Hidden Superpowers
A chance for staff members to be seen for something beyond their job title.
10-15 min
You've Been Booed
A teacher recognition idea keeps a fun BOO chain of treats and notes moving.
Alissa Christensen
A month-long recognition game where one staff member surprises another with a small fall treat and an encouraging note. The recipient then "boos" a different colleague, continuing the chain until everyone in the building has been BOO'd.
Why try it
Spread recognition across the whole month so every staff member gets a moment of being noticed. Since each person passes the chain forward, the momentum keeps building on its own instead of relying on one person to run the whole thing.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Instructions
1
Kick off the chain
Introduce the game at a staff meeting and explain how it works: each person picks a colleague to BOO with a small treat and a note.
2
Deliver the first BOO
Have staff leave a treat and an encouraging note on a colleague's desk without being seen.
3
Pass it forward
The recipient then BOOs another colleague, continuing the chain until everyone has been included.
4
Track the chain
Use a shared checklist in a common space like the staff lounge so staff can mark off names and avoid repeats.
5
Reveal at the end
Host a small reveal at the end of the month where staff guess who BOO'd them.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Team-based boo
Run the chain within grade levels or departments instead of building-wide, making it easier to manage in larger schools.
Note-only version
Skip the treat and keep it to just an encouraging note for a simpler, lower-cost version.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Keep deliveries discreet
Remind staff to drop off treats when the recipient is out of the room to preserve the surprise.
Leader Tip #2
Post the sign
Have staff place the included sign on their door once they've been BOO'd, so people find another staff member to BOO.
Leader Tip #3
Set a deadline
Give the game a clear end date so the chain doesn't stall out before everyone's included.
Leader Tip #4
Set a spending limit
Cap treats at $5-10 so the game stays low-cost and easy for everyone to join in.
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
Shoutouts
A teacher recognition program that runs itself.
Give teachers an opportunity to recognize their colleagues and collect them in your dashboard automatically. Easily print and share these encouraging words with your team.
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