5 Ways to Use Word Banks to Support Independent Writing in K-2

Raise your hand if you’ve ever had a student ask, “How do you spell ___?” If I had a dollar for every time, well… let’s just say I could probably fund my entire classroom library! While it can feel repetitive, this is actually an amazing opportunity to help students build independence, strengthen spelling skills, and develop confidence as writers. The key? Word banks!

 

What are Word Banks?

Word banks are organized collections of words that students can reference while reading or writing. They can include high-frequency sight words, thematic vocabulary, or words that follow specific phonics patterns. In K-2 classrooms, they are often in the format of a picture dictionary. 

They serve as a safety net for young writers, helping them spell words correctly without interrupting the flow of their ideas. By giving students easy access to the words they need, word banks promote independence, boost confidence, and encourage more frequent writing practice. 

They can be as simple as a small card, a class chart, or a full, multi-page picture dictionary. Really, anything that allows students to quickly find and use words during their learning!

Why Word Banks Work for K-2

Word banks give students a reference they can use when they’re stuck, so they aren’t constantly interrupting your teaching or feeling frustrated. They also provide repeated exposure to high-frequency words and phonics patterns, which helps students internalize correct spelling over time. When students know where to find the words they need, they can focus more on expressing their ideas rather than stressing over spelling.

When we're just getting started with word banks, I love to use one that includes common words that show up in primary writing. Then, as we are getting deeper into phonics lessons, we use word banks that feature words tied directly to those rules. These tools are one of the best ways to create more independent, confident writers in your classroom, which is my favorite benefit of all! 

Now, let's take a look at how you can use these amazing tools for writing growth in your classroom!

1. Writing Folder Support

My first idea for using word banks is probably my favorite. . . Tuck timely word bank pages into writing folders for instant support! This was a go-to in my classroom over the years. All you need to do is keep a small set of word bank pages on hand that are relevant to what students are writing about. 

For example, if you’re writing about fall topics, include words like leaf, pumpkin, rake, and apple. Students can pull out these pages whenever they need them. This makes writing activities quick, easy, and self-directed! This is great if you are running centers in your classroom or need some time to facilitate small groups. 

To make this easy to prep, I liked to store master copies in plastic sleeves in a binder. Then, as I was prepping folders for the month, I could quickly and easily make copies to place in each folder. The kids LOVE to see the new word bank each month, and I love how much it supports their writing. 

2. Create Picture Dictionary Reference Books 

Picture dictionaries are a great addition to your writing center or classroom book area. Students can flip through pages to find the word they need, matching letters with images. This visual support is especially helpful for young students or English language learners. Over time, these picture dictionaries become go-to references, making your classroom more independent and less interrupted.

I like to create a few of these and rotate them throughout the year. You can make books with common words for the season, as well as specific phonics skills you're working on. You might be surprised how many children choose to "read" these reference books all on their own during free choice reading time! 

3. Use the Smartboard

For whole-group or small-group writing, project timely word banks on your Smartboard. This allows all students to see and refer to words at the same time. You can update the projected word bank weekly to align with writing prompts, thematic units, or phonics skills. Plus, it saves paper while keeping students engaged!

This is also a great way to make a large anchor-chart version of the word banks. Just project it up on the wall, trace everything on chart paper, and color in the pictures. This is a lot of fun to use during a morning meeting when you introduce a new word bank. Plus, you'll be able to leave it hanging up all month long. 

4. Use a Word of the Day Board

Feature one or two high-interest or thematic words each day on a small display or whiteboard. Students can refer to the word throughout the day in their writing, during discussions, or even during journal time. This repeated exposure helps the word stick while encouraging students to use new vocabulary confidently. 

You can also have students add these words to a personal word bank journal they keep at their desks and draw a picture to go with it. Add the word to the word wall when the day is over, and by the end of the month, you'll have a huge visual display of fun, seasonal words that students can include in their writing. 

5. Incorporate Word Banks into Guided Reading & Writing 

During guided writing lessons, display a word bank relevant to the prompt. Students can refer to the bank while writing their ideas, helping them connect spelling, phonics patterns, and sentence construction all at once. This is especially effective for reinforcing recently taught phonics or vocabulary skills.

I also find that word banks are super helpful during guided reading lessons as well. Keeping a few word banks with timely words or phonics patterns handy is a great visual reminder to help students connect text to pictures and better comprehend the material. 

Ready to Use Word Bank Resources

If you're loving the sound of using word banks in your classroom to foster independent writing skills and self-confidence, you'll love my ready-to-use resources! As I mentioned, these were a favorite in my room, so I made lots of options to use all year long. 

Picture Dictionary

This Picture Dictionary will make your word bank dreams come true! Inside, you will find done-for-you word bank resources to make facilitating independence a breeze. Here's what's included:

• 10 monthly word banks with seasonal words
• 12 thematic word banks (animals, weather, colors, and more)
• 4 seasonal word banks
• 26 beginning sound words
• dictionary cover pages 

You will love using these in your classroom to make reference books, as well as using them individually for student support. Not to mention, I know your kids will be SO excited to see a fresh new word list in their writing folder each month! 

Phonics Word Banks 

Using word banks as you're learning new phonics rules is a total game-changer. You'll be amazed at how much this helps your students master new spelling patterns and sounds. Plus, they're a great support to send home in homework folders, too! Here are the phonics rules covered in this bundle:

• Beginning Sounds (long & short vowels)
• CVC and CVE words
• Beginning and Ending Blends
• Beginning and Ending Digraphs 
• Vowel Teams and Bossy R
• Final Double Consonants

That's right, you get 6 different phonics rules word banks that will transform your literacy and writing blocks! I know that you will find endless ways to use these, even beyond the 5 things I mentioned above.

Independent Writing Here We Come! 

Word banks are the ultimate tool for independence, confidence, and skill-building. The next time a student asks you how to spell a word, you can point them to a word bank and watch them light up with pride as they find it themselves! Beyond the classroom management benefits of using word banks, I think you'll love to see the positive mental impact this has on your students. There's nothing quite like independence to boost your mood and make you feel capable, right?! Head on over to TPT and grab these word bank resources to help your kids become confident, capable writers! 

Looking for More?

Check out these posts next for more support in K-2!

• 4 Must Teach Primary Classroom Procedures
  
• Fun Activities to Help Students Hear and Count Syllables
  

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5 Ways to Use Handwritten Notes to Boost Staff Morale

If you're anything like me, you're probably on the lookout for simple yet effective ways to show appreciation and boost staff morale in your school. This was my focus for many years as the leader of the Sunshine Committee in my building. Over the years, I learned that handwritten notes are one of the best ways to add a personal touch and make everyone feel appreciated. Let's chat about simple ways you can weave these into your staff morale plan!

The Simple, Personalized Gestures Mean So Much!

Why handwritten notes? Well, they are a personalized, thoughtful gesture that's becoming less and less common. In our digital world, staff are used to receiving emails and e-cards, but receiving a handwritten note feels extra special! I know that personally, there's nothing that feels better to me than getting a note in the mail or finding one left on my desk. It's definitely a bucket filler!

Aside from making your staff feel remembered, handwritten notes are great for many other reasons, such as:

• They're inexpensive
• Easy to make time for
• Can be used for many occasions
• Easily adaptable 
• Encourage staff to slow down and connect 

No matter how you look at it, handwritten notes are a surefire winner for boosting staff morale! If you want to make an intentional effort to include these in your year, come along for 5 fun and unique ways to use them! 

1. Back-to-School Postcards 

If you work in a school, I don't need to tell you how busy the back to school season can be! It's a hectic time of year for everyone. This means that staff morale is more important than ever! We want our teachers and faculty to come back to school, looking forward to connecting with each other, not dreading it. One of the ways to help facilitate this is with handwritten notes. 

I loved sending personalized postcards to each member of the staff right as back to school time was gearing up. I heard so many staff members comment on how it was a wonderful surprise and just the boost of motivation they needed. The fun thing about sending personalized notes rather than an email blast is that you can tailor them to different personalities. 

This Back to School Postcards Resource is filled with 9 different designs that print 4 to a page. There's a wide variety of styles to choose from, so you'll be able to find something for everyone on your staff roster. Whether you need an encouraging quote, a funny joke, or just a sweet back to school message, these postcards will fit the bill! 

2. Summertime Postcards 

Postcards are a hit, so why not use them in the summer months too? I know that staff morale can be harder to facilitate in the summer months, and sending mail straight to their mailboxes is a great way to show appreciation! This Summer Postcard Resource includes 10 different designs. 

To use, just select the designs you like and print them off. There is also a backside design included that you can print using the 2-sided feature in your printer. Print on cardstock so they hold up in the mail! Then just fill them out, add postage, and send them off to make your staff smile! 

I recommend printing these off before the school year ends and cutting them with a paper cutter. Then, bring them home with you (along with some cute pens) and fill them out as you have time. You can send them throughout the summer to spread a little joy! Looking for more ways to boost staff morale in the summer? I've got you covered. Check out this unique list of ideas next!

3. Encourage Staff to Give Handwritten Notes 

Once you start showing appreciation with handwritten notes for staff, I know you'll be hooked! These small, yet meaningful gestures always invoke a cascade of positivity and joy in the workplace. We loved them so much in my building that I actually liked to take it a step further and encourage staff to send notes to each other. 

This is easy to do if you have a staff morale hub, or sunshine corner, in your school. Just fill a basket with a variety of notecards and let staff know they are free for the taking. You can remind staff during monthly meetings if needed. Before you know it, you'll see those cards disappear and wonderful, encouraging notes being handed out left and right. 

You can find lots of inexpensive notecards at places like Target and the Dollar Store. I also have a few personal favorites on Amazon linked below:

• Bright Colors
• Groovy Pastels 
• Elegant Florals 

Encourage your staff to share thank-you's among their team and throughout the school to keep those positive vibes flowing!

4. Take Time for Handwritten Birthday Cards 

What's better than getting recognized on your birthday? Not much, right?! I mean, seriously, it really can bring a big smile to staff faces. And the best part is that it doesn't take much to make staff feel special. A thoughtful Birthday Card is just the thing! 

There are 10 different birthday cards included in this resource, along with 10 different coordinating messages that can be mixed and matched. Just choose, print, and fill out to spread birthday cheer! You can pass these around for other staff members to sign, or print a few to be filled out by different team members. No matter what you decide, I know your faculty will love to receive a personalized card. 

If you really want to get ahead of the game, print several copies of these ahead of time and store them in a file folder for quick and easy access throughout the year. You'll be so happy you thought ahead!

5. Holiday Cards 

Alright, friend, one more simple idea to get handwritten notes out to your staff - Holiday Cards! I think we can all agree that December is a busy month. We're all trying to squeeze our teaching into a short month, prepare for time off, and spread some merriment. Help staff feel valued and appreciated during this crazy time with some handwritten, personalized holiday cards. 

The postcards in this resource are great to send out to the homes of your staff over break, or simply place them in your mailbox area in the office. Either way, they mean so much! Inside this resource, you will find 7 different cards to choose from for your staff members. They cover winter themes, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza, so you'll have plenty to choose from. 

Looking to mix it up? This resource also includes 5 options for you to send to staff family members. This is a fun alternative to the normal card and will allow you to tell staff family members why they are valuable to your team! 

Boost Staff Morale All Year Long with Handwritten Notes

With these simple ideas, you'll be able to send out handwritten notes all year long. I love this strategy for showing staff that they are valued and appreciated, without breaking the bank! We all know that it can be difficult to manage a staff morale budget, but with handwritten notes, your costs will be kept to a minimum. Plus, there's no denying how special we all feel when we receive a handwritten, personalized note of appreciation! Give these a try in your school at different times of the year to boost morale and keep spirits high. Click on the images below to grab them all on TPT! 

Looking for More? 

Be sure to read this post next if you're looking for more ways to make room in the school budget for staff morale activities!

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4 Must-Teach Primary Classroom Procedures for the Beginning of the School Year

If you have ever taught in the primary grades, you likely already know that the first month or so of the school year is all about laying a solid foundation that sticks. During back-to-school time, it's super important to focus on the routines and classroom procedures that will help your students be successful all year long. In fact, I recommend developing those skills from the very first day. So let's dive into the 4 must-teach primary classroom procedures that will save your sanity and promote independence all year long! 

Why Teaching Classroom Procedures is a MUST in the Primary Grades 

The truth is, when it comes to essential classroom procedures, like how to use scissors or care for books, many children simply haven't been taught. Your kiddos aren't trying to be irresponsible with the school supplies; they just don't know the proper way to use them. And that's okay, because we're going to fix that! 

Teaching routines and classroom procedures, especially when it comes to how to use materials and tools, is going to be a game-changer in your classroom. Not only will this help ensure your school supplies stand up, but it will also mean that your students will learn personal responsibility, respect for property, and how to share with classmates. I'm sure we can all agree that these are great things to focus on with little learners. 

These are also great to teach right away since that means you can get started using books, scissors, glue, and pencils. Not together, of course, but you get the idea! Teaching these things will also open the door to teaching other classroom rules and expectations naturally. All-in-all, it's a win! 

Make Teaching Classroom Procedures Simple with Read-Alouds

Alright, ready to see how I make this super simple, friendly, and easy to implement? In my room, I created some read-alouds that cover these 4 classroom procedures. During the first week of school, we use 1 per day with the whole group. I read it aloud, and then we had a discussion afterward to discuss what we learned. I also love to make these books available for the kiddos to look through later as a little reminder when needed throughout the year. 

The idea is to prepare the read alouds ahead of time and bind them into books you can use in your lessons. I liked to laminate the pages and use a binding machine to do so. Then, I would read the book aloud in the classroom and have a discussion with students afterward. You can even make an anchor chart with some of the things you covered to make this lesson more impactful. Using read-alouds has proven to be an easy and age-appropriate way to convey the message right from the start!

So, what exactly should you teach? Glad you asked! Here's a look at the top four must-teach classroom procedures for primary kiddos. 

1. Book Care Classroom Procedures

I loved having a large collection of books available to my students in my classroom. The classroom library was one of our centers, and I designed a cozy little area where kids were able to choose a book and tuck themselves away. I found this to be so helpful for students who needed some quiet time sprinkled into their day, or maybe didn't have access to many books at home. I would swap them out every season, so the choices were always fresh. 

This space only stays magical if the books stay in good shape, though! This is why I highly recommend teaching this classroom procedure right off the bat! I like to sit down with my students and use my read-aloud that discusses the rules regarding book use. Some of the rules we cover include:

• Make sure to handle books with clean hands 
• Not eating or drinking while handling books
• Not tearing or cutting pages 

and more! Reading aloud is a great way to help students understand that we must take care of property if we want to be able to keep using it! 

2. Classroom Procedures for Glue 

How to use glue properly is another super important classroom procedure to teach in the primary grades. I'm not sure if there's much worse than puddles of sticky glue dripping off every surface! So before it has the chance to happen, use an activity like this Glue Practice Read Aloud to make it easier on your students, and you! 

This book covers proper procedures for both liquid glue and gluesticks. No more broken glue sticks or excess glue on your watch! I recommend introducing this book during the first week of school, having plenty of discussions, and re-reading it anytime your kids need a refresher. Art supplies are fun and tempting to overdo it with, so you may need to revisit this one a few times! 

Oh, and if you're looking for another tip to make your glue sticks last longer, purchase giant-sized ones like these. They hold up better and are easier for little hands to use! 

3. Scissor Safety Practice 

Does the idea of teaching kids to use scissors give you the chills? I get it. This is a BIG one in the primary classroom. Not only for safety, but to keep the rest of your materials and classmates' hair out of the line of fire! But with an age-appropriate read-aloud about scissor safety, you won't have to stress about this! 

This resource is packed with all of the important rules and classroom procedures your kids should know when it comes to scissors safety. Inside the book, you will find age-appropriate, clear illustrations to help them understand. I've also used simple language throughout and empowering "I" statements. 

I also highly recommend purchasing some quality scissors for your classroom for your primary students. I love these blunt-tip scissors. The reason is that some of the cheaply made knockoffs don't work as well and will result in frustration when your kids are trying to use them.

4. Finger Spacing 

Last on this list is another important classroom procedure that I recommend teaching early on - finger spacing. This is so important because it will help your students with reading and writing legibility. In my classroom, I used the Spaceman for over 15 years. If you've never heard of this, you're in for a treat! 

I use this read-aloud along with my own "Spaceman" tool to demonstrate proper finger spacing. You can purchase wooden spaceman tools like these or make your own with popsicle sticks. The idea is that kids will use them as they write to leave the proper amount of space between words. The kids LOVE these and honestly, I do too! It makes teaching this classroom procedure fun and easy! 

Final Tips for Teaching Classroom Procedures

As you prepare to get started teaching these essential classroom procedures in your own classroom, I have a few more tips for you to make this as easy as possible! 

Teach One Thing at a Time 

Don't try to shove these lessons into a single day. For primary kiddos, focusing on one skill per day is usually a good amount of time that will allow you to teach the procedures, discuss, and practice. Speaking of which. . . 

Allow Lots of Practice! 

After reading each of the books on classroom procedures, allow your kids to practice. Many times. They can use glue sticks, try snipping paper with scissors, or have a few minutes of reading using the procedures taught. I like to talk through some of the things that were covered in the read-alouds as kids' work. 

Be Patient 

Even with the best lesson and lots of practice, patience is going to be an essential element for success. Know that there will be slip-ups and use them as opportunities to revisit the rules and re-teach classroom procedures throughout the year. 

Grab the Classroom Procedures Bundle to Simplify Your Lessons 

Want to make teaching classroom procedures and routines seamless in your room? Make sure to snag the bundle of Classroom Routines Read Alouds! Inside, you get all four books that you can prep and laminate to be used over and over again in your classroom. They take the guesswork out of this process and will help you effectively teach these essential classroom procedures in an age-appropriate and engaging format! Plus, you'll be armed and ready when it's time for a refresher! 

Looking for More Beginning of the Year Tips?

Make sure to check out these posts next! 

• 7 Ideas for Making Student Birthdays Special
• Back to School Resources for a Smooth Year

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15 Ways to Support Staff Morale Over Summer Break

Summer break is a special time for those of us who have worked in the school system. It's part of what allows teachers, staff members, and administrators to recharge and reset for another great year of teaching, leading, and learning. Even when staff members are taking some time off, it continues to be a great time to boost morale, especially for those who crave it, while eliminating the pressure to participate for those who need to fully unplug. Here are some low-pressure ways to support staff morale over summer break!

Finding the Right Staff Morale Balance Over Summer 

We all know that summer vacation is super important in the education world. It offers a chance to breathe, recharge, and take a step away from the busy demands of school. It's also a great opportunity to build in some optional staff morale activities for those who want to build camaraderie and connect outside of the school walls. There's something that feels more relaxed in the summer months that allows staff members to bond differently. 

The important thing to remember is that not everyone will want to participate, and that's 100% OK! We simply want to present meaningful opportunities to connect without the pressure. The key is to create a space that respects boundaries and acknowledges we all recharge differently. 

Some staff members need to fully unplug, and others will want social interaction. When you keep this in mind and make your staff morale activities about optional, low-key ways to have fun over the summer, you will keep the team spirit alive without forcing it. Not to mention, I have always found that people often want to join in all on their own! 

So, let's dive into 15 low-pressure ways to support staff morale over the summer! 

1. Create a Private Chat or Facebook Group 

This is one of my favorite ideas on the list because it's SO easy to make happen! Set up a private FB group for your staff members and share the link via email during the first few weeks of summer. After the chaos of the final weeks in the classroom, your staff members will likely be ready to connect in a fun way! 

They can choose to join if they'd like, or not! Totally optional and leaves the ball in their court. It's fun to post a weekly thread in the group to keep the conversation going. I think you'll probably find that people chime in on their own, too! Soon you'll see vacation pictures, book recommendations, and other fun tidbits about teachers enjoying their summer. 

If you're looking for smaller groups for specific teams, consider an app like GroupMe. This is a private text messaging group that is a lot of fun for smaller groups of people to use. 

2. Start a Staff Morale Book Club 

Most teachers have a long list of books that they never get around to reading. Consider organizing a book club, or a few different ones, for your school. You can choose genres or themes for each one and set up a weekly meeting at a coffee shop or park to discuss. Virtual meet-ups are also a great option!

The key to making this one work is to take some votes on books of popular interest and the pace of reading to consider for your group. You can send out an email well before summer for this one, asking if anyone has an interest, what books they'd like to read, and how many they want to read through over the summer. This can be anything your staff wants it to be, so be sure to "read the room" and make a plan that works for your staff. 

And remember. . . this activity is about rest and recharge, not a summer PD book study.

3. Staff Happy Hour 

This is so much fun and one of the easiest ones on the whole list to organize! Plan to host a few virtual or in-person happy hours over the summer months. 

If you go virtual, you just need to set up the link and share the time in advance. Invite staff members to join if they'd like and bring their favorite beverage to enjoy as you chat!

For in-person events, choose a fun place to meet up and send out an invitation in advance. You can get as fancy as you want with this and plan to have something like a mocktail/cocktail recipe exchange, or keep it low-key with no agenda at all. Oh, and coffee shop happy hours in the morning are usually a hit too, so don't just limit this idea to the evening!

4. Walking Club 

Most teachers and school staff members are eager to get out and move more frequently when summer hits. Support those of your staff who enjoy chatting and walking with a weekly walking club meetup. Mornings at the park or high school track are a great choice, or host a mall walkers club if it's especially hot in your area. The idea is to promote low-impact fitness and connection to boost staff morale in a healthy way! 

5. Yoga in the Park 

Speaking of healthy activities, why not organize yoga in the park? This is especially fun if you have a couple of yogi-masters in your school who can lead the flow. If not, see if you can arrange to have a local instructor, or even good old YouTube, be your guide! This is a really fun activity that your staff members will remember!

6. Fishing Club 

Do you have any fishing enthusiasts in your school? If so, a fishing club could be a great way to encourage connection throughout the summer and continue to boost staff morale. Plan to keep this event relaxed and early in the mornings when fishing is best through the summer months. Take this up a notch by providing coffee and donuts for even more fun! 

7. Plan Summer Social Events 

One of my favorite ways to support staff morale over the summer is with a few strategic summer social events. These can be planned and budgeted for well in advance. Send out invites ahead of time and mix it up throughout the summer so that staff have many opportunities to attend. Plan a morning event one time, a lunchtime event another, evenings, weekends, and so on. Having some variation in the timing of your social events will help boost participation. Here are some ideas for events to host:

• BBQ 
• Picnic in the park 
• Potluck brunch 
• Escape room challenge 
• Mini golf night 
• Local sporting event
• Group volunteer day 

The idea is to make sure you give staff plenty of notice and keep the pressure low. Remember that many staff members are traveling over the summer months, so don't expect your whole crew to show up, but simply having it open to those who can and want to attend is a wonderful way to keep staff morale high. 

This is also a great way to let new staff members get to know the crew in a low-pressure way. So don't leave those new hires out of the action.

8. Plan a Summer Challenge 

Everyone likes a little friendly competition, and this idea will allow you to boost staff morale without having to have staff present in one place over the summer. Consider planning a few different challenges that staff can participate in. They'll keep track of a log over the summer, and then they can turn it in come fall to be entered into a raffle. You can even arrange a private chat group for these to keep motivation high. Some ideas include:

• fitness challenges
• step counting challenge 
• reading challenges 
• decluttering challenges
• self-care/recharge challenges 

All you'll need to do is decide what to challenge your staff with, and then create printable tracking pages to log progress. For reading challenges, they can keep track of books or pages read. For decluttering, maybe they have to write down 5 things per week that they purged from their household. For self-care, they can do something just for themselves once per week and write it down or fill in a square on a tracking coloring sheet. Have fun with this one!

9. Celebrate Summer Birthdays 

Do you have staff with summer birthdays? Consider hosting a group celebration to recognize them! You can plan a picnic at a local park or an ice cream social at a local shop. Send out invitations well in advance to allow time to get a head count.  

If a get-together doesn't seem feasible, simply send out cards or small gifts in the mail to those with summer birthdays. No matter what you choose, this will make your staff members with birthdays that fall in the summer feel remembered and appreciated!  

10. Send out Personalized Snail Mail 

Everyone loves getting mail, right?! I know that I do! It feels great to be remembered, and I know that your staff will love getting a personalized note or postcard over the summer. Make a checklist of all your staff and mail out a set number per week to ensure you have enough time to send everyone a card. 

These summer postcards are perfect for this. They are quick and easy to print and use. All you need to do is jot down a quick note, add a stamp, and send out the staff love.

11. Deliver Surprise Treats 

If you have some PTA volunteers, administrators, or sunshine committee members willing to help out, consider dropping off surprise treats like iced coffee or donuts to your staff members' homes. You can even drop off gift cards if you're not sure who is home and who's on vacation. This is a really thoughtful gesture that everyone will enjoy. 

12. Optional Staff Survey 

One great way to support staff morale is to get an idea of how your school is "showing up" and what can be improved. Organize an anonymous survey that can be completed over the summer as a way to collect feedback on how things are going. You might ask questions about staff meetings, communication, and how your administration can better support them. 

The key is to make sure you emphasize that these are optional, confidential, and meant to be supportive of staff. You might also consider sending out gift cards in exchange for feedback to help you plan what kinds of staff morale activities to include the following year. 

13. School Spruce Up Day 

Another fun idea to help staff connect with each other over the summer is to host an opportunity to tackle a big project together. This again should be optional! Possible ideas include things like:

• paint the staff lounge
• playground improvement 
• supply closet clean-outs 
• plant flowers in front of the school

Hosting events like this always brings staff together and helps build a sense of community in your building. Make sure to make this event feel like a party! Play fun music, have some food or treats for those who participate, and make this extra fun! 

14. Summer Photo Challenge 

This is another fun way to get staff connecting over the summer, without having to arrange in-person events. Choose a weekly or monthly prompt and have staff who would like to participate submit photos to a Facebook group or chat thread. Prompts could be things such as:

• favorite summer treat
• outdoor adventure
• summer sunset 
• book you're reading 
• something that made you smile 

Create a slideshow of these pictures to show off during your back to school staff meeting! You can even vote on the best picture of the challenge and award prizes to the winners. 

15. Just for Fun Staff BINGO 

Everyone loves a good game of BINGO, right?! I certainly think so! We play BINGO throughout the year as a form of staff morale, but have you ever considered playing it throughout the summer? You can make simple BINGO boards with just for fun prompts on them. Here are some ideas:

• watched a movie 
• read a new book 
• went swimming
• tried a new recipe 
• went to a farmers' market
• found a great deal 
• laughed until you cried 

You get the idea! These prompts should be FUN, low-pressure, and something everyone can enjoy. Encourage staff to fill in their BINGO boards over the summer and plan to bring them back in the fall to be entered into a raffle. I advise sending out a few, friendly reminders with the BINGO card attached to the email so that everyone remembers! This is a great way to support staff morale over the summer and is sure to be a hit! 

Have Fun with Summer Staff Morale at Your School!

I hope you found a fun idea or two to try with your staff members this summer! The key is to choose things that feel low-key and lighthearted! Make sure everyone knows these are optional and there's no pressure to participate. We want staff to feel relaxed over the summer and do what fills their cup! Whether that means connecting with others, prioritizing personal goals, or just unplugging, I hope you and your staff find ways to rest and recharge this summer!

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Be sure to read this post next if you're looking for summer staff morale projects to tackle over the summer. These ideas will ensure you're prepped and ready for the next school year! 

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Summer Staff Morale Shopping List

I was the leader of the Sunshine Committee in my school for many years. While much of the planning, preparing, and doing happened during the school year, I always liked to take advantage of the summer months to get ahead and stock up! This always made the staff morale events during the school year run a lot smoother. Come along to grab my summer staff morale shopping list that will make your faculty activities a breeze!

Why Summer Prep Will Be a Game-Changer for Staff Morale 

So, here's the thing. . . we know the importance of staff morale activities in a school environment, of course! Teaching is harder than ever, and every single faculty member in a school deserves to be recognized and appreciated for the important work they do. But if you're like most administrators or sunshine committee members, you're probably a little short on time, energy, and funding for these activities. I get it! This was totally me for many years! It can feel like a major struggle to pull together staff activities every month when you've got your own classroom responsibilities and a full-time job to manage at the same time. 

This, my friends, is why preparing for staff morale activities over the summer will be a total game-changer! Taking some time to sit down, map out your plans, and do a little prep is going to make everything fall into place later. With just a little bit of forethought and summer shopping, you'll finally have the time, energy, and mental capacity to truly enjoy staff morale activities all year long. By prepping for the first month back, you will always be at least one month ahead, giving you a little breathing room throughout the school year. 

Not to mention, summertime is a great time to catch a bunch of sales that will benefit you throughout the year. Between Amazon Prime Day in July and Back to School sales, you'll have plenty of opportunities to save! 

8 Ways to Prepare Staff Morale Activities Over the Summer 

Ready? Let's dive into the shopping list that will help you make staff morale easy to implement come fall. I've broken this summer staff morale shopping list into 8 different projects, or ways you can work on staff morale over the summer. That way, you can choose an idea that sounds fun to you and shop for those items specifically. I hope this makes summer shopping easier!

1. Stock the Lounge Fridge with Fun Beverages 

At my school, I loved setting up a well-stocked fridge for faculty members to enjoy as they get their classrooms and workspaces ready for the new year. In the summertime, keep an eye out for fun beverages like soda, sparkling water, flavored water, and plain water that go on sale. Many local grocery stores run great sales on these items near holiday weekends. Oh, and don't forget wholesale club stores too, like Costco or Sam's Club. 

As you stock up on drinks, why not prepare the fun materials that go along with them over the summer, too? Check out this resource to grab the printable signs and reminders to go along with your well-stocked fridge! 

2. Put Together Welcome Gift Bags for Staff

Another great way to show staff members that you care is with a small, yet meaningful gift to kick off the year. This doesn't have to be anything fancy, just thoughtful! I liked to use fun gift tags like these. They are bright and cheerful with a cute message on each one. All you need to do is print them off on white cardstock and then decide what to include in your welcome gift bags. 

The great thing about this is that they are fully customizable to any budget. Include practical things like the annual calendar and fall staff newsletter, but also some fun things like candy, snacks, and maybe even my personal favorite, Flair Pens. Then, put all your goodies in a gift bag and grab some colorful tissue paper. Attach a cute tag to the front and you're good to go! I know your staff members will feel so special when they receive these sweet little gifts! 

3. Make Sub Swag Bags

Speaking of gift bags, why not let your substitute teachers in on the fun?! We all know how hard it is to find quality substitute teachers, and I think one of the best ways to encourage them to come back to our school is by showing them they are part of the team too! That's why I created these Sub Swag Bags. If you have a little extra time to work on staff morale prep over the summer, I highly recommend getting these ready. You will feel like a total rockstar by having these prepped and ready to go! 

The resource includes printable thank you cards, gift tags, and a suggested shopping list to make putting these bags together a breeze. I recommend buying gift bags and tissue paper in bulk and printing off the gift tags and thank you cards over the summer. Then, you just need to decide what goodies to include to make these special!

A map of the school and staff handbook make great, practical additions. Don't forget to include some fun things, too, though! Snacks like chips, bite-sized candy bars, apples, or even freshly-baked cookies from the cafeteria are really fun. You might also consider ordering pens that say something like "There's no sub for a great sub!" or your school's name on them. Extra Gum is also fun since they are an extra special sub! 

4. Grab Materials for Postcards, Mirror Shoutouts & Staff Photobooths 

Summer is a great time to stock up on Astrobright paper and cardstock. I used this stuff for everything! This is a great time of year to stock up on colored paper, cardstock, and white cardstock. The white cardstock is perfect for sending out Staff Welcome Back Postcards over the summer. This little gesture means so much and really doesn't take long, so consider adding it to your summer prep list. I liked to buy it in a variety of seasonal colors to print out our Mirror Shoutouts, thank you notes, and other decorations so that each month felt fresh and fun. 

In my school, I used the mirror shoutouts as a way to leave encouraging, fun notes in the staff bathroom. They're also great for creating a photobooth, too! For this option, you will just use the printables inside the resource along with dowel rods to create cute little signs. Add some other fun props like hats, glasses, and scarves, if you wish. Then, hang a black tablecloth for a fun backdrop, and you're ready to go! 

5. Put Together Welcome Back Baskets for Team Restrooms 

Everyone loves to feel welcome, and setting up baskets of toiletries and supplies in each of the staff bathrooms is a great way to let the faculty know that you care. That's exactly the idea behind this Welcome Basket Resource. Inside, you get detailed instructions and a list of suggested items to build these baskets with items you find at the dollar store, such as:

• hand sanitizer
• lotion
• mouthwash
• bandaids
• stain remover wipes
• sewing kit
• dental floss

Really, you can include anything that you think could help a staff member out, just in case! I like to use baskets like these because they are cute and will hold up well. In the resource download, you will also find a variety of cute tags to decorate your baskets with. This resource will make to quick and easy and set up welcome baskets for the fall! 

6. Make a Sunshine Corner Hub

Does your school have a Sunshine Corner yet? If not, I highly recommend adding this to your list of things to prep and shop for over the summer months. The idea behind this is that it will be a landing place for everything staff need to know. You will want to have a bulletin board here to keep practical info in one place, like your district calendar, event info, holiday schedules, and more. 

But, it will also be a place where sunshine spreads, too! In this area, you can display your staff shout-out board, store thank you notes, and other fun forms of recognition. You can read all the specifics about setting this up in this post, but here's what I recommend including:

Make a Staff Shoutout Board

In your Sunshine Corner Hub, you'll need a Staff Shoutout Board to kick things off! This is a place where you can leave kind notes to staff and encourage them to do the same. To get started, grab a poster frame like this one over the summer and spend a little time getting it set up. All you need to do is have the included printable enlarged at a print shop and add it to the frame. 

When you head back to school in the fall, place it in a central location where staff will see it regularly. Then, round up a supply of markers and Post-Its and place them next to the frame. Write a couple of shout-outs to staff to get the party started. Before you know it, staff members will be writing kind notes to each other too!

Speaking of Post-Its, those also pair perfectly with this resource. Inside, you will find an assortment of templates to print fun little notes right on the Post-Its! Over the summer months, I stocked up on a lot of these to make it super simple to give out thoughtful notes of recognition all year long. Grab an assortment of colors so that you can match your notes to the current season for even more fun.

Add Tasty Treats for Staff 

The Sunshine Hub is also a great place to keep some special treats for your staff. Here are some of the things you can purchase or prepare over the summer to get ready. 

Kindness Plate

A kindness plate is a cute plate that you can use to fill with treats for your staff. Grab these Kindness Plate Templates, then upload them to Shutterfly or your print on demand store of choice. You can also go the route where you paint a plate yourself at a pottery art studio. Then, every once in a while, fill the plate with a special treat for your staff!

 

Candy/Treat Container 

The contents of this can be filled with different items throughout the year. I always liked to choose items that were aligned with the season to add a little extra fun to the mix! 

Treat Cart 

If you really want to take this up a notch, create a treat cart that can "live" in the Sunshine Corner, but also be moved from place to place as needed. This is SO great if you want to plan a day once per month when you will deliver snacks or treats to your faculty. You can read all about this idea in this blog post. I recommend getting a cart like this and using this staff appreciation treat cart resource alongside it to make it easy to implement. 

7. Plan a Fun Staff Game for Back to School 

I am all about making staff morale activities fun and a little out of the box. That's exactly why I loved preparing a game like this, Hop to It Frog Hunt, over the summer months to use in the fall. The idea of this game is that you will hide small plastic frogs all over your school. Each one is numbered, and as staff spot them, they collect them throughout the day. 

At the end of the day, you will use numbered cards to draw randomly and raffle off prizes to staff. Inside the resource, you will find everything you need, minus the frogs, to make this happen! You get prize ideas that are no cost and budget-friendly, a prize recording sheet, a staff announcement flyer, and number cards to raffle off prizes. This would be a great activity to prep over the summer. Just add frogs and you're ready to go! 

8. Prep Scratch-Off Tickets for the Whole Year 

Have you ever tried using Scratch-Off Tickets at your staff meetings? They are such a fun way to reward staff, show appreciation, and get everyone excited to attend. Scratch-offs are a bit like lottery tickets you can buy at the gas station. You'll pass them out to staff, and they will "scratch off" a sticker to reveal a prize. So fun, right?! 

In my Year-Long Bundle of Scratch Offs, you will find themed tickets for the whole year! Each month includes tickets with seasonal pictures and sayings to add a bit more fun to the mix. Consider prepping these over the summer months by printing the tickets on white cardstock and then adding the stickers. You will be SO happy you did this! 

Oh, and if you need ideas for prizes, be sure to read this post next for tons of great options! 

Have Fun with This Summer Staff Morale Shopping List! 

I hope you enjoyed reading through what was always on my summer staff morale shopping list. The great thing about this is that you can pick and choose the projects and staff morale activities that look the most appealing to you. Don't forget, you can find all of the resources mentioned here in my store on TpT. I hope you found something fun and new to prepare over the summer. One thing is for sure: a little bit of summer prep will pay off big time when it comes to keeping staff morale high all year long! Have fun, friend! 

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