TGIF Reflection: An End-of-Week Teacher Activity
A simple end-of-week reflection that helps staff reflect on positive moments.
5–10 min
Here for You Notes: A 3-Step Staff Wellbeing Activity
A staff wellbeing activity for a hard day
Alissa Christensen
What are Here for You Notes?
Here for You Notes is a staff wellbeing activity where each staff member writes a short note to themselves about what they would want to hear on a hard day. You keep the sealed notes in a collection box and hand each one back when that person needs it.
Why try it
This activity gives every staff member encouragement in their own words
Each staff member writes their own note, so the encouragement fits the person who reads it. You hold onto it until a tough day comes, then hand it back. Handing a note back on a hard day is a simple, private way to show you’re paying attention to your team.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Things you'll need
Box or folder for collecting notes
Printed note cards (included)
Envelopes
Instructions
1
Set up the box
Set up a collection box for your staff wellbeing activity
Decorate a box or folder and place it in a quieter spot, like a corner of the workroom or a mailbox slot, so staff can drop off a note without an audience. Stock it with the included note cards, envelopes, and pens.
2
Invite staff to write
Invite every staff member to write a note to self
At a staff meeting or in your newsletter, ask each staff member to write themselves a short note about what they would want to hear on a hard day. Share a few prompts from the list below. Staff seal the note in an envelope, write their name on the front, and drop it in the box.
3
Hand notes back
Hand back each encouragement note on a hard day
When a staff member is having a tough day, leave their envelope on their desk, put it in their mailbox, or hand it to them directly. Deliver it on its own so they can read it on their own time.
4
20 note prompts for this staff wellbeing activity
Look back: one thing you’re proud of this year, a student moment you want to remember, something a colleague said that stuck with you, a hard week you got through before, the reason you said yes to this job
Plan the rest of the day: one task you’ll move to tomorrow, a snack or drink you’ll grab on your break, who you’ll call or text after work, a 5-minute walk route around the building, a song for the drive home
Words to hear: what a good friend would tell you right now, 3 words that describe you on your best day, advice you’d give a first-year colleague, a quote or saying you come back to, something you’re looking forward to this year
Your people and places: a colleague you can go to, someone outside school who has your back, a spot in the building where you can take 5 min, something that always makes you laugh, a photo to tuck in the envelope
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Team note for a hard week
Grade level teams or departments write one shared note about what they would want to hear as a group. Keep it in a team folder and hand it back during a tough week.
Leader’s note too
Write your own note and give it to another admin, a mentor, or a trusted colleague to hand back to you on a hard day.
Milestone hand-back
Hand everyone’s notes back at once during demanding stretches, like testing week, report card week, or the week before a long break.
New staff welcome
Add a note card and envelope to every new hire’s onboarding packet so their note is in the box from the start.
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
Alpaca Pulse Check-In
Turn insights into action
With just three simple questions, Alpaca's Pulse Check-In helps school leaders listen to their teams and act where support is needed most.
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