How would I start a convo wif him! Best answer gets ten points!!!!!!!?

I like this guy. Were both really shy so it's taking us a while to get there. How would I approach him. What would I say without him freaking out. And how can I start more convos between us. Some time he finds courage suddenly and asks me stuff he has given ne a nickname and asks for help from me. He teases me about this thing that happened ages ago and he stares at me during cl and at recess and lunch. Does he like me. Am I on the right trak. How can I speed things up a bit without asking him out imeadietly wif out given him enough time. It's been around a month. Help me.