TEA-riffic Teachers
A simple, yet effective staff appreciation activity.
Ongoing
Pass the Phone: Staff Connection Game
Give staff a reason to notice and name the good things about each other.
Abbey Sualy
Staff pass a phone around a circle, each person naming a positive or funny description of a colleague before handing it off. It's a fast way to spark laughter and highlight what makes each team member great.
Why try it
Build connection in minutes by giving staff a reason to notice and name the good things about each other out loud. The format is simple enough that any team can jump in without prep, and it works just as well as a five-minute opener as it does a longer team building moment.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Instructions
1
Gather the group in a circle
Bring staff together standing or seated, close enough to pass a phone or small object around.
2
Start the chain
One person holds the phone and says "I'm passing the phone to..." followed by a positive or lighthearted description of a colleague, then hands it to that person.
3
Keep it going
Each person who receives the phone repeats the pattern: they name a colleague with a positive or fun description, then pass the phone to that person.
4
Wrap up
End the round after 5-10 minutes, or once everyone has had a turn.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Small team version
Play within grade-level or department teams first, then share a few highlights with the full staff.
Speed round
Split into small teams and set a 3-minute timer. The team that completes the most passes wins a prize.
Mystery prompt bowl
Fill a bowl with prewritten "I'm passing the phone to..." prompts. Each person draws one, reads it aloud, and passes the phone to the colleague it describes.
Leader guess
Staff describe a colleague without immediately passing the phone, and the school leader tries to guess who it is before the phone changes hands.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Prep a few prompts
If the group seems hesitant to start, offer 2-3 prepared descriptions to get the first few passes moving.
Leader Tip #2
Set the norms first
Before starting, ask staff to keep descriptions kind, avoid anything about appearance or personal life, and focus on strengths or fun school moments.
Leader Tip #3
Keep the pace quick
Encourage staff to answer fast and skip overthinking. The energy builds once the first few passes happen.
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.
Abbey Sualy
Early Childhood Educator
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