classrooms where students don’t just learn academic skills, but also build empathy, resilience, and community.
Download a Sample Scope and Sequence
Want to dive deeper?
Download our Community-Builder Core Curriculum Scope & Sequence to see the full structure, learning intentions, and activity breakdowns.
