Little Wins Library

Welcome to Little Wins!

Your go-to school culture toolkit, organized by the moment you're in. Browse 200+ practical, low-lift resources built to support your staff and keep growing as a leader.

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Six pieces of paper are taped to a white wall with colorful sticky notes placed all around. Two people reach in from each side to place more sticky notes.
Featured Resource

Sticky Note Staff Check-In

Quick staff check-ins work better than long ones A quick and easy way to gather staff feedback, celebrate successes, and uncover opportunities for support. In just a few minutes, you'll hear more voices, spot patterns, and strengthen trust across your team.

Alissa Christensen
Updated October 1st, 2026
43
Effort LevelDeep Dive
Support ForAll Staff
Time10–15 min
SituationFeeling Unseen
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Explore collections

Belonging

145 resources

Staff Meetings

96 resources

Goal Setting

30 resources

New Teachers

52 resources

Elementary

202 resources

Middle School

202 resources

High School

196 resources

Staff Wellbeing

144 resources

Quick Win

140 resources

Support

123 resources

Health

116 resources

Low Morale

115 resources

Disconnected Team

100 resources

Mid Year Slump

99 resources

Recognition and Appreciation

92 resources

New Leader

90 resources

Recognition

78 resources

Impact

74 resources

Staff Communication

73 resources

Voice

71 resources

Back from Break

65 resources

Safety

65 resources

Autonomy

51 resources

Professional Development

51 resources

Purpose

51 resources

Feeling Unseen

48 resources

Leadership

46 resources

Presence and Visibility

46 resources

Conference Season

45 resources

PD Days

44 resources

Sunshine Committee

44 resources

Growth

43 resources

Habit to Start

43 resources

Back to School

40 resources

One-on-Ones and Check-Ins

38 resources

Coaching and Observations

35 resources

Conflict Resolution

33 resources

Instructional Coaches

32 resources

Shared Decision Making

32 resources

Burned Out

31 resources

Deep Dive

29 resources

Teacher Appreciation Week

28 resources

Veteran Staff

28 resources

First Week Back

25 resources

Losing Teachers

23 resources

Staff Conflict

22 resources

Testing Season

22 resources

Big Changes

20 resources

Paraeducators

20 resources

End of Year

19 resources

Families and Students

11 resources

Summer Planning

11 resources

Early Childhood

8 resources

Holiday Season

6 resources

Right now: Mid-Year Slump
Staff Thanksgiving potluck printables, including dip sign-up sheets and a staff appreciation sign, with a bag of chips and a napkin

Dipsgiving: A Staff Thanksgiving Potluck

A staff Thanksgiving food idea that offers a twist on the traditional potluck.
Ongoing
Three Finding Joy in the Little Moments printables with joy ideas for early childhood teachers, leaders, and family child care providers

Find Your Joy: An Early Childhood Educator Morale Booster

A teacher morale booster for early childhood educators with ways to find and share joy
5-10 min to start, plus small moments throughout the week
Printable sheet of On a Tough Day note cards beside two completed When Things Feel Tough cards for a staff wellbeing activity

Here for You Notes: A 3-Step Staff Wellbeing Activity

A staff wellbeing activity for a hard day
5-10 minutes
Staff gratitude jar printables, including the cover page and 3-step sign, with markers, sticky notes, tape, and twine on a yellow background

Gratitude Jar: A 4-Step Gratitude Activity for Staff

A gratitude activity for staff that collects 1-2 thank-you notes per person each week all month long.
2-3 min per note
Positive Pumpkins printables for a staff appreciation bulletin board, including the directions sign, a cover page, pumpkin templates, and colored pumpkins with handwritten notes to colleagues.

Positive Pumpkins: A Staff Appreciation Bulletin Board

A fall-themed staff appreciation bulletin board.
5-10 min
Halloween staff trick or treat printable signs with wrapped snacks, tape, and orange twine for a teacher morale booster

Staff Trick or Treat: A 5-Step Halloween Staff Activity

A Halloween staff activity with 10-15 treat stations around your school.
15-20 min per staff member
Feather Frenzy Thanksgiving staff game printables: a turkey body to color, a cover page, and game directions with markers

Feather Frenzy: A School Team Building Game

A Thanksgiving staff activity where colleagues steal paper feathers from each other.
Ongoing
Two women sit in chairs facing one another. One woman sits facing the other with a clipboard and pen in her hand. Other woman is smiling.

Coaching Conversations That Count

A process to guide teacher or principal coaching conversations that celebrate and support.
10 min
A small cart with a glass jar, plant, pens and notes sits in front of a white wall. A poster above the card says "joy jar." A hand reaches in to drop a note in the jar.

Joy Jar: A Month-Long Staff Wellness Activity for Schools

A month-long activity where staff write down joyful moments and add them to a shared jar.
Ongoing
Notecards with handwritten notes on them lay diagonally on a light blue background.

Gratitude & Celebration: Teacher Appreciation Note Templates

Printable postcards for school leaders to thank staff in writing.
3-5 min
Several sheets of paper, one with writing on it, sit on a wooden desk. A blue pen, sticky notes, jar of pens, small plant, and coffee cup are placed around the paper.

TGIF Reflection: An End-of-Week Teacher Activity

A simple end-of-week reflection that helps staff reflect on positive moments.
5–10 min
A paper that says "place found pumpkins here" sits on a table with a pumpkin next to it. A hand places small pumpkins in a jar.

Mini Hunt: A Fall Employee Engagement Activity for Your School

A playful staff appreciation activity where teachers search the school for hidden pumpkins or leaves.
Ongoing
A white, stuffed alpaca sits on a shelf in front of green and purple bulletin boards. A handwritten note is propped up in front of the alapca.

Mascot Pass: A Weekly Teacher Appreciation Activity

A weekly recognition tradition that keeps appreciation moving all year long.
5 min
Six pieces of paper are taped to a white wall with colorful sticky notes placed all around. Two people reach in from each side to place more sticky notes.

Sticky Note Staff Check-In

An easy way to ask your staff how they’re doing.
10–15 min
A poster that says "I've been booed" Is taped on a glass door. A hand holds a Halloween bag and small note.

You've Been Booed: A Halloween Activity for School Staff

A teacher recognition idea keeps a fun BOO chain of treats and notes moving.
Ongoing
Four notecards taped to a desk chair. The chair is in front of a white desk with papers and jar of pencils.

Desk Drops & Daily Joy: Small Surprises that Boost Teacher Morale

A toolkit for school leaders to show appreciation, strengthen staff connection, and celebrate the everyday.
Ongoing
A stack of small paper coupons lay in a blue container with a pair of scissors on the side. On a bright green background.

Reward & Recognize: Printable Teacher Award Coupons

Printable recognition your staff will want to cash in.
Ongoing
Several sheets of paper a clipboard, tape dispenser, and pencil lay on a green bac

Teacher Check-In Tracker: Stay Connected With Every Staff Member

A simple staff and teacher wellbeing system for tracking check-ins.
1-2 min
Someone passes a coupon on to another person in front of a white desk with a plan and pens on it.

Take Ten: A Mental Health Break for Teachers During the School Day

A simple way for school leaders to give teachers and staff a 10–15 minute break during the school day.
10–15 min
Mini bottles of water, drink packets, and a water bottle sits on a wood shelf. A hand reaches in from the right to grab a drink packet.

Hydration Boost: A Month-Long Wellness Challenge for School Staff

A month-long habit challenge that gets staff drinking more water together.
Ongoing
Three people stand in front of a yellow wall with pens in their hands, pointing and laughing. Sheets of paper that say BINGO are taped on the wall.

Little Wins Write-In Bingo: Teacher Bingo for Your School

A shared board for Little Wins that add up.
Ongoing
A side view of a piece of paper with a plant vine next to it on a bright green background.

Center & Ground: Mindfulness for Teachers with 4 Practices

Simple grounding exercises for your staff to breathe, reset, and start the day steady.
1 min
Several handwritten notes are placed on a while bulletin board. Beside them is a whiteboard eraser in the shape of an alpaca in a holder that says "little wins."

Staff Shoutouts: Teacher Morale Boosters

A set of sentence-starter cards for quick, specific recognition.
1-2 min per card
An array of snacks in blue bags sits in front of a wall with a poster and blue sticky-notes.

Out of the Blue: A Snack Cart Idea to Delight Your Staff

A snack cart idea that shows appreciation to your staff with a fun, blue-themed cart.
Ongoing
Two sheets of paper lay on a wood table. Around them are apple slices, jars of caramel sauce, and a tray of nuts.

Apple Nacho Bar: A Fall Food Idea for Your Next Staff Meeting

An apple nachos fall food idea for your teachers and staff.
10-15 min
On a small round table lays a stack of children's books. Next to it is a sign-in sheet, and small pieces of paper with colorful papers on them. A colorful rug is in the background.

Read Together, Grow Together

A family reading activity that connects home and school.
45-60 min
Sheets of paper, notecards, pens, and tape lay on a light purple background.

Hidden Superpowers

A chance for staff members to be seen for something beyond their job title.
10-15 min
A piece of paper that says "attendance bingo" lays on a desk with a calendar and open laptop.

8 Staff Attendance Incentives that Build Belonging

Options to turn consistent attendance into a shared moment of team recognition.
Ongoing
Four women stand in front of a yellow wall placing sticky notes under pieces of paper that say "start, stop, continue."

A School Staff Exercise: Start, Stop, Continue

A start, stop, continue template that invites big conversations.
15 min
A man sits at a desk, smiling at a woman sitting across from him. Papers and a plant are on the desk.

A Quick Guide to Honest Conversations

One-on-one check-in questions that help school leaders open honest conversations.
15–30 min
A sheet of paper that says "toot your horn tuesday" on it, clipboard, blue streamers, and maker lay on a yellow background.

Toot Your Horn Tuesday

A weekly teacher recognition idea for school leaders.
2-3 min (per visit)
A person sitting at a table writes a hand-written note.

Celebration Notes

A ready-to-print stack of little notes that go a long way.
Several sheets of paper lay on a bright blue background. To the right of them is a clipboard with a sheet of paper on it. Sticky notes, pens, stickers and tape are scattered around them.

Creative Ideas to Celebrate School Appreciation Days

A full-year calendar plus ready-to-use activities for each date.
Varies
A crockpot, stack of bowls, and spoons lay on a green table. Behind it is a white wall with a poster on it.

Crocktober

A crockpot potluck with a free sign-up sheet, a cozy way to bring your staff together in October each year.
30–45 min
A man stands at a whiteboard writing on notecards with peoples' names on them.

Staff Superpowers

One of the easiest teacher recognition ideas for building a proud, connected school culture.
Ongoing
Two pieces of paper pinned to a bulletin board with a grid printed on them. Green string connects squares from each paper. Colorful pens lay around the papers.

Connection Quest

A hands-on activity that encourages conversations and strengthens their sense of belonging.
15–30 min
Hands hold a small piece of paper that says "let's talk" on it. Several other small notecards lay on a table with notebooks and pens.

Let's Talk Table

A low-key way to connect with staff and build real trust, one conversation at a time.
15–30 min
A stack of small bags of chips sits on a table with a sign posted on the wall behind them. A hand reaches in to grab a bag.

All That and a Bag of Chips

A themed snack cart to celebrate your staff as the full package.
30-45 min
Two women sit at a table with a large yellow posterboard on it. There is a sheet of paper and markers, and the women are writing on the poster.

Team Connection Poster Activity

A collaborative poster activity where grade-level teams or departments answer prompts.
30-40 min
The back of a woman with long blonde hair in a black sweatshirt stands. A hand reaches in with a notecard and handwritten note on it.

Behind Your Back

A peer recognition activity where staff write positive "gossip" about a colleague.
Ongoing
Someone stands in front of a cart with pumpkins and orange treats on it.

Trick or Treat Trolley

A candy-filled cart leaders can wheel around to surprise staff with treats.
Ongoing
A tea station with flowers is set up on a table. A hand reaches in and pours water into a mug.

TEA-riffic Teachers

A simple, yet effective staff appreciation activity.
Ongoing
Two sheets of paper lay on a white table. Small bowls of nacho ingredients lay around them.

Taco + Nacho Bar

Let staff build their own lunch and connect over food.
30–45 min
A colorful poster lays on a table. Scattered around it are small snacks, and a hand reaches in to grab a snack.

Sweet + Salty Potluck

A staff potluck idea that is quick and easy for people to engage with.
Ongoing
A red soup pan, bowls and spoons, and vases of flowers sit on a table in front of a poster.

Soup Potluck

A cozy, low-prep way to bring your team together and show appreciation.
30–45 min
Two women stand in front of an orange wall. They book look at a piece of paper one woman is holding. She points in one direction.

Schoolwide Scavenger Hunt

A schoolwide scavenger hunt with rhyming clues to get staff up and moving.
15-20 min
A man and a woman take a selfie in a stairwell. A woman goes down the stairs behind them.

Quick! Take a Pic

A fun team building activity for teachers.
10–15 min
A poster, containers of popcorn and candy lay on a table. Next to it is a clipboard with a signup sheet and a hand writes on the sheet.

Popcorn Bar

An easy way to treat your team and say thanks.
20-30 min
Two hands reach in to hand each other small pieces of paper that say "pay it forward." Background is a white brick wall.

Pay it Forward

A peer-to-peer recognition activity where staff pass along rewards.
Ongoing
A woman stands in a classroom in front of a large television screen pointing at it. A woman sits in front of her writing on a piece of paper on a clipboard.

Observation & Evaluation Jitters

A quick reflection activity with free printable cards for staff.
10-15 min
In a classroom, hands hold up a corded phone and a piece of paper.

Morning Mantras

A low-prep habit for school leaders: share a positive quote or phrase during morning or weekly announcements.
1-2 min
A bowl of jumbo marshmallows sits on a shelf. Three toothpicks with paper flags and names on them are stuck in the marshmallows.

Marshmallow Wars

A playful all-day staff game where teachers compete to collect colleague names.
Ongoing
A woman sits at a wooden desk with markers and a potted plant on it. She is writing with a green pen on a sheet of paper.

Look Back on My Day

A simple end-of-day reflection printable for school leaders.
5 min
A hand-written note sits in a pencil and pen holders on a wooden desk.

Gratitude Notes

A set of free printable thank-you cards leaders can leave for staff throughout the year.
2-3 min
A women sits in a classroom at a desk grading papers.

Grading Grind

A quick reflection activity with free printable cards to help staff reset and refocus.
10-15 min
Two women stand in a hallway on stairs. They smile and exchange pieces of paper with images on them.

Find Your Match

A quick team building activity for teachers that sparks conversation and connection across your whole building.
Ongoing
A casserole dish, utensils, plates, pens and sunflowers sit on a table in front of a brick wall. Two posters are handing on the wall.

Family Favorites Potluck

An easy way for staff to share a favorite dish together this year.
30-45 min
A woman sits at a white table writing on a notecard. A piece of paper, marks in a jar, stapler and water bottle site on the table beside the notecard.

Creating a Positive Mindset

A printable graphic that helps school leaders and their staff reframe challenges with a solution-focused approach.
Ongoing
A poster hangs on a bright green bulletin board. A hand reaches in from the right and places a handwritten note underneath the poster.

Collaborative Positivity Boards

A shared bulletin board where staff and students contribute uplifting quotes, artwork, gratitude notes, and school accomplishments.
Ongoing
Coffee mugs, to-go cups, a kettle, and coffee supplies sit on a wooden table in front of a peg board. A poster and handwritten notes are taped to the peg board. A hand reaches in to grab a coffee mug.

Coffee & Compliments

A coffee station paired with a compliment board where staff leave anonymous notes of appreciation.
Ongoing
Browse by moments
Staff Thanksgiving potluck printables, including dip sign-up sheets and a staff appreciation sign, with a bag of chips and a napkin

Dipsgiving: A Staff Thanksgiving Potluck

A staff Thanksgiving food idea that offers a twist on the traditional potluck.
Ongoing
Find the Elf directions page and elf template for a holiday staff activity, with scissors, tape, pens, and paper clips

Find the Elf: A Holiday Staff Activity

A holiday staff activity with photo elves, prize ideas, and printables
Hunt runs over several days
Three Finding Joy in the Little Moments printables with joy ideas for early childhood teachers, leaders, and family child care providers

Find Your Joy: An Early Childhood Educator Morale Booster

A teacher morale booster for early childhood educators with ways to find and share joy
5-10 min to start, plus small moments throughout the week
Printable sheet of On a Tough Day note cards beside two completed When Things Feel Tough cards for a staff wellbeing activity

Here for You Notes: A 3-Step Staff Wellbeing Activity

A staff wellbeing activity for a hard day
5-10 minutes
Staff gratitude jar printables, including the cover page and 3-step sign, with markers, sticky notes, tape, and twine on a yellow background

Gratitude Jar: A 4-Step Gratitude Activity for Staff

A gratitude activity for staff that collects 1-2 thank-you notes per person each week all month long.
2-3 min per note
Printed gratitude question cards, a cover page, and a display sign for a staff gratitude activity laid out on a blue background with a yellow tape dispenser and red paper stars.

30 Days of Gratitude: Daily Gratitude Activities for Staff

A gratitude activity for staff with 30 daily questions you can place in your staff lounge.
2-5 min per staff member
Two women sit across from each other at a table. Papers, laptops and notebooks lay on the table.

Coaching Through Questions: A Practical Guide for School Leaders

A simple coaching tool that helps school leaders ask better questions.
2 min
A hand places a notecard with handwritten notes on it in a slot mailbox.

Appreciation Avalanche

A simple teacher recognition idea.
Ongoing
Feather Frenzy Thanksgiving staff game printables: a turkey body to color, a cover page, and game directions with markers

Feather Frenzy: A School Team Building Game

A Thanksgiving staff activity where colleagues steal paper feathers from each other.
Ongoing
Two women sit in chairs facing one another. One woman sits facing the other with a clipboard and pen in her hand. Other woman is smiling.

Coaching Conversations That Count

A process to guide teacher or principal coaching conversations that celebrate and support.
10 min
An orange notebook with two notecards on it, three small notecards, blue pens, and blue tape dispenser lay on a pink background.

5-Minute Professional Development Ideas for Teachers

Five simple, low-prep ideas for supporting staff growth and building confidence throughout the year.
5 min
Two woman stand in a library. They high-five each other.

High Five Friday

An activity to spark quick check-ins and conversations while offering a small reward.
Ongoing
A woman stands in front of a white pegboard with posters taped to it. Assorted office supplies are on the table in front of the pegboard.

Year of Thanks: Year-Round Teacher Recognition for Every Team

A yearlong staff recognition system that spotlights a different department or grade level each month.
Varies
A small cart with a glass jar, plant, pens and notes sits in front of a white wall. A poster above the card says "joy jar." A hand reaches in to drop a note in the jar.

Joy Jar: A Month-Long Staff Wellness Activity for Schools

A month-long activity where staff write down joyful moments and add them to a shared jar.
Ongoing
Notecards with handwritten notes on them lay diagonally on a light blue background.

Gratitude & Celebration: Teacher Appreciation Note Templates

Printable postcards for school leaders to thank staff in writing.
3-5 min
Four people sit around a table scattered with papers with images of food on them.

Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Game: A Staff Icebreaker

A quick warmup at the start of a staff meeting or gathering to get people talking.
10-15 min
Several sheets of paper, one with writing on it, sit on a wooden desk. A blue pen, sticky notes, jar of pens, small plant, and coffee cup are placed around the paper.

TGIF Reflection: An End-of-Week Teacher Activity

A simple end-of-week reflection that helps staff reflect on positive moments.
5–10 min
A paper that says "place found pumpkins here" sits on a table with a pumpkin next to it. A hand places small pumpkins in a jar.

Mini Hunt: A Fall Employee Engagement Activity for Your School

A playful staff appreciation activity where teachers search the school for hidden pumpkins or leaves.
Ongoing
A white, stuffed alpaca sits on a shelf in front of green and purple bulletin boards. A handwritten note is propped up in front of the alapca.

Mascot Pass: A Weekly Teacher Appreciation Activity

A weekly recognition tradition that keeps appreciation moving all year long.
5 min
A notecard with a written note, scissor, and paper clips lay on a green background.

9 Ways to Welcome New Teachers and Staff to Your School

Pick the ideas that fit your team and your style.
Ongoing
Six pieces of paper are taped to a white wall with colorful sticky notes placed all around. Two people reach in from each side to place more sticky notes.

Sticky Note Staff Check-In

An easy way to ask your staff how they’re doing.
10–15 min
Four notecards taped to a desk chair. The chair is in front of a white desk with papers and jar of pencils.

Desk Drops & Daily Joy: Small Surprises that Boost Teacher Morale

A toolkit for school leaders to show appreciation, strengthen staff connection, and celebrate the everyday.
Ongoing
Two women sit at a table looking at each other and smiling. Pens, paper and coffee cups are on the table. There is a shelf with books and school supplies in the background.

One-on-One Meeting Template for Principals

A simple way to connect, listen, and grow with your team.
15 min
Two women sit on a couch in an office smiling and talking. One woman holds a coffee mug and one holds a clipboard and pen.

Staff Communication Strategies for Every School Leader

A practical guide to four communication strategies school leaders can use in everyday moments
10-15 min
A stack of small paper coupons lay in a blue container with a pair of scissors on the side. On a bright green background.

Reward & Recognize: Printable Teacher Award Coupons

Printable recognition your staff will want to cash in.
Ongoing
Several sheets of paper a clipboard, tape dispenser, and pencil lay on a green bac

Teacher Check-In Tracker: Stay Connected With Every Staff Member

A simple staff and teacher wellbeing system for tracking check-ins.
1-2 min
Someone passes a coupon on to another person in front of a white desk with a plan and pens on it.

Take Ten: A Mental Health Break for Teachers During the School Day

A simple way for school leaders to give teachers and staff a 10–15 minute break during the school day.
10–15 min
Mini bottles of water, drink packets, and a water bottle sits on a wood shelf. A hand reaches in from the right to grab a drink packet.

Hydration Boost: A Month-Long Wellness Challenge for School Staff

A month-long habit challenge that gets staff drinking more water together.
Ongoing
Three people stand in front of a yellow wall with pens in their hands, pointing and laughing. Sheets of paper that say BINGO are taped on the wall.

Little Wins Write-In Bingo: Teacher Bingo for Your School

A shared board for Little Wins that add up.
Ongoing
A side view of a piece of paper with a plant vine next to it on a bright green background.

Center & Ground: Mindfulness for Teachers with 4 Practices

Simple grounding exercises for your staff to breathe, reset, and start the day steady.
1 min
Several handwritten notes are placed on a while bulletin board. Beside them is a whiteboard eraser in the shape of an alpaca in a holder that says "little wins."

Staff Shoutouts: Teacher Morale Boosters

A set of sentence-starter cards for quick, specific recognition.
1-2 min per card
An array of snacks in blue bags sits in front of a wall with a poster and blue sticky-notes.

Out of the Blue: A Snack Cart Idea to Delight Your Staff

A snack cart idea that shows appreciation to your staff with a fun, blue-themed cart.
Ongoing
Two sheets of paper lay on a wood table. Around them are apple slices, jars of caramel sauce, and a tray of nuts.

Apple Nacho Bar: A Fall Food Idea for Your Next Staff Meeting

An apple nachos fall food idea for your teachers and staff.
10-15 min
A hand drops a handwritten note in a small tray on a desk. An open laptop, coffee mug, sticky notes and pens are on the desk.

Greatness Nextdoor: A Teacher Peer Observation Activity

A peer classroom observation activity for teacher growth and connection
10 min
A woman sits at a wooden desk with a laptop, plant, and writing supplies on it. She writes on a piece of paper in front of a brick background.

How to Know if You Are Effectively Communicating Expectations to Staff

Key questions for collaboration and follow-up conversations.
10-15 min
A laptop with logos for MagicSchool and Alpaca on the screen sits on a wood desk with a coffee cup and jar of pens.

How to Use AI to Build a Stronger School Culture

A five-step leadership framework for building school culture and staff wellbeing, plus AI tools to help.
Varies
A computer with an open calendar on the screen sits on a table. A person is typing and holding a paper with newsletter tips on it.

Weekly Staff Newsletter Tips

Seven simple ways to write a newsletter your staff will actually read.
20-30 min
On a small round table lays a stack of children's books. Next to it is a sign-in sheet, and small pieces of paper with colorful papers on them. A colorful rug is in the background.

Read Together, Grow Together

A family reading activity that connects home and school.
45-60 min
One woman stands in front of a TV screen with words written on it. Two women sit at a table looking at her and smiling.

Spot It Charades Icebreaker

A silent, fast-paced icebreaker.
10-15 min
Sheets of paper, notecards, pens, and tape lay on a light purple background.

Hidden Superpowers

A chance for staff members to be seen for something beyond their job title.
10-15 min
A piece of paper that says "attendance bingo" lays on a desk with a calendar and open laptop.

8 Staff Attendance Incentives that Build Belonging

Options to turn consistent attendance into a shared moment of team recognition.
Ongoing
One person holds a clipboard with a piece of paper on it, and a pen in hand. Two others stand around, and all three point at the clipboard.

Common Thread

A fast, no-prep icebreaker where small groups race to find the most unique things they all have in common.
10-15 min
Three notecards each with one word on them are taped to a red wood wall. A hand reaches in from the side to tape one more notecard on the wall.

One Word Values Activity

A goal-setting template and activity that helps your staff start the year with focus and intention.
20-30 min
Cut-out puzzle pieces, sheets of paper, scissors, and pens lay on a dark blue background.

Piece By Piece

Celebrate every role on your school team, one puzzle piece at a time.
Ongoing
A man and woman stand facing each other. Each holds a clipboard. They are talking and laughing.

Together We Thrive: Team-Building for New & Veteran Staff

Find activities that build trust, connection, and belonging all year long.
15 min (per session)
Sheets of paper lay on a light blue background. A bin with notecards and a pen in it lays on top of the paper. A pair of scissors is next to the bin.

Shoutouts That Shine

A simple guide to recognizing staff on your school's social media pages.
5-10 min
Sheets of paper, clipboard, markers, and scissors lay on a yellow background.

Whose Clue is it Anyway?

A team building activity for teachers turns any staff meeting into a playful guessing game.
15-20 min
Three sheets of paper that say "team value ideas" streamers, sticky notes, and tape lay on a green background.

Establish Your Team Values

A collaborative staff activity that gets everyone on the same page from day one.
30–45 min
A hand writes on a postcard that says "welcome to the team."

Postcards to Welcome New Staff to Your Building

A low-prep onboarding activity that helps school leaders build connection from day one.
5 min
Two sheets of paper, pencil, and timer lay on an orange tray on a light blue background.

Expertise Exchange, Speed Round

A professional development activity where staff pair up to learn from each other.
20-30 min
Two women sit at a table with pens in hands. they write on notecards.

Quick Quarterly Questions Icebreaker

A quick staff icebreaker activity for reflecting on quarterly wins, goals, and gratitude.
15-20 min
Four women stand in front of a yellow wall placing sticky notes under pieces of paper that say "start, stop, continue."

A School Staff Exercise: Start, Stop, Continue

A start, stop, continue template that invites big conversations.
15 min
A man sits at a wood desk with pens, a coffee cup, and sheets of paper on it. He holds two pieces of paper in his hands.

SMART Goals for Teachers and Staff

A practical guide for leading goal-setting conversations that help staff grow, stay focused, and feel supported all year long.
20-30 min
A woman stands in a doorway to a school waving. Two women walk toward her.

Back-to-School Night Ideas That Families Will Remember

A list of ideas to engage families and students.
1-2 hours
A poster and paper that says "August 2026," markers, confetti, and pens lay on an orange tray on a light blue background.

August: National Holidays to Celebrate Your Staff

A month-by-month staff appreciation resource that turns national holidays into ready-made celebration moments.
Varies by holiday
A hand holds up a pennant that says "first day" on it. Blue sky in the background.

Celebrating the First Day: Fun Ways to Welcome Students

A menu of easy, high-energy ideas to make your school's first day feel like a celebration.
20-45 min
A binder with multiple sheets of paper and pen on it lays on a green background.

One Message, One School

A school culture guide helps principals plan a unified kickoff with scripts.
30-60 min (per session)
Sheet of paper, clipboard with a sheet of paper, notecards, marker, scissors and sticky-notes lay on a pink background.

Two-Minute Teaching: A Video Reflection Practice

A structured, low-pressure way to build a culture of reflection without the weight of formal observation.
30 min
A card that says "question bank", notecard and part of a clipboard lays on a light blue background.

Classroom Walkthrough Tips for School Leaders

A guide to making quick, 5-10 minute classroom walkthroughs count.
5-10 min
A man sits at a desk, smiling at a woman sitting across from him. Papers and a plant are on the desk.

A Quick Guide to Honest Conversations

One-on-one check-in questions that help school leaders open honest conversations.
15–30 min
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Feather Frenzy Thanksgiving staff game printables: a turkey body to color, a cover page, and game directions with markers

Feather Frenzy: A School Team Building Game

A Thanksgiving staff activity where colleagues steal paper feathers from each other.
Ongoing
Several sheets of paper, one with writing on it, sit on a wooden desk. A blue pen, sticky notes, jar of pens, small plant, and coffee cup are placed around the paper.

TGIF Reflection: An End-of-Week Teacher Activity

A simple end-of-week reflection that helps staff reflect on positive moments.
5–10 min
Six pieces of paper are taped to a white wall with colorful sticky notes placed all around. Two people reach in from each side to place more sticky notes.

Sticky Note Staff Check-In

An easy way to ask your staff how they’re doing.
10–15 min
Several handwritten notes are placed on a while bulletin board. Beside them is a whiteboard eraser in the shape of an alpaca in a holder that says "little wins."

Staff Shoutouts: Teacher Morale Boosters

A set of sentence-starter cards for quick, specific recognition.
1-2 min per card
A computer with an open calendar on the screen sits on a table. A person is typing and holding a paper with newsletter tips on it.

Weekly Staff Newsletter Tips

Seven simple ways to write a newsletter your staff will actually read.
20-30 min
One person holds a clipboard with a piece of paper on it, and a pen in hand. Two others stand around, and all three point at the clipboard.

Common Thread

A fast, no-prep icebreaker where small groups race to find the most unique things they all have in common.
10-15 min
Two pieces of paper pinned to a bulletin board with a grid printed on them. Green string connects squares from each paper. Colorful pens lay around the papers.

Connection Quest

A hands-on activity that encourages conversations and strengthens their sense of belonging.
15–30 min
Two women sit at a wooden table. One writes on a sheet of paper. Notebooks, pens, a laptop, and post-it notes are scattered on the table.

Similarities and Differences

A quick, low-prep icebreaker where staff mingle and discover one similarity and one difference with each colleague they meet.
15-20 min
A woman in a red dress stands in a library. In front of her is a table with three women at it, two of them are raising their hands.

Mystery Staff Member

A fun back-to-school icebreaker where staff fill out an "About Me" form.
15-20 min
Two women stand in a hallway on stairs. They smile and exchange pieces of paper with images on them.

Find Your Match

A quick team building activity for teachers that sparks conversation and connection across your whole building.
Ongoing
A bulletin board is covered in pieces of paper with gold stars on them. A hand reaches in from the right to place another sticker.

Four Square Responses

A simple way to ask your staff how they’re doing.
10–20 min
Someone reaches into their pocket to pull out an piece of paper with an image of a basketful of apples on it.

In Your Pocket Staff Activity

A fun team building activity for teachers with a scavenger hunt style game.
Ongoing
A coffee make, to-go cups, and a pumpkin bucket with candy in it lay on lays on a table. A poster hangs behind it, and a hand reaches in to grab a ghost coffee mug.

Freshly Booed Coffee

A fun, low-prep teacher appreciation idea for fall.
Ongoing
1:1s and Check-ins
Two women sit at a table looking at each other and smiling. Pens, paper and coffee cups are on the table. There is a shelf with books and school supplies in the background.

One-on-One Meeting Template for Principals

A simple way to connect, listen, and grow with your team.
15 min
Several sheets of paper a clipboard, tape dispenser, and pencil lay on a green bac

Teacher Check-In Tracker: Stay Connected With Every Staff Member

A simple staff and teacher wellbeing system for tracking check-ins.
1-2 min
A card that says "question bank", notecard and part of a clipboard lays on a light blue background.

Classroom Walkthrough Tips for School Leaders

A guide to making quick, 5-10 minute classroom walkthroughs count.
5-10 min
A man sits at a desk, smiling at a woman sitting across from him. Papers and a plant are on the desk.

A Quick Guide to Honest Conversations

One-on-one check-in questions that help school leaders open honest conversations.
15–30 min
A woman sits at a desk writing on a piece of paper. A man sits across from her. Notebooks, pens, and papers are on the desk between them.

Navigating Difficult Conversations

A practical guide to help school leaders handle staff conflict resolution.
Varies
Printable sheet of On a Tough Day note cards beside two completed When Things Feel Tough cards for a staff wellbeing activity

Here for You Notes: A 3-Step Staff Wellbeing Activity

A staff wellbeing activity for a hard day
5-10 minutes
Two women sit across from each other at a table. Papers, laptops and notebooks lay on the table.

Coaching Through Questions: A Practical Guide for School Leaders

A simple coaching tool that helps school leaders ask better questions.
2 min
Two women sit in chairs facing one another. One woman sits facing the other with a clipboard and pen in her hand. Other woman is smiling.

Coaching Conversations That Count

A process to guide teacher or principal coaching conversations that celebrate and support.
10 min
An orange notebook with two notecards on it, three small notecards, blue pens, and blue tape dispenser lay on a pink background.

5-Minute Professional Development Ideas for Teachers

Five simple, low-prep ideas for supporting staff growth and building confidence throughout the year.
5 min
A notecard with a written note, scissor, and paper clips lay on a green background.

9 Ways to Welcome New Teachers and Staff to Your School

Pick the ideas that fit your team and your style.
Ongoing
A man and woman stand facing each other. Each holds a clipboard. They are talking and laughing.

Together We Thrive: Team-Building for New & Veteran Staff

Find activities that build trust, connection, and belonging all year long.
15 min (per session)
A hand writes on a postcard that says "welcome to the team."

Postcards to Welcome New Staff to Your Building

A low-prep onboarding activity that helps school leaders build connection from day one.
5 min
A man sits at a wood desk with pens, a coffee cup, and sheets of paper on it. He holds two pieces of paper in his hands.

SMART Goals for Teachers and Staff

A practical guide for leading goal-setting conversations that help staff grow, stay focused, and feel supported all year long.
20-30 min
Sheets of paper, notecards, pens, and a clipboard with a piece of paper on it lay on a green background.

10 Ways to Support and Retain New Teachers

10 practical leadership habits principals can use all year long.
Ongoing
Multiple sheets of paper, markers, confetti and tape lay on a table.

Teacher Celebration Styles Quiz

A staff appreciation activity that helps you learn how each teacher likes to be celebrated.
15-20 min
Two women sit on a bench in front of a window and wall with children's drawings on it. They are smiling at each other and have notebooks in the laps.

A Guide to Stay Interviews

Keep great teachers by having the right conversations.
10–15 min
Several sheets of paper with large words on them lay on a pink background.

Purpose Paves the Way

A quick team building activity for teachers using a shared staff bulletin board.
5 min
A woman sits at a desk with an open laptop on it, writing on a piece of paper. A brick wall and whiteboard are in the background.

Two Stars and a Wish

A structured peer feedback format where staff share two specific strengths and one growth suggestion.
10-15 min
Papers are taped to a white wall with purple sticky notes stuck around them. A hand reaches in to place a note.

Sticky Note Stations

A simple way for teachers to share honest feedback and ideas anonymously.
Ongoing
A stack of books and a sheet of paper lay on a yellow table.

Staff Book Club

A staff book club gives your team a low-key way to explore new ideas, spark conversation, and grow together professionally.
20-30 min
A woman stands in a classroom in front of a large television screen pointing at it. A woman sits in front of her writing on a piece of paper on a clipboard.

Observation & Evaluation Jitters

A quick reflection activity with free printable cards for staff.
10-15 min
A woman sits at a wooden desk with a jar of markers and potted plant on it. She has a piece of paper and notecard in front of her and she is writing on them.

Growth Goal Quick Check

Turn a quick hallway chat into a moment for reflection and support.
3-5 min
One hand reaches in to hand a hand-written note to another hand.

Growth Goal Celebration Shoutouts

A teacher recognition idea for principals: turn quick growth check-ins into staff shoutouts.
5 min
A women sits in a classroom at a desk grading papers.

Grading Grind

A quick reflection activity with free printable cards to help staff reset and refocus.
10-15 min
Two women look down at a notecard with handwriting on it.

Goal Buddy Pair-Ups

A simple professional development idea that builds lasting peer support.
5-10 min
A man sits at a desk in a classroom. He is looking at blank notecards and making notes in a notebook.

Glow and Grow Cards

A quick peer feedback activity for staff meetings and PD days.
5-10 min
A woman stands in a hallway smiling while another woman hands her a small piece of paper.

Staff Meeting Exit Ticket

A quick slip for the end of a meeting or PD session to capture takeaways and questions.
2-3 min
A laptop, set of gray over-the-ear headphones and two sheets of paper lay on a wood table.

Staff Podcast Picks

A collaborative activity where staff share podcast episodes focused on personal and professional growth.
10-15 min
A woman sits reading notecards with hand-written notes on them.

If I Were Principal...

A quick staff feedback activity that gives every teacher a voice.
10-15 min
A man holding a clipboard stands in front of a woman seated at a desk in a classroom.

Quick Check-In, Real Connection

Ready-to-use one-on-one check-in questions for every moment of the school year.
5 min
A man sits at a desk with school supplies on it. He writes with a pencil on a piece of paper. Background is a wood wall with reels of paper.

Reflect & Refine

A set of ready-to-use reflection forms that help school leaders gather honest staff feedback throughout the year.
10-15 min
A woman sits at a desk writing on a piece of paper. A whiteboard and brick wall are in the background.

Own Your Oops

A low-pressure way to address the small missteps that happen in any school.
5-10 min
A man sits at a desk writing on a sheet of paper. An open laptop sits beside him.

Finding the Joy in the Everyday

An activity to notice bright moments, jot them down, then share and display them.
5-10 min
A hand writes with a green pen on a small postcard on a desk filled with office supplies, a cup of coffee, and small plant.

Postcard Goal Check

A goal setting activity that celebrates little wins and big plans.
5 min
A woman sits at a desk with a laptop and vase of flows on it in front of a brick wall. She writes on notecards.

First-Week Frenzy

A guide with practical tips for principals for the first week back.
10-15 min
A man walks down a school hallway, and two women wave to him.

Ideas to Build Trust Through Transparent Leadership

Ways to share feedback updates with staff, build trust, and strengthen school culture without adding to your plate.
Ongoing
A woman sits as a table completing a bingo card.

Professional Growth Bingo

An activity to encourage your staff to try new professional growth ideas.
Ongoing
A hand reaches across a messy desk to pace a notecard near a pencil holder.

5-Minute Personal Growth Ideas for School Leaders

Five quick, low-prep ideas principals can use to support professional growth.
5 minutes
Recognizing your team
Notecards with handwritten notes on them lay diagonally on a light blue background.

Gratitude & Celebration: Teacher Appreciation Note Templates

Printable postcards for school leaders to thank staff in writing.
3-5 min
Several handwritten notes are placed on a while bulletin board. Beside them is a whiteboard eraser in the shape of an alpaca in a holder that says "little wins."

Staff Shoutouts: Teacher Morale Boosters

A set of sentence-starter cards for quick, specific recognition.
1-2 min per card
A sheet of paper that says "toot your horn tuesday" on it, clipboard, blue streamers, and maker lay on a yellow background.

Toot Your Horn Tuesday

A weekly teacher recognition idea for school leaders.
2-3 min (per visit)
A person sitting at a table writes a hand-written note.

Celebration Notes

A ready-to-print stack of little notes that go a long way.
Several sheets of paper lay on a bright blue background. To the right of them is a clipboard with a sheet of paper on it. Sticky notes, pens, stickers and tape are scattered around them.

Creative Ideas to Celebrate School Appreciation Days

A full-year calendar plus ready-to-use activities for each date.
Varies
Staff Thanksgiving potluck printables, including dip sign-up sheets and a staff appreciation sign, with a bag of chips and a napkin

Dipsgiving: A Staff Thanksgiving Potluck

A staff Thanksgiving food idea that offers a twist on the traditional potluck.
Ongoing
Find the Elf directions page and elf template for a holiday staff activity, with scissors, tape, pens, and paper clips

Find the Elf: A Holiday Staff Activity

A holiday staff activity with photo elves, prize ideas, and printables
Hunt runs over several days
Three Finding Joy in the Little Moments printables with joy ideas for early childhood teachers, leaders, and family child care providers

Find Your Joy: An Early Childhood Educator Morale Booster

A teacher morale booster for early childhood educators with ways to find and share joy
5-10 min to start, plus small moments throughout the week
Staff gratitude jar printables, including the cover page and 3-step sign, with markers, sticky notes, tape, and twine on a yellow background

Gratitude Jar: A 4-Step Gratitude Activity for Staff

A gratitude activity for staff that collects 1-2 thank-you notes per person each week all month long.
2-3 min per note
Printed gratitude question cards, a cover page, and a display sign for a staff gratitude activity laid out on a blue background with a yellow tape dispenser and red paper stars.

30 Days of Gratitude: Daily Gratitude Activities for Staff

A gratitude activity for staff with 30 daily questions you can place in your staff lounge.
2-5 min per staff member
A hand places a notecard with handwritten notes on it in a slot mailbox.

Appreciation Avalanche

A simple teacher recognition idea.
Ongoing
Positive Pumpkins printables for a staff appreciation bulletin board, including the directions sign, a cover page, pumpkin templates, and colored pumpkins with handwritten notes to colleagues.

Positive Pumpkins: A Staff Appreciation Bulletin Board

A fall-themed staff appreciation bulletin board.
5-10 min
Halloween staff trick or treat printable signs with wrapped snacks, tape, and orange twine for a teacher morale booster

Staff Trick or Treat: A 5-Step Halloween Staff Activity

A Halloween staff activity with 10-15 treat stations around your school.
15-20 min per staff member
Feather Frenzy Thanksgiving staff game printables: a turkey body to color, a cover page, and game directions with markers

Feather Frenzy: A School Team Building Game

A Thanksgiving staff activity where colleagues steal paper feathers from each other.
Ongoing
Two women sit in chairs facing one another. One woman sits facing the other with a clipboard and pen in her hand. Other woman is smiling.

Coaching Conversations That Count

A process to guide teacher or principal coaching conversations that celebrate and support.
10 min
A woman stands in front of a white pegboard with posters taped to it. Assorted office supplies are on the table in front of the pegboard.

Year of Thanks: Year-Round Teacher Recognition for Every Team

A yearlong staff recognition system that spotlights a different department or grade level each month.
Varies
A white, stuffed alpaca sits on a shelf in front of green and purple bulletin boards. A handwritten note is propped up in front of the alapca.

Mascot Pass: A Weekly Teacher Appreciation Activity

A weekly recognition tradition that keeps appreciation moving all year long.
5 min
A notecard with a written note, scissor, and paper clips lay on a green background.

9 Ways to Welcome New Teachers and Staff to Your School

Pick the ideas that fit your team and your style.
Ongoing
A poster that says "I've been booed" Is taped on a glass door. A hand holds a Halloween bag and small note.

You've Been Booed: A Halloween Activity for School Staff

A teacher recognition idea keeps a fun BOO chain of treats and notes moving.
Ongoing
Four notecards taped to a desk chair. The chair is in front of a white desk with papers and jar of pencils.

Desk Drops & Daily Joy: Small Surprises that Boost Teacher Morale

A toolkit for school leaders to show appreciation, strengthen staff connection, and celebrate the everyday.
Ongoing
A stack of small paper coupons lay in a blue container with a pair of scissors on the side. On a bright green background.

Reward & Recognize: Printable Teacher Award Coupons

Printable recognition your staff will want to cash in.
Ongoing
Someone passes a coupon on to another person in front of a white desk with a plan and pens on it.

Take Ten: A Mental Health Break for Teachers During the School Day

A simple way for school leaders to give teachers and staff a 10–15 minute break during the school day.
10–15 min
Three people stand in front of a yellow wall with pens in their hands, pointing and laughing. Sheets of paper that say BINGO are taped on the wall.

Little Wins Write-In Bingo: Teacher Bingo for Your School

A shared board for Little Wins that add up.
Ongoing
An array of snacks in blue bags sits in front of a wall with a poster and blue sticky-notes.

Out of the Blue: A Snack Cart Idea to Delight Your Staff

A snack cart idea that shows appreciation to your staff with a fun, blue-themed cart.
Ongoing
A hand drops a handwritten note in a small tray on a desk. An open laptop, coffee mug, sticky notes and pens are on the desk.

Greatness Nextdoor: A Teacher Peer Observation Activity

A peer classroom observation activity for teacher growth and connection
10 min
A laptop with logos for MagicSchool and Alpaca on the screen sits on a wood desk with a coffee cup and jar of pens.

How to Use AI to Build a Stronger School Culture

A five-step leadership framework for building school culture and staff wellbeing, plus AI tools to help.
Varies
Sheets of paper, notecards, pens, and tape lay on a light purple background.

Hidden Superpowers

A chance for staff members to be seen for something beyond their job title.
10-15 min
A piece of paper that says "attendance bingo" lays on a desk with a calendar and open laptop.

8 Staff Attendance Incentives that Build Belonging

Options to turn consistent attendance into a shared moment of team recognition.
Ongoing
Sheets of paper lay on a light blue background. A bin with notecards and a pen in it lays on top of the paper. A pair of scissors is next to the bin.

Shoutouts That Shine

A simple guide to recognizing staff on your school's social media pages.
5-10 min
A hand writes on a postcard that says "welcome to the team."

Postcards to Welcome New Staff to Your Building

A low-prep onboarding activity that helps school leaders build connection from day one.
5 min
A poster and paper that says "August 2026," markers, confetti, and pens lay on an orange tray on a light blue background.

August: National Holidays to Celebrate Your Staff

A month-by-month staff appreciation resource that turns national holidays into ready-made celebration moments.
Varies by holiday
A hand holds up a pennant that says "first day" on it. Blue sky in the background.

Celebrating the First Day: Fun Ways to Welcome Students

A menu of easy, high-energy ideas to make your school's first day feel like a celebration.
20-45 min
Sheet of paper, clipboard with a sheet of paper, notecards, marker, scissors and sticky-notes lay on a pink background.

Two-Minute Teaching: A Video Reflection Practice

A structured, low-pressure way to build a culture of reflection without the weight of formal observation.
30 min
A card that says "question bank", notecard and part of a clipboard lays on a light blue background.

Classroom Walkthrough Tips for School Leaders

A guide to making quick, 5-10 minute classroom walkthroughs count.
5-10 min
Two pieces of paper pinned to a bulletin board with a grid printed on them. Green string connects squares from each paper. Colorful pens lay around the papers.

Connection Quest

A hands-on activity that encourages conversations and strengthens their sense of belonging.
15–30 min
A poster that says "corner 2" is taped to an orange wall. A hand reaches in to place a list of questions below it.

Who's In My Corner Icebreaker

A fun, no-prep way to kick off any staff meeting or PD day.
15–30 min
A poster with "welcome back" sits on a wooden table. Next to it is a sticky note pad where someone writes a note with a blue pen. Scattered around are small bags of snacks.

Back to School Bash

A snack cart send-off to welcome your staff back and kick off the year right.
30–45 min
A stack of small bags of chips sits on a table with a sign posted on the wall behind them. A hand reaches in to grab a bag.

All That and a Bag of Chips

A themed snack cart to celebrate your staff as the full package.
30-45 min
Multiple sheets of paper, markers, confetti and tape lay on a table.

Teacher Celebration Styles Quiz

A staff appreciation activity that helps you learn how each teacher likes to be celebrated.
15-20 min
A person writes on the sidewalk with chalk. Message says "outdoor movie night."

Outdoor Family Engagement Activities

Outdoor family engagement activities for schools, from picnics to glow runs, that help families and staff connect.
30-60 min
The back of a woman with long blonde hair in a black sweatshirt stands. A hand reaches in with a notecard and handwritten note on it.

Behind Your Back

A peer recognition activity where staff write positive "gossip" about a colleague.
Ongoing
A man stands in front of a bulletin board with photos on it. He writes on a piece of paper.

Guess the Classroom

An activity that works for any group size and gives teams a quick look into each other's classrooms.
Ongoing
Someone stands in front of a cart with pumpkins and orange treats on it.

Trick or Treat Trolley

A candy-filled cart leaders can wheel around to surprise staff with treats.
Ongoing
A tea station with flowers is set up on a table. A hand reaches in and pours water into a mug.

TEA-riffic Teachers

A simple, yet effective staff appreciation activity.
Ongoing
Papers are taped to a white wall with purple sticky notes stuck around them. A hand reaches in to place a note.

Sticky Note Stations

A simple way for teachers to share honest feedback and ideas anonymously.
Ongoing
Two women stand in front of an orange wall. They book look at a piece of paper one woman is holding. She points in one direction.

Schoolwide Scavenger Hunt

A schoolwide scavenger hunt with rhyming clues to get staff up and moving.
15-20 min
A man and a woman take a selfie in a stairwell. A woman goes down the stairs behind them.

Quick! Take a Pic

A fun team building activity for teachers.
10–15 min
Two hands reach in to hand each other small pieces of paper that say "pay it forward." Background is a white brick wall.

Pay it Forward

A peer-to-peer recognition activity where staff pass along rewards.
Ongoing
A bowl of jumbo marshmallows sits on a shelf. Three toothpicks with paper flags and names on them are stuck in the marshmallows.

Marshmallow Wars

A playful all-day staff game where teachers compete to collect colleague names.
Ongoing
Several sheets of paper, small notecards, pens, and a roll of tape lay on a light blue background.

A Collection of Little Wins

An activity to notice the people, moments, and memories that make your school special.
15-20 min
A woman sits at a wooden desk with a jar of markers and potted plant on it. She has a piece of paper and notecard in front of her and she is writing on them.

Growth Goal Quick Check

Turn a quick hallway chat into a moment for reflection and support.
3-5 min
One hand reaches in to hand a hand-written note to another hand.

Growth Goal Celebration Shoutouts

A teacher recognition idea for principals: turn quick growth check-ins into staff shoutouts.
5 min
Two women look down at a notecard with handwriting on it.

Goal Buddy Pair-Ups

A simple professional development idea that builds lasting peer support.
5-10 min
A man sits at a desk in a classroom. He is looking at blank notecards and making notes in a notebook.

Glow and Grow Cards

A quick peer feedback activity for staff meetings and PD days.
5-10 min
Two women stand in a hallway on stairs. They smile and exchange pieces of paper with images on them.

Find Your Match

A quick team building activity for teachers that sparks conversation and connection across your whole building.
Ongoing
A woman stands in a hallway smiling while another woman hands her a small piece of paper.

Staff Meeting Exit Ticket

A quick slip for the end of a meeting or PD session to capture takeaways and questions.
2-3 min
Coffee mugs, to-go cups, a kettle, and coffee supplies sit on a wooden table in front of a peg board. A poster and handwritten notes are taped to the peg board. A hand reaches in to grab a coffee mug.

Coffee & Compliments

A coffee station paired with a compliment board where staff leave anonymous notes of appreciation.
Ongoing
A holiday present wrapped in red and white paper lays on a desk.

Classroom White Elephant

A staff gift exchange with items already in their classroom.
15 min
Small boxes of cereal, plastic spoons and bowls lay on a table. In the background is a brown wall with a poster that says "our staff is cereal-iously the best."

Cereal-iously the Best Staff

A low-prep treat that gives staff a quick break and a sweet reminder that you appreciate them.
Ongoing
Small dishes of ice cream with spoons in them sit on a table.

Attendance Adventures: Sundae in August

A sundae bar gives classes a visible reason to show up together.
20-30 min
An amazing resource to meet the needs of the staff within my building throughout a school year, through the highs and lows. It would be a go-to to find the resources that meet my staff anytime during the school year — it helps us celebrate the wins but also come together in the times of need.

Josie Floyd · K-6 Principal · Gothenburg, NE

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