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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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.
Featured Resource

One Word Values Activity

A 20-minute staff activity where every educator chooses a single word to guide their mindset and focus for the year. Simple to run, easy to remember, and surprisingly meaningful when staff share the words they chose and why.

Alissa Christensen
Updated August 18th, 2026
8
Effort LevelQuick Win
Support ForAll Staff
Time20-30 min
SituationDisconnected Team
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Explore collections

Belonging

141 resources

Staff Meetings

95 resources

Goal Setting

30 resources

New Teachers

48 resources

Elementary

193 resources

Middle School

193 resources

High School

187 resources

Staff Wellbeing

137 resources

Quick Win

130 resources

Support

118 resources

Health

110 resources

Low Morale

105 resources

Disconnected Team

96 resources

Mid Year Slump

92 resources

New Leader

87 resources

Recognition and Appreciation

83 resources

Impact

73 resources

Recognition

73 resources

Staff Communication

73 resources

Voice

69 resources

Back from Break

65 resources

Safety

64 resources

Professional Development

51 resources

Autonomy

50 resources

Purpose

49 resources

Feeling Unseen

45 resources

Leadership

45 resources

Growth

44 resources

Presence and Visibility

44 resources

Habit to Start

43 resources

PD Days

43 resources

Conference Season

42 resources

Back to School

40 resources

Sunshine Committee

40 resources

One-on-Ones and Check-Ins

38 resources

Coaching and Observations

35 resources

Conflict Resolution

34 resources

Shared Decision Making

32 resources

Instructional Coaches

30 resources

Deep Dive

29 resources

Burned Out

28 resources

Teacher Appreciation Week

28 resources

Veteran Staff

27 resources

First Week Back

25 resources

Losing Teachers

23 resources

Staff Conflict

21 resources

Testing Season

21 resources

Big Changes

20 resources

End of Year

19 resources

Paraeducators

19 resources

Families and Students

10 resources

Summer Planning

10 resources

Early Childhood

2 resources

Holiday Season

1 resource

Right now: Back to school
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 whiteboard with three posters introducing new teachers. A jar of pencils and flower vase sits in front of them.

Ways to Welcome New Staff Members to Your School

Pick the ideas that fit your team and your style.
Ongoing
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)
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 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)
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
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 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)
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
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
Four people sit around a table scattered with papers with images of food on them.

Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Icebreaker

A quick warmup at the start of a staff meeting or gathering to get people talking.
10-15 min
Two women stand and each hold a small piece of paper toward one another.

Teacher Telepathy Icebreaker

A staff meeting icebreaker where teachers write words to match a colleague.
15-20 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
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 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
Two women sit at a table, one smiles at the other. There are notecards and pens in their hands.

Fun Fact Frenzy

A quick, no-prep staff meeting icebreaker where staff write surprising facts about themselves and the group guesses whose it whose.
2 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
Two women hold bingo cards and face each other. Each are writing on the cards. Background is a multicolored rug.

Back-to-School Team Building Bingo

A fun staff meeting icebreaker your team will love. This bingo activity gets staff moving, talking, and connecting in just 10 minutes.
10-15 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
Three sheets of paper with lists of ideas are on a white bulletin board. A blue boarder and markers are around them.

35 Fun-Raisers for School Spirit

Ideas organized by category, from big events to quick wins, ready to help schools raise money.
Varies
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 man stands in front of a table in a library reading off a piece of paper. At the table, two women stand and two women sit.

Stand Up If

A fast, fun staff meeting icebreaker where teachers stand up if a statement applies to them.
5-10 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 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
Two women hold bingo sheets and write on them with pens. A colorful rug is in the background.

Find Someone Who Icebreaker

A staff meeting icebreaker that gets people moving and connecting fast.
10-15 min
A colorful paper chain lays on a yellow table. Two hands reach in to add another link to the chain.

Family Connection Projects

A year-round family engagement project for school leaders.
Ongoing
Someone stands in front of a wood table with paper cuttters and office supplies on it. They place items in a blue folder.

Classroom Support Program

A list of tips for organizing classroom volunteer programs.
Ongoing
A white board is covered in colorful sticky notes and a piece of paper is taped at the top that says "you said, we did." A hand reaches in from the left and places another sticky note on the board.

You Said, We Did Board

A way to visually display staff feedback paired alongside leadership actions.
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
A group of three women and one man sit at a table in a library playing a card game.

Staff Taboo Showdown

A school-themed word game that gets staff laughing and competing!
10 min
Someone holds a piece of paper with "this" and "that" on it. People in the background stand to one side of a room.

This or That Icebreaker

A get-on-your-feet icebreaker where staff vote on fun "this or that" prompts.
5-10 min
A hand places a handwritten note in a backpack.

5-Minute Ideas for Family Engagement

Quick family engagement ideas for schools, from phone calls to postcards.
5 min
A man sits at a desk with a notebook, coffee cup, and open laptop. He fills in a bingo card with a blue pen.

Family Connection Bingo

A bingo card full of family engagement activities.
Ongoing
Man holds a piece of paper with writing on it as he stands in front of three women seated at a table.

Habits for High-Impact Meetings

A guide to help school leaders make meetings more purposeful and productive.
Varies
Browse by moments
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
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
Several sheets of paper a clipboard, tape dispenser, and pencil lay on a green bac

Meaningful Check-Ins Made Simple

A simple staff wellbeing system for tracking check-ins.
1-2 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
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 to Boost Morale

A set of six sentence-starter cards for quick, specific recognition.
1-2 min per card
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
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 recognition tradition that keeps appreciation moving all year long.
5 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: Prize Coupons

Printable recognition your staff will want to cash in.
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

A toolkit for school leaders to show appreciation, strengthen staff connection, and celebrate the everyday.
Ongoing
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
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 Check-In

An easy way to ask your staff how they’re doing.
10–15 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 whiteboard with three posters introducing new teachers. A jar of pencils and flower vase sits in front of them.

Ways to Welcome New Staff Members to Your School

Pick the ideas that fit your team and your style.
Ongoing
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
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.

Meaningful 1:1s

A simple way to connect, listen, and grow with your team.
15 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
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.
Notecards with handwritten notes on them lay diagonally on a light blue background.

Gratitude & Celebration Postcards

An easy eay to send a quick handwritten note that celebrates a win.
3-5 min
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 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 teacher recognition idea keeps a fun BOO chain of treats and notes moving.
Ongoing
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
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
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
Four people sit around a table scattered with papers with images of food on them.

Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Icebreaker

A quick warmup at the start of a staff meeting or gathering to get people talking.
10-15 min
Two women stand and each hold a small piece of paper toward one another.

Teacher Telepathy Icebreaker

A staff meeting icebreaker where teachers write words to match a colleague.
15-20 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
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 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
Two women sit at a table, one smiles at the other. There are notecards and pens in their hands.

Fun Fact Frenzy

A quick, no-prep staff meeting icebreaker where staff write surprising facts about themselves and the group guesses whose it whose.
2 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
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.

Steps to Ensure Clarity in Expectations

Key questions for collaboration and follow-up conversations.
10-15 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
Two women hold bingo cards and face each other. Each are writing on the cards. Background is a multicolored rug.

Back-to-School Team Building Bingo

A fun staff meeting icebreaker your team will love. This bingo activity gets staff moving, talking, and connecting in just 10 minutes.
10-15 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
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
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 stand in front of a whiteboard placing sticky notes underneath posters that say belonging, safety, and voice.

Pulse and Perspective

A yearlong bulletin board for staff reflection and connection.
Ongoing
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
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.

Communication Strategies for Every School Leader

A practical guide to four communication strategies school leaders can use in everyday moments
10-15 min
Three sheets of paper with lists of ideas are on a white bulletin board. A blue boarder and markers are around them.

35 Fun-Raisers for School Spirit

Ideas organized by category, from big events to quick wins, ready to help schools raise money.
Varies
Little Wins newsletter illustration

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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
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 to Boost Morale

A set of six sentence-starter cards for quick, specific recognition.
1-2 min per card
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 Check-In

An easy way to ask your staff how they’re doing.
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
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

A simple end-of-week reflection that helps staff reflect on positive moments.
5–10 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
A computer with an open calendar on the screen sits on a table with a coffee cup and cup of pens on it. A paper with newsletter tips lays on top of the keyboard.

Weekly Staff Newsletter Tips

Seven simple ways to write a newsletter your staff will actually read.
20-30 min
1:1s and Check-ins
Several sheets of paper a clipboard, tape dispenser, and pencil lay on a green bac

Meaningful Check-Ins Made Simple

A simple staff wellbeing system for tracking check-ins.
1-2 min
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.

Meaningful 1:1s

A simple way to connect, listen, and grow with your team.
15 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
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 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
A whiteboard with three posters introducing new teachers. A jar of pencils and flower vase sits in front of them.

Ways to Welcome New Staff Members to Your School

Pick the ideas that fit your team and your style.
Ongoing
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
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
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 hand places a notecard with handwritten notes on it in a slot mailbox.

Appreciation Avalanche

A simple teacher recognition idea.
Ongoing
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
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

Build teacher coaching conversations that celebrate and support.
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
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 to Boost Morale

A set of six 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.
Notecards with handwritten notes on them lay diagonally on a light blue background.

Gratitude & Celebration Postcards

An easy eay to send a quick handwritten note that celebrates a win.
3-5 min
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
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 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 recognition tradition that keeps appreciation moving all year long.
5 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: Prize Coupons

Printable recognition your staff will want to cash in.
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

A toolkit for school leaders to show appreciation, strengthen staff connection, and celebrate the everyday.
Ongoing
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 whiteboard with three posters introducing new teachers. A jar of pencils and flower vase sits in front of them.

Ways to Welcome New Staff Members to Your School

Pick the ideas that fit your team and your style.
Ongoing
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
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 teacher recognition idea keeps a fun BOO chain of treats and notes moving.
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
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
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 that shows appreciation to your staff with a fun, blue-themed cart.
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
A hand places a small alpaca sticker in a jar of pencils.

Mystery Mascot Hunt

A team building game that adds a bit of friendly competition.
All day
A tray with stickers in it is on a desk with school supplies around it. A hand reaches in to grab a sticker.

Sticker Sneak

A fun, all-day team building game for teachers.
All day
A hand places a notecard with handwritten notes on it in a slot mailbox.

Appreciation Avalanche

A simple teacher recognition idea.
Ongoing
A man holds celebrate flags outside a door and hands one to someone.

11 Teacher Morale Boosters

Fun, doable ideas for school leaders who want to celebrate staff and keep culture strong.
Varies
Several notecards lay on a blue background. Markers are scattered around them.

What's Your W.I.N.?

An activity that combines recognition and a way to check in on staff.
15 min
Sheets of paper, scissors, marker, and a tin with notecards in it lay on a green background.

Top Secret Staff Tasks

An easy and low prep activity that provides your team with fun interactive ideas.
Ongoing
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 bulletin board with a poster that says "moments that matter" on it and small notecards sits on a shelf next to two potted plants.

Teaching Triumphs

A bulletin board activity that gives teachers a dedicated space to share student breakthroughs, classroom wins, and proud moments.
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 simple way for school leaders to give teachers and staff a 10–15 minute break during the school day.
10–15 mi
A piece of paper with "bright futures" typed on it hangs on a white wall next to a window. Below is a string with small pieces of paper hanging on it with clothespins. A hand reaches in from the right side to hang one more piece of paper.

Student Success Story Toolkit

Celebrate student growth, recognize your teachers, and build a stronger school culture.
Ongoing (weekly or monthly)
Three women stand in a classroom. The woman in the middle holds a sheet of paper that they all look at.

Staff Scavenger Hunt Icebreaker

A team based scavenger hunt.
20-30 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
Four people stand in a circle with a colorful rug in the background. They each hold a small piece of paper with an image on it and the images meet in the middle of the circle.

Connect Four

An activity to have fun and build connection across grade levels or departments.
Ongoing
Hands hold up a small bag of pretzels and a small piece of paper in front of a white wall.

Snack Notes of Appreciation

Ready-to-go notes to pair with a snack for a fun, easy staff appreciation activity.
Ongoing
A glass jar with pieces of paper in it sits on a table next to a paper sign up sheet. A hand reached in and grabs a piece of paper with a name on it.

Secret Staff Support Swap

A recurring, low-cost gift exchange gives staff an easy way to connect.
Ongoing
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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