Staff Shoutouts to Boost Morale
A set of six sentence-starter cards for quick, specific recognition.
1-2 min per card
Bead Battle: Rock, Paper, Scissors Staff Challenge
A low-prep way to add some energy to the school day.
Alissa Christensen
A playful, all-day rock-paper-scissors challenge where staff collect beads for each win. Colleagues squeeze in quick matches between classes, and the day wraps up with a celebration for the top bead holders.
Why try it
Friendly competition gives staff a reason to step away from their usual routine and interact with colleagues from other grade levels or departments. Once the beads are handed out, the game runs itself, giving leaders a low-prep way to add some energy to the school day.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Things you'll need
Bead necklaces
Printed winner certificate (optional)
Instructions
1
Prep the day before
Place three bead necklaces in each staff member's mailbox and send a quick heads-up that tomorrow is Bead Battle day, with prizes awarded at the end.
2
Start the game
Open play with a morning announcement at your start time, such as 8:00 a.m. Staff challenge each other to rock, paper, scissors (best of one or best two out of three) during transitions, planning periods, or other appropriate windows. The winner takes one bead from the other player, and anyone who loses all three beads is out for the day.
3
End the game and celebrate
Close play with a dismissal announcement, gather briefly to count beads, and award prizes to the top three bead holders using the included award certificate.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Staff meeting icebreaker
Give each staff member one bead at the start of a meeting or PD session, let them challenge a neighbor, and recognize the person with the most beads, best sportsmanship, and most enthusiasm after five to ten minutes.
Half-day or lunch-only version
Limit play to lunch, a single planning block, or one prep window, then wrap up with a quick prize drawing.
Team vs. team
Assign beads by grade level or department color and total each team's beads at the end of the day to crown a team winner.
Extra beads add-on
Let especially competitive staff purchase an extra starting bead for a small donation, with proceeds going toward a staff food day or shared fund.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Involve the kids
During hallway transitions, encourage students to cheer on their teacher.
Leader Tip #2
Protect instructional time
Keep challenges to transitions, planning periods, collaboration blocks, or lunch, and skip play during core instructional blocks.
Leader Tip #3
Capture the moments
Snap photos of the matches and celebrations to share with staff after the day wraps up.
Built by Educators, for School Leaders
This resource was created in collaboration with passionate educators and school leaders who believe in the power of intentional connection.
Alissa Christensen
Head of Customer Success
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