Lesson Plan
Compliment Carousel Lesson Plan
Boost team morale and foster positive peer connections among teaching professionals through a rapid-fire compliment exchange.
This exercise promotes a supportive culture, improves staff well-being, and quickly builds connections by highlighting strengths and appreciations.
Audience
Teaching Professionals
Time
2–3 minutes
Approach
Rapid-fire compliment exchange
Prep
Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Print and cut out Compliment Carousel Prompt Cards
- Review the Compliment Carousel Facilitator Script
- Arrange chairs in a circle or semicircle to encourage engagement
Step 1
Introduction
30 seconds
- Welcome everyone and explain the goal: to share quick, positive shout-outs
- Say: “We’re about to lift each other up with rapid-fire compliments—keep it brief and sincere!”
Step 2
Prompt Draw
30 seconds
- Pass the deck of Compliment Carousel Prompt Cards clockwise
- Each person draws one card and reads the prompt silently
Step 3
Compliment Exchange
1 minute
- Go around the circle: each participant reads their prompt and gives a one-sentence compliment or shout-out to another team member named on the card
- Maintain energy and authenticity—aim for speed and positivity
Step 4
Wrap-Up
30 seconds
- Thank everyone for participating
- Highlight any recurring themes or especially uplifting compliments
- Encourage carrying this positive momentum into the rest of your day
Activity
Compliment Carousel Prompt Cards
Use these quick prompts in the Compliment Carousel activity. Each participant draws one card, reads the prompt silently, and gives a one-sentence compliment to the named target.
- Give a compliment to the person who brings the most creative lesson ideas.
- Shout out a teammate who always has a positive attitude.
- Name someone whose organization skills you admire.
- Give kudos to the colleague who is your go-to tech troubleshooting hero.
- Appreciate someone for their supportive feedback style.
- Acknowledge the team member who’s always ready to help others.
- Thank someone for making staff meetings more engaging.
- Recognize a peer for their punctuality and reliability.
- Celebrate someone’s knack for calming tense situations.
- Highlight a colleague’s great sense of humor.
- Praise the person who continuously shares new resources.
- Compliment someone on their excellent classroom management.
- Thank the colleague who mentors newer teachers.
- Acknowledge someone’s contribution to student success.
- Give a shout-out to the person who spreads positivity daily.
- Praise a teammate for creative problem-solving in a tricky situation.
- Shout out someone whose empathy makes students feel heard.
- Compliment the colleague who leads effectively during challenges.
- Recognize someone’s thorough, data-driven approach to planning.
- Celebrate a peer for promoting inclusivity in the classroom.
- Appreciate the team member who adapts swiftly to changes.
- Thank someone for always lending an attentive ear to colleagues.
- Highlight someone’s fun and engaging classroom activities.
- Acknowledge a colleague’s passion for professional growth.
- Compliment the person known for their patience with students.
- Praise the teammate whose constructive feedback helps you improve.
- Shout out the person who stays calm and collected under pressure.
- Recognize someone’s dedication to creating an equitable classroom.
- Appreciate the colleague who keeps team morale high with small gestures.
- Thank someone for being an active listener in challenging conversations.
- Compliment the person who steps up to lead when opportunities arise.
- Praise a peer for celebrating student achievements enthusiastically.
- Shout out someone who brings boundless enthusiasm to every meeting.
- Acknowledge the colleague who consistently goes above and beyond.
- Recognize a teammate’s skill at resolving conflicts with care.
- Appreciate someone’s willingness to share best practices and tips.
- Thank the team member who always arrives prepared with helpful resources.
- Highlight the person who consistently follows through on commitments.
- Compliment a colleague on their innovative use of classroom technology.
- Celebrate the team member who fosters a welcoming, inclusive environment.
Script
Compliment Carousel Facilitator Script
Introduction (30 seconds)
Facilitator (smiling, making eye contact with the group):
“Welcome everyone! Today we’re doing our Compliment Carousel—a 2-minute rapid-fire exchange of positive shout-outs to lift each other up. We’ll keep it short, sincere, and energized. Ready to spread some positivity?”
(Pause for nods or smiles.)
Prompt Draw (30 seconds)
Facilitator:
“I’m going to pass this deck of Compliment Carousel Prompt Cards to the person on my right. When you get the deck, draw one card, read the prompt silently, and hold onto it. Quick does it—let’s keep that energy moving!”
(Pass the deck clockwise.)
Compliment Exchange (1 minute)
Facilitator:
“Great—let’s go around the circle. When it’s your turn, please:
- Say your name,
- Read your prompt aloud,
- Give a one-sentence compliment to the person named on your card.
I’ll start us off as an example.”
Facilitator:
“I’m Alex. My card says, ‘Give a compliment to the person who brings the most creative lesson ideas.’ So, Jamie—your creative lesson plans always spark excitement in our students. Wonderful work!”
Facilitator (after Alex):
“Thanks, Jamie! Next up, Maria.”
(Proceed clockwise. If anyone hesitates, prompt gently:)
Facilitator:
“No pressure—just the first positive thought that comes to mind!”
(If someone goes over time, guide them back:)
Facilitator:
“Lovely! Now let’s keep the momentum—next person, please.”
Wrap-Up (30 seconds)
Facilitator (raising hands for applause):
“Fantastic job, everyone! Thank you for those heartfelt compliments. I noticed themes of creativity, collaboration, and support—exactly what makes our team strong. Let’s give ourselves a round of applause!”
Facilitator:
“As we move into our next meeting item, carry this positive energy forward—remember, a quick compliment can make someone’s day. You’re all doing amazing work!”