Staff Shoutouts to Boost Morale
A set of six sentence-starter cards for quick, specific recognition.
1-2 min per card
Who's In My Corner Icebreaker
A fun, no-prep way to kick off any staff meeting or PD day.
Alissa Christensen
A staff icebreaker perfect for the beginning of the year that helps staff build connections with each other. Staff will read a question, pick an answer, and head to the corner of the room that matches. This low-prep icebreaker gets staff on their feet, laughing, and learning something new about the people they work with every day.
Why try it
Who's In My Corner gives every person in the room a way to participate without being put on the spot. It sparks natural conversation, surfaces shared experiences, and helps staff see each other a little differently. For school leaders, it also doubles as a window into your team: what motivates them, how they like to be recognized, and where they find common ground.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Instructions
1
Set up the corners
Before staff arrive, post the four numbered corner signs in different areas of the room. You do not need a large space; any room with four distinct spots will work.
2
Explain the activity
Let staff know the format: you will read a question with four answer choices, and everyone moves to the corner that best matches their response. You can read the questions aloud or display them on a slideshow as you go.
3
Read the questions
Work through as many questions as you like. Use them all or pick your favorites. After everyone settles into a corner, give staff a moment to talk with the people around them before inviting a few to share why they chose that answer.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Staff and students
Teachers can run this exact activity with their classes using the student question set included in the resource.
New teacher version
Run this activity with just your new teachers during onboarding. It is a low-pressure way to help them get to know each other and gives you a quick read on who they are before the school year begins.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Play along yourself
When leaders participate, it sets the tone and shows staff you are in it with them.
Leader Tip #2
Pick questions with intention
The included question set covers everything from morning routines to professional development preferences. Mix lighthearted questions with ones that give you genuine insight into your team.
Leader Tip #3
Use it as a listening tool
Notice patterns. Who gravitates toward certain answers? What does that tell you about what your staff needs? A few mental notes during this activity can be useful later.
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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