It’s back-to-school time!
“Yay!” or maybe you’re a “Nooooo!!!!!” Ha! Either way, the new year is starting and we need to figure out some ways to truly build some serious morale.
Although it may be hard to get everyone into that “Whoo-hoo, let’s do this!” mood…morale-boosting activities can definitely help start the year on the right foot! Teachers already have lots to do, so there is no need to overthink these activities. Whether you are an administrator, teacher leader, or general education teacher, feel free to implement or suggest the following activities below!
Sometimes all teachers want is a little bit of time to chat about what they did over the school year. It’s always nice to get lunch or even receive a little extra time over lunch to get together with fellow teachers and simply chat.
Teachers have had a little time to think over the summer and may have new ideas that may better the school as a whole. Provide a Suggestion Box for teachers to anonymously suggest new ideas or policies for the upcoming school year. Teachers get to speak their minds and share their ideas WHILE administrators get a feel for what is on their teachers’ minds.
A lot of silly things happen throughout the school year. During the summer, or at the beginning of the year, collect silly memories from different staff members. (If you like the idea, you can always do it at the end of each year to use for the following school year.) Hand out different silly awards in honor of these silly happenings, and allow your staff to remember some of the good things that happened the previous year! It will be good food for the soul!
Ask most teachers and you fill find they enjoy the simple things in life. A casual day here or there or a breakfast treat can go a long way in boosting their spirits! It may be a good idea to send out a survey to ask staff what it is that they would enjoy as random energy boosters and then find ways to incorporate those small boosters throughout the year.
Use this fun professional learning and team-building digital escape room as a fun activity to start the year! It covers three very important professional learning topics but allows for some competition and fun along the way!
For an entire blog full of information about this professional learning escape room, click here.
Schools are always looking for new and unique ways to energize the school staff and maybe these ideas will help. Feel free to implement or pass any of them on to your administrators as potential activities for the first few days of school!
Have fun!
