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A fun team building activity for teachers.
10–15 min
Classroom White Elephant
A staff gift exchange with items already in their classroom.
Alissa Christensen
Staff find an item in their own classroom, wrap it up, and bring it to the meeting for a fast-paced gift exchange. It's white elephant with a twist: everyone already has what they need, and a dice roll decides who ends up with what.
Why try it
Have a good time with your team with a surprise game. Your team will enjoy the mystery item and the fun, and the dice add a little luck to who ends up with what.
Instructions
1
Set the challenge
At the start of the meeting, announce that everyone has 10 minutes to find something in their classroom and wrap it using whatever they have on hand.
2
Gather and roll
At the meeting, have everyone bring their wrapped item and set a timer for five minutes. Staff roll dice to pass gifts around the group.
3
Lock in the keepers
When the timer goes off, whatever gift is in each person's hands is the one they keep.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Themed items
Tie the wrapped item to a season or subject, like something red for February or something from a favorite read-aloud.
Team rounds
Split staff into small groups and run the exchange within each group, then have one person from each group trade with another team for a final round.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Keep the rules loose
Anything counts as wrapping, paper, foil, a grocery bag.
Leader Tip #2
Set dice rules ahead of time
Decide what each roll does (pass left, pass right, swap with anyone) and announce it before the timer starts so there's no confusion mid-game.
Leader Tip #3
Leave time to unwrap
Give staff a minute at the end to open what they ended up with and show the group.
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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