Little Things That Make a Big Impact on Staff Morale

Staff morale can feel like a big undertaking at times, especially in the hustle and bustle of a busy school year! If you've felt this way but still want to show appreciation to your staff, you're not alone. Today, I'm going to show you how to cut through the overwhelm and focus on the little things that make a big impact on staff morale!

Small Gestures Add Up to BIG Rewards

Managing staff morale activities can sometimes feel like a big "to-do". No one likes feeling like this! It's discouraging and difficult to manage, especially when you've got a million other things on your plate. But...what if I told you it doesn't have to feel this way? 

Over my many years as the leader of the Sunshine Committee in my school, I discovered an important fact. Small gestures, or "the little things," add up to big rewards. Most people just want to be thought of. I know I feel this way. Small but kind and thoughtful gestures are really all it takes to make people feel valued and appreciated. 

This is good news if you've been feeling overwhelmed by managing staff morale. It doesn't have to feel this way! Instead, let's talk about some of the most meaningful, small gestures you can use to help staff know they are appreciated for all their hard work. 

Staff Birthday Cards 

This one is always at the top of my list because I think everyone deserves to be celebrated. Even those who say they don't want to make a fuss about their birthdays usually crack a smile when they realize they were remembered. The great thing about sending out birthday cards is that you can write a customized note for each person. This means SO much! Whether you decide to pass around a birthday card for others to sign or send one out on your own, you can't go wrong.

I liked to use these cards. I saved them on my computer and once a month went through my list to see what birthdays were coming up. Then, I'd print one off for each person and personalize it. This resource also includes a graphic organizer to help you keep track of birthdays each month. This is a small gesture that always makes staff members feel valued!

Water Bottle Labels 

Another fun thing you can do to show staff they are appreciated is to stock the staff lounge fridge with water bottles. Everyone loves a nice, cold drink, and it's great to have them available at your fingertips. Take this a step further by adding printable water bottle labels that spread a little sunshine. These year-round labels include fun sayings such as:

• Welcome Back 
• Spooktacular October
• November to Remember
• Dash through December and more!

Best of all, these are so easy to use! Just print them out, cut them apart, and tape them over the label of regular water bottles. Then, place them in the fridge or out on a table for staff to grab. This is a fun and easy way to show staff you're thinking of them all year long. 

Popcorn Labels 

Everyone needs a snack to go with their drink, right?! Try these Popcorn Labels to boost staff morale and pass out a non-perishable snack to your team. These are easy to prepare and so much fun. Simply print the labels, wrap them around a microwave popcorn package, and tape them into place. Then, you can personally "pop in" to drop them off to each person. I find that hand-delivering them increases the gesture and makes staff feel super valued! 

You might also consider making these a special treat that you can leave on the teacher's desk after you do a walk-through or classroom observation. It's just a small token that helps to make those pop-ins less stressful.

You can buy a large package of Microwave Popcorn at places like Sam's Club or Costco. I've also seen them at Walmart and even on Amazon! This is a quick and easy way to show staff appreciation and pass out a fun treat!

Post-It Notes

One of my favorite "little things that mean so much" is a good, old-fashioned note. Simply giving someone a note is like a written high-five and easily boosts staff morale and mood. One of the ways that I made this easier on myself is by using templates to print bulk notes out on Post-Its. This is super simple. You just use the template to place sticky notes on, then place that page in your printer and print off a whole bunch at once! 

This resource includes 30 different post-it note messages that print 6 to a page. These are an easy way to reach out to staff and say well done! I liked to preprint a variety of notes to keep on hand. That way, they were ready to go when I wanted to share one. You can even jot a little message down on each one if you want to add a personal touch. 

Lottery Tickets 

Playing the lotto, or using a scratcher, is just plain fun! Best of all, though, these are an inexpensive way to reward staff at your school. There are many varieties that are only one dollar, and you can pass these out during staff meetings, as holiday gifts, or just for fun! 

When we used these at my school, I liked to personalize them a little more with a fun tag. These tags say "Thanks a Lotto" and look so cute attached to a lottery ticket. There are 3 different options to choose from, so that you can pick which one suits your needs best. 

At my school, these would randomly appear after a staff member had gone above and beyond or just helped in an unexpected way. There are tons of ways to use lotto tickets, and I know that no matter which one you choose, your staff will be super appreciative. 

Get Everyone Involved

When it comes to doing little things that make a big impact, you can get everyone involved with these Random Acts of Kindness Posters. These tear off posters feature a variety of fun and easy ways staff can make someone else's day. The suggested activities are no or low cost and take very little time. But to the receiver, it means a lot. 

I liked to print off one poster and hang it in the staff lounge or near the staff mailboxes.  It doesn't take long for someone to tear off a task and complete it. Before you know it, the small tasks of kindness become contagious. It is a great way to build a work environment where everyone looks out for each other and helps when there is a need. I don't know about you, but that is a great type of working environment.

Small Gifts to Boost Morale 

I saved my personal favorite for last! One of my favorite ways to boost staff morale and show appreciation was with small gifts that could be worked into the budget. Most everyone who works in a school loves office supplies and snacks, so why not use these items as small gestures to show appreciation?! The options are endless. Here are some ideas:

• pens
• post-it notes
• dry erase makers
• pretzels or chips
• packaged muffins 
• small bags of cookies, and more!

There are so many fun things that are inexpensive and easy to pass out to staff. Make this even more fun with a gift tag that correlates to the item you're giving out. This resource includes 30 different gift tags that are themed to go with specific items. They all have cute little sayings and are sure to make your staff smile! 

The Little Things Mean SO Much! 

I hope this list has inspired you to take the overwhelm out of the equation when it comes to staff morale. While planning big events and activities can be fun sometimes, it's often not necessary to show staff that we appreciate them and value their hard work. When we focus on small gestures that make a big impact, it allows us to sprinkle more joy into the workplace without getting stressed and overwhelmed! 

So, whether you hand out little treats, write meaningful notes, or give out personalized gift cards, these little things really do mean so much! If you need more inspiration, be sure to head on over to my TPT Store to check out all my Staff Morale Resources. Have fun, friends! 

Need Help Budgeting for Staff Morale?

Budgeting for staff morale can often be one of the things that can cause the most stress and overwhelm. If you're not sure how to manage this piece of the puzzle, be sure to read this post next! 

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Boost Morale with Staff Treat Carts

If you're an administrator, PTO member, or Sunshine Committee leader, you might already know that it can be tricky to come up with fresh ideas to boost staff morale at your school. This was something I heard a lot from others in my school and continue to hear as someone who shares tips on staff morale activities. If you've ever felt this way, you're certainly not alone! Today, I want to share an idea that is easy to tweak for each season or month and shows staff appreciation in a fun way. Let's boost staff morale the fun way with a treat cart! 

What is a Treat Cart? 

A Treat Cart, or a Treat Trolley, is something that I loved using as the leader of the Sunshine Committee at our school. It's basically a rolling cart that you set up with some kind of special treat or snack that teachers and staff members can enjoy. 

The options for your treat cart are endless! You could include:

• fruit 
• desserts
• beverages
• breakfast items 
• DIY trail mix 
• coffee and pastries
• holiday treats and more! 

The best thing about Treat Carts is that they are super versatile! You can use them every month and still make them feel brand new by choosing to include different treats and decorations. 

Another big benefit, and my purpose for creating them in the first place, was to have an excuse to bring staff together. We all know that school workers are busy! Setting up a Treat Cart is a great way to purposefully take a break and get together during the day. This is something everyone will look forward to at your school. It certainly was a huge hit at ours! 

And. . . you can't go wrong with a traveling treat cart. Set the administration loose with a stocked cart to bring a little joy to each staff member in their classroom or work area. Not only does this show support for your staff, but it also sends a wonderful message to the students. The students can see a great example of how their teachers are supported. Either way, treat carts are always appreciated!

Setting Up a Staff Treat Cart 

When choosing a cart to use for your Treat Trolley, you'll want one like this. It has a lip on each shelf to keep things from rolling off. This is great if you decide to use all 3 shelves when stocking the cart. It also has a nice, sleek profile to save space and, as a bonus, is really easy to decorate! 

Also, just as a side note, the advantage of using a cart is that it's portable. You can hit the hallways and deliver treats to different areas in the building or move the cart around in your staff lounge easily. This makes them super versatile and easy to use at your school! 

There are so many fun ways you can set up your staff treat cart. At my school, I liked to use seasonal scrapbook paper to line the top. This will help soak up spills, plus it just looks super cute! You could also use a tablecloth if you only need the top shelf of the cart for your treats. Then, I'd hang a fun banner across the front. This usually said something related to the treat, holiday, or season to add to the fun. Finally, add a couple of pieces of seasonal decor, and you're ready to stock the cart! 

These cute, decorative touches make all the difference and will make the staff smile when they see it! Plus, you can pack up many of these items each year and save them for next time. I used large plastic tubs to store materials and reused them over the years. It's great to have a Treat Cart kit ready to go! 

Staff Treat Carts for Every Season 

Staff Treat Carts are a great way to show your faculty you care and provide them with a fun treat or snack to enjoy. At my school, I really liked to tailor our cart to the seasons so that it felt fresh and new every time I set one up. Here are a few of our favorites from over the years. 

Bagels (or Donuts) and Brew 

Coffee and bagels or coffee and donuts are always a favorite at any workplace. This first cart idea is great because it can easily be used any time of year. These Treat Cart Kits include everything you need to set up a cart for your staff. Inside the resource, you'll find:

• decorative banners
• decorative signs 
• shopping lists 
• water bottle labels

All you need to do is print the decorative sign and place it in a picture frame on the cart. Then, string the banner across the front, and you're ready to stock! The water bottle labels are perfect to add a festive flair as well. You'll just print them out, attach them to the water bottles, and place them on a shelf on the cart. The shopping lists make it easy to remember what to pick up, too! 

Oh, and the fun doesn't have to stop with donuts and bagels! If you'd like to supply a more complete breakfast, be sure to check out this Breakfast Cart too. This resource includes everything you need to arrange a big breakfast for your staff! 

Orange You Glad It's Friday?!

If you work in a school, I don't have to tell you that Fridays are worth celebrating! Everyone looks forward to making it through a tough week, so why not show appreciation for your staff's hard work? This is a great way to boost staff morale, bring folks together, and just sprinkle a little fun into the work week. 

This Orange You Glad It's Friday Staff Treat Cart is sure to bring some sunshine to your week! This cart plays into the "orange" theme with fun treats and snacks. You can get creative with this cart and add all kinds of orange-colored or orange-flavored snacks. Some of the ones we used in the past were mandarin oranges, orange soda, orange cheese crackers, orange sherbert, and candies wrapped in orange plastic. Reeses Peanut Butter Cups are a fun favorite! 

This set also includes a decorative poster, banner, and orange water labels to complete the look. Try using this on a Friday to boost staff morale in a fun way! 

Holiday and Seasonal Staff Treat Carts 

I loved celebrating holidays and seasons at school. This is why I created holiday Treat Carts, too! I mean, why not?! Holidays are special, and there's no reason the kids should get all the fun, right?! You can see some fun options here:

• Winter Treat Cart
• Valentine's Day Treat Cart
• St. Patrick's Day Treat Cart

The Holiday Staff Treat Carts have lots of room for customization. They include decorative banners, posters, water bottle labels, and suggested shopping lists, but you can choose what you'd like to include. Don't worry, I've provided plenty of suggestions for each one! For example, the winter cart looks great when stocked with warm muffins, spiced nuts, and powdered sugar treats. Choosing snacks and treats that tie into the season is an extra special touch that I know your staff will appreciate. 

Year-Round Treat Trolley 

Another great option is to use a Treat Trolley that can be modified and used year-round. This resource is perfect if that's what you're looking for. This one has a trolley theme that can be used any time of year and is sure to make your staff smile. I've included:

• trolley banner 
• decorative poster
• shopping lists
• ideas for stocking 
• water bottle labels

This one is super customizable! You can make it a one-day special event with warm pastries and coffee. Or maybe you'd rather set up a cart with non-perishables that can sit out for a few days. Either way, having this resource on hand is a must! You'll love being able to show appreciation to your staff any time of year with the Treat Trolley! 

Want to Boost Staff Morale All Year Long?! 

Staff Treat Carts are so much fun! I know that once you give them a try at your school, you'll be hooked! They offer such a wonderful way to bring everyone together, show appreciation for hard work, and of course - boost staff morale easily! If you want to keep the fun rolling, consider checking out my Staff Treat Carts Bundle.

Inside, you get all of the Staff Treat Carts mentioned above PLUS any future additions. This is a great way to save money on fun resources that your staff will love and ensure you never run out of great staff morale ideas. Be sure to hop on over to my store and check it out, along with many more fun resources to boost staff morale!

Looking for More Ways to Boost Staff Morale?

Check out these other fun options to try at your school! 

• Staff Snack Bar Ideas
• School Staff Celebrations
• Planning a Year of Staff Morale Activities

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5 Simple and Effective Literacy Activities for May

May begins one of the busiest times in the classroom for many teachers. School is almost out for summer (yay!), which means that we're all usually busier than ever. This time of year, I always relied on tried and true activities to get us through! If you need some simple, yet effective literacy activities for May in your classroom, I've got you covered!

Make the Most of Your Time in May 

Is your last month of school May? Or maybe you've got a few weeks in June? Either way, there's no denying the busyness of this time of year for teachers. We're squeezing in review, assessments, end of the year activities, field trips, and all the things! Because I already knew how crazy this time of year was in my room, my aim was always to simplify my lesson planning. 

Now, don't worry; we're not resorting to endless worksheets and boring activities. Oh no! Just the opposite! I tapped into those classroom favorite, hands-on activities that kept my students engaged while practicing and reviewing key skills. 

I'm sharing 5 simple yet effective literacy activities for May that will keep engagement high in your room. Let's inch toward summer on a positive note and make learning fun! 

1. May Nonsense Word Sort

I love word-sorting games for the classroom. They're so versatile and can be used as a whole group lesson, a small group game, and even an independent learning activity. Having literacy activities for May that check all these boxes was a must for me! This allowed me to switch and swap and use things in a variety of ways depending on our needs that day. 

That's just one of the reasons this May Nonsense Word Sort is on my list of favorites. This activity includes headings for real and nonsense words as well as 60 different cards to sort. Students will choose a card, read the word, and decide which category it falls into- real or nonsense. 

This game is great because it gives students an engaging way to practice both decoding skills and reading comprehension! They will love reading the words aloud and then determining if it's a real one or not. I've included an optional recording sheet that students can use to keep track of words. They will write each one in the correct column, adding another layer of practice. This resource also features a bright and colorful bug theme that's perfect for May!

2. Spin and Say Nonsense Words

Nonsense words are a lot of fun. So much fun, in fact, that I've got another literacy activity for May that incorporates them. This Spin and Say Nonsense Words activity is going to be a new favorite in your classroom. It's much more engaging than regular old CVC worksheets, easy to prep, and can be used in many different ways!

To play, each student gets a game card as well as a spinner mat. They will use a plastic spinner, or a pencil and a paperclip to spin. Whichever picture they land on represents the row they will read from on their game card. They point to each nonsense word, reading as fluently as possible. 

My favorite way to use this activity is in small groups so that I can informally assess student progress. Once the kids know how to use these, they also make a fantastic addition to your literacy centers. I like to laminate the game boards and spinner cards so that they can be used again and again. 

3. May Sensory Bin 

Hands-on learning is always a win in my book. Primary learners love using tactile activities, which is why I know this May Sensory Bin is sure to be a hit in your classroom! The idea behind this activity is that you will fill a small sensory bin with the included letter or letter sound cards. Students will use a spinner to spin a letter and then find the matching card in the bin. There is a recording sheet included so that they can write down each one as they go. 

I would fill sensory bins or tubs with easter grass. It's inexpensive, low-mess, and really easy to hide the cards in the bin. You can also add seasonal mini erasers and fun figurines for an extra fun touch. I also liked to have the students use tweezers to pick up the cards for an extra fine motor element. 

This activity is great because you can set it up once and pull it out a few times during the month as a literacy center option. Just print a stack of recording sheets and leave them next to the bin to prepare this simple yet effective and fun literacy center for May! 

4. Counting Syllables Spring Scoot Game 

Next up, this Counting Syllables Spring Scoot Game will get your kiddos moving and practicing phonemic awareness skills in a fun way. This resource includes 40 different picture cards that have a syllable count of 1-5, as well as a student recording sheet. You will lay 1 card out on each desk, or around the classroom perimeter, and provide each student with a recording sheet. Then, set a timer and have them work on counting the number of syllables in that word and mark down their answer before the time is up. When the timer goes off, they scoot to the next task card and repeat. My students loved this game because we could all play it together and move from spot to spot. 

I've also included headings for 1 syllable, 2 syllables, and so on. You can place these in a pocket chart and use the picture cards to play a sorting game instead if you prefer. I liked to use both versions of this game throughout the month of May to mix it up. The versatility is great because it will allow you to target the skill of counting syllables in more than one way.

5. May Letter Recognition & Sound Fluency Activity 

Alright, friends, I've got one more all-star on this list of simple and effective literacy activities for May! These May Letter Recognition & Sound Fluency Mats are going to be your new best friend. These work just like activity #2, except instead of reading nonsense words, we're focusing on letter recognition and letter sounds. Just choose which skill your students need to target.

Students will spin the spinner, find the matching picture on their card, and read the letters straight across and as fluently as possible. As they work their way across the card, they will simply say the letter name or sound as they move across the line. 

This is a very versatile and fun resource to add to your literacy activities for May. Use them for independent desk work, center time, small groups, or fun and easy assessments! The options are endless. 

Simplify Your Literacy Activities for May 

We all know that May is busy, busy, busy in the primary classroom! So, why not simplify your lesson planning with these engaging activities? You can find all of these great literacy activities inside the May Literacy Centers Bundle. Not only will this streamline your planning, but it will be fun for your students too! Plus, when you buy the products in their bundle, you get them at a great discount. So, if you want to take one thing off your plate for May, be sure to check it out! 

Looking for More? 

Check out these posts next for more literacy teaching ideas.

• 7 Engaging Ways to Practice CVC Words
• Teaching Poetry in the Primary Classroom
• Fun Phonics Activities that Align with the Science of Reading

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5 Fun April Staff Morale Boosters

Are you ready to see your school staff light up with excitement this April?! I sure hope so! These 5 fun April Staff Morale Boosters are just what you need to engage your faculty as we inch toward the end of the school year. Come along to see these ideas to boost staff morale and keep everyone smiling!

Make Staff Morale a Priority In Your School

If you're an administrator or head of your school Sunshine Committee, you probably already know what an incredible effect staff morale activities can have on your school. We live in a time where teaching is harder than ever, and school staff are presented with daily challenges. When we make staff morale a priority, we're not only fostering connection in our school relationships but also bringing encouragement and excitement to our daily routines. 

So, if you're looking for ways to inspire and show appreciation to your school staff this spring, you're in the right place! Let's explore 5 of my all-time favorite April Staff Morale Boosters and how I used them to make a big impact in my school! 

1. Spring Mirror Shout-Outs

We're kicking off this list with one of my favorite April staff morale boosters - Spring Shoutouts! The idea behind this resource is that it will offer a way to praise and recognize your staff in the simplest way. Inside, you'll find templates for fun, spring-themed phrases that you print and cut out. Then, place them on the mirror in your staff bathroom, in the staff lounge, or around the school as a fun surprise and reminder of the good job your staff is doing daily. The phrases included in this resource are things like:

• I Notice a Spring in Your Step 
• Live Life in Full Bloom 
• You Look A-MAY-Zing!
• I Be-Leaf in You
• and many more!

These silly, quirky phrases are sure to make your staff smile when they see them. In my school, I challenged staff to take a selfie with the shoutouts that resonated with them most and then posted the photos on a staff bulletin board. While this is such an easy staff morale booster to implement, it made a big impact in building community in our school! Plus, everyone looked forward to seeing the new shoutouts posted each month!

2. Staff Salad Bar Luncheon

What's more fun than a staff luncheon? I think we can all agree that getting together to "break bread" is something most people look forward to. In my school, I loved hosting a potluck, lunch, or snack bar at least once a month for this very reason. It's just wonderful to visit with colleagues, share favorite recipes, and build a sense of community. 

In April, we're all usually ready for some fresher spring fare, so what better thing to host than a Salad Bar Luncheon?! Inside this resource, you'll find everything you need to plan an event that will be a total hit! You get:

• salad bar timeline for planning 
• advertising signs 
• sign up sheets (if you choose to do this potluck style)
• information for setting up 
• coordinators shopping list 
• bulletin to notify staff
• salad bar-themed decor 

These materials make it super simple to facilitate this event, even if you've already got a "full plate" (pun intended!) In all seriousness, this was a favorite at our school. Everyone was excited to bring a component for the salad bar, and with so many options to choose from - there's something for everyone to enjoy. I also find that luncheons that allow everyone to create their own special plate are usually everyone's favorite. Try adding this April staff morale booster to your calendar this spring to connect with staff in a fun new way! 

3. Lucky Duck Hunt 

Alright, friends, ready for something a little different on this roundup of April staff morale boosters? If you're looking for a fun way to engage your staff, I know you will absolutely love this Lucky Duck Hunt! Not only is this activity fun, but it's so easy to prepare for! 

Here's how it works - You will purchase 100 small rubber ducks like these ones and number the bottom of them with a permanent marker. Then, the night before your event - hide the ducks all over your school. Included in this resource is a directions memo that can either be hand-delivered or dropped in staff mailboxes. You'll just want to make sure everyone reads the directions the morning of your event. 

The objective is for staff to find and collect ducks as they go about their daily routine. At the end of the day, they will turn them in, and the winners with the most ducks will receive prizes! This is such a great activity because you get to determine the budget and number of prizes to be distributed. Whether you want to reward everyone or just "big winners" is totally up to you. This makes it such a versatile and affordable activity for any school! 

Inside the resource, I've also included numbers that can be used for random prize drawings if you would prefer to offer rewards that way. You'll also find a list of prize ideas that are both free and at varying price points. This will allow you to customize this April staff morale booster to fit your needs and budget easily! 

4. Spring Seed Packets for Staff Appreciation 

When I was head of the Sunshine Committee at my school, I loved looking for fun and inexpensive ways to show staff appreciation. We all know that working in a school is a tough job, and everyone who chooses to do it deserves recognition! What I love most about these Spring Seed Packet Gifts is that they can be used for every staff member in your school, not just teachers!

The idea is that you will buy assorted seed packets in bulk. Then, you'll print off the fun garden-themed cards that each feature a sweet quote. I like to print these in full color on cardstock to really make them stand out and feel special. There are 4 different designs to choose from, so you'll have a good option for every member of your staff. Finally, you'll fold the flaps on the cards and tuck the seed packets inside. Distribute them as a "just because" spring gift that your staff will love!

These are so much fun to leave in staff mailboxes or distribute at your April staff meeting. They are super simple to make and inexpensive, meaning they check all the boxes in my book! Plus, the garden theme is perfect for April! 

5. Staff Appreciation Easter Eggs 

Last but not least, I've got one more April staff morale booster that is going to be a hit! At your April staff meeting, invite "the Easter Bunny" to make an appearance with these Staff Appreciation Easter Eggs. 

This resource includes printable prize tags that you'll use to fill Easter eggs. Then, place the eggs in a basket and distribute them as prizes at your next meeting. Or you could even host a staff Easter egg hunt by hiding them all over the school. There are tons of prizes currently included, and I am actively adding more! There are free options, as well as ones that require a purchase, giving you plenty of options to customize this activity for your school. 

Oh, and if you need help financing your staff morale activities, be sure to read this post next! It's filled with all my best tips for budgeting for staff morale and making space for these types of activities. It takes a little planning, but it's well worth it.  

Make Planning April Staff Morale Boosters Quick and Easy

Isn't this roundup of April staff morale ideas fun?! These were such a hit at my school that I thought it might be helpful to put them all together in one convenient bundle for you. Inside the April Staff Morale Bundle, you will find all 5 of these great activities! 

This will make it super simple and easy for you to plan your staff morale activities this spring. Take one thing off your to-do list, AND engage your staff in the process! What's better than that? Head on over to my TPT Store to check it out. Have fun with your staff this month!

Looking for More Staff Morale Activities?

Check out these posts next to keep the fun rolling!

• Staff Morale BINGO 
• Staff Morale Boosters That Aren't Food
• Tasty Staff Snack Bars Everyone Will Love!

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5 Engaging April Literacy Centers for Primary Students

As spring emerges in the world, a new excitement spreads into the classroom. I don't know about you guys but April is one of my favorite months in the classroom. The warmer weather brings a happy vibe to the classroom that I absolutely love. And what better way to celebrate than to connect our classroom learning with the fresh themes of spring. 

Bring on the Springtime Fun! 

April is a fun month for teaching and we've got plenty of fun things to explore like spring themes, Easter, and Earth Day. . .  hooray! In my room, I liked to play into these fun themes by choosing centers and activities that align. After a long winter in the classroom, I think it's safe to say everyone is usually ready for some springtime fun. Now, without further ado, here are 5 of my favorite April literacy centers!

1. April Letter Fluency Spinner Game 

We all know that letter identification and letter fluency are keys to becoming a successful reader. As a primary teacher, you're probably always looking for ways to make practicing these skills more fun since they are something our students work on all year long. This April Letter Fluency Spinner Game is just the thing to add to the mix when your students are in need of some extra practice. 

The way these work is simple and they're perfect for small group time. Aside from small group learning, I find that this is especially helpful if your students need to be assessed regularly for intervention or RTI. All you need to do is print the game mats and spinners and you're ready to go! If you plan to use them for years to come I also recommend laminating them. 

Students can use either a pencil and a paperclip as a spinner, or you can set these plastic spinners on top. Students will spin and see which spring picture they land on. Then, they find that picture on their game mat and try to read the letters in the order they occur as fluently as possible. There's a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters on each card, so students will get plenty of practice with letter identification in this activity. 

Once students know how to use this activity, it also makes a great desk activity, literacy center option, and even homework! Everyone will love the adorable spring theme too! 

2. April Nonsense Word Games 

Nonsense word games are among my favorite literacy activities for primary learners. These April Nonsense Word games are always a hit and make it fun to practice spotting the difference between real words and pretend ones! The great thing about these games is that they're super engaging. This means you'll be able to target important literacy skills in your classroom, without losing the interest of your kiddos! 

Here's how to play - just like the Letter Fluency Mats I mentioned above, this game requires using a spinner and a game mat. Students will spin the spinner, identify the spring picture, and then find that section on their mat. They read straight across and after each word, they will decide if it's real or nonsense. This game gets a lot of giggles, trust me! 

These activities are super engaging and absolutely perfect for small group instruction and April literacy centers. There are 5 different game mats included in 3 different printing options so you can choose what works best for your group. 

3. Real and Nonsense Word Sort 

Nonsense words are fun and such a great phonemic awareness activity, so why not keep the fun rolling with another game using this skill? In my April Real and Nonsense Word Sort, students will draw a card, read the word, and then decide if it's real or not. This game includes headers as well as 60 different task cards so there is plenty of decoding practice included.  

My favorite thing about this activity is its versatility. We played this game in small groups, during center time, and even as a whole group activity. Typically, I'd introduce first as a whole group game by playing on the floor in a big circle. Students would draw a card and then set it under the correct heading, which I placed in the middle of the circle. Then, try it again at the table in small groups to assess student understanding and help correct mistakes. Finally, place the headings in a pocket chart and turn this into a partner game or center activity for continued practice. There's even a student recording sheet that can be added in for some additional accountability. 

With so many uses, you'll definitely want to laminate the materials included for this game and use them again and again in your classroom! 

4. Spring Letters Sensory Bin 

Next up on this list of April literacy centers, I'm sharing a student favorite. . . a spring sensory bin! We all know that hands-on learning is valuable in the classroom. Anytime I could find creative ways to use tactile materials, I noticed that my students were far more engaged. That's why I love to use this Spring Letters Sensory Bin to practice letter identification and letter sounds. It's different than a typical worksheet and feels exciting to students.

All you need to do is grab a small bin and add some sensory filler to it. April is the perfect time to grab some colorful Easter grass for this activity! You could also throw some plastic bunnies or chicks in for even more thematic fun. Then, print, cut, and laminate the letter cards and add them to the bin. Students will search through the bin for cards, identify the letter or letter sound, and then record it on their paper. Make this even more challenging for your students by adding a pair of tweezers to the bin. They'll need to use hand strength and fine motor skills to retrieve it! 

There are also spinners included if you'd like to prompt students to search for specific letters or letter sounds with each turn. I love putting this activity out during center time. It's such an engaging way to target these important skills!

5. Spring Alphabet Hole Punch Activity 

Last on this list, we've got an activity that targets fine motor skills, hand strength, letter identification, and letter correspondence. Doesn't get better than that right? Give this Spring Alphabet Hole Punch activity a try in your room in April to practice these skills in a fun way. 

Included, you'll find learning mats and corresponding task card decks that target uppercase letters or lowercase letters in both sequenced order and mixed up. The idea is that you will pair the matching deck with a mat and allow students to draw one card at a time. They find the letter they drew on their mat and hole-punch it. The center of the learning mats features a cute spring picture that everyone will love! There are many versions of play for this activity including:

• Capital to Capital
• Lowercase to Lowercase
• Cross Case Letter Matching
• Beginning Sound
• Letters in sequence
• Letters out of sequence 

The great thing about this activity is that you'll be able to play it more than once in your classroom. Try showing students how to play first in small groups and then choosing another version to play as a center station later. Everyone will love working on their fine motor skills with the hole punch while they search for the letters they draw. 

Make Planning Your April Literacy Centers a Breeze 

So what do you think friend? Aren't these fun?! I love these spring literacy centers and they're absolutely perfect for the month of April. If you're looking for a simple way to plan all of your literacy centers this month, I've got something exciting for you. . .  The April Literacy Centers Bundle is about to make your life a whole lot easier! This bundle includes all 5 of the resources I shared here in one place. Plus, with the bundle, you'll save money too. 

These engaging April literacy centers will make it quick and easy to plan springtime lessons in your classroom. Best of all, these can be used in so many ways! Small groups, intervention, center stations, homework, morning work, and more. Grab the bundle and simplify your April literacy centers with engaging activities your students will love! 

Looking for More? 

Be sure to check out these posts next for more engaging learning ideas for the primary classroom. 

• 4 Fun Activities to Practice Hearing and Counting Syllables
• Phonics Activities that Align with the Science of Reading
• 7 Engaging Ways to Practice CVC Words

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Make sure to pin this post on Pinterest so that you can come back to it when you're ready to start planning your April literacy centers. 

March Staff Morale Boosters for Springtime Fun

Yay for spring! After a looooong winter in the classroom, there's nothing more exciting than those warmer days ahead. In March, staff are ready for some springtime fun, so why not weave some great staff morale activities into your month? These March staff morale boosters are sure to be a hit in your school! 

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: This post includes Affiliate Links to some of my favorite products. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Celebrate Spring with Staff 

I know we can all agree that winters can be tough in a school environment. Once spring rolls around, there are usually more than a few excited faces. I like to take advantage of this excitement and use it as fuel for staff morale fun! Planning some fun March staff morale boosters is a great way to connect with faculty members and celebrate spring together. If you're stumped on ideas... you're in the right place!

Today I'm sharing 5 fun staff morale boosters for March that I know you'll love. These ideas are super easy to implement, fun for everyone, and VERY budget-friendly. I know that the Sunshine Committee fund can look a little sad after winter since a big chunk of it gets spent over the holidays. These ideas won't break the bank, making it easy to keep staff motivation high and help bring on the springtime fun! 

1. March Scratch-Offs 

We're kicking off the party with a staff favorite - scratch-offs! These little tickets are St. Patrick's Day themed, and I know your staff will feel very lucky to receive them. They work like the lotto tickets you can buy at the gas station that you scratch off with a coin. They're easy to prep, too! Just print and add a scratch-off sticker. I would give every staff member at our monthly meeting one of these tickets as a "thank you" for all you do. Everyone looked forward to their monthly prize, and it was a fun way to end the meeting. 

You can also use these as prizes for other events and games throughout the month. Either way, they're a simple way to thank and recognize staff. The great thing about these tickets is that the prize options are very versatile. Pre-written prizes on the tickets include:

• jeans pass
• prime parking spot
• special treat 
• copies prepared
• lunch provided
• book of choice 

These are the pre-filled options, but you can also write down your own prizes too! I love that these prizes are inexpensive or free options. This makes it super simple to work these into the budget. If the budget is tight, we simply use more of the prize options that are free. Need more prize ideas? Read this post next! 

2. Staff Appreciation Note

I'm a firm believer in the idea that the little things matter! This is so true when it comes to staff appreciation. That's why I created these fun little notes with a Lucky Charms theme. Across the top, they read, "We are so lucky you are part of our staff." Across the bottom is says "Thanks for all you do every single day. Your efforts are truly appreciated." 

These notes really do say it all in my opinion. Staff members are working SO hard, daily to ensure that our students get their very best. We all know that working in schools is harder than ever, which is why it's so important to express gratitude to our staff members! 

I liked to print these little notes out on cardstock and then place them in the staff mailboxes. You can also leave them on teacher desks, or even pass them out personally. I know your staff will love receiving these!  

3. March Rock, Paper, Scissors Challenge 

I love a good game, and I think most others do too! This March Rock, Paper, Scissors Challenge will allow you and your staff to engage in a friendly competition all day long. Here's how it works:

1. Each staff will receive a beaded necklace and instructions on how to play. 
2. On the day of the event, when they pass other faculty members in the hall, they can challenge each other to a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors. 
3. The winner gets to "steal" the other player's necklace. 
4. The games continue all day with the goal being to collect the most necklaces.
5. The players with the most necklaces at the end of the day win a prize!

This is so much fun to play! Everyone gets really into it as the day goes on. I like to use St. Patrick's necklaces from the dollar store or Amazon to add some March flair to the game. You can even play this more than once during the month. Consider making the prizes for the first round different than the second for even more fun. For example, you can provide lunch for the winners one day and pass out fun office supplies another day. This idea is sure to get your staff smiling! 

4. Staff Appreciation - Pi Day

Does your school celebrate Pi Day, on March 14th? If not, I highly encourage giving it a try! It's a fun way to boost staff morale and a great excuse to eat pie! This Pie Day Resource includes everything you need to set up a fun buffet of pies for staff to enjoy. Inside you get:

• announcement sign 
• sign up sheet for the potluck style event 
• room decor with pie-themed quotes 
• pie ID tags for the spread 

Staff will sign up to bring different types of pie to share on the day of the event. Then, decorate the staff lounge with the fun signs and use the pie ID tags so everyone knows what's what. Staff will love hanging out together and enjoying a nice slice of pie. This event is the perfect little staff boost for March! 

5. March St. Patrick's Day Spirit Week 

I've saved the best March staff morale booster for last... St. Patrick's Day Spirit Week! This idea is the ultimate pick-me-up for springtime fun! Here's how it works: for 5 days, staff will dress up to align with a festive theme. Each day of the week has a St. Patrick's Day theme that makes it FUN for everyone. 

Included in the download, you get a fun flyer with details for each day of the week. It comes in both color and black & white so you can choose what works best for your staff. All you need to do is print these out and pass them out to staff to let the fun begin. The final day of the spirit week also includes a treat buffet that everyone will love! 

Make Planning March Staff Morale Boosters Easy 

These March staff morale boosters are so much fun for staff! They will add some springtime fun to your month, show appreciation, and, best of all, make the faculty smile. If you'd like to take planning staff morale activities off your plate this month, I suggest checking out the March Staff Morale Bundle. 

Inside you get all 5 of these activities at an even lower price than when you purchase them individually. They're already a great deal, but you'll get an even better discount with the bundle! The best benefit is that you'll make it simple and easy to boost staff morale all month long. Just print and go; these resources couldn't be easier to use! 

Want to Plan the Whole Year at Once? 

Are you a planner? Me too! I love knowing what's coming and planning accordingly. This is especially helpful if you're in charge of managing staff morale or Sunshine Committee funds. If this sounds like you, be sure to check out the Annual Bundle of Staff Morale Resources. Inside, you'll find a package of activities for each month. From seasonal games to scratch-offs, to potlucks, there's all kinds of fun inside! This huge bundle will allow you to plan staff morale activities on auto-pilot and ensure you've got a good variety of staff morale boosters for the whole year! 

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