Classroom Shout-Out Circle Activity

Purpose:
Students take turns recognizing classmates for kind or helpful behaviors, reinforcing positive actions and building a culture of support.

Materials:

• None (just a circle of students)

Setup:

• Arrange chairs or floor spots in a circle so every student can see one another.

Instructions (8 minutes)

1. Model a Shout-Out (1 minute)
   • Teacher stands in the circle and says, “I want to give a shout-out to Alex for sharing his crayons today.”
   • Demonstrate: “Alex, thank you for helping me color!”
   • Class responds: applause and thumbs-up.
2. Student Practice Round (4 minutes)
   • Pass a “shout-out ball” or use a talking stick to indicate whose turn it is.
   • The student holding the ball shares a shout-out: “I want to recognize ___ for ___.”
   • After each shout-out, class gives applause and positive comments.
   • Continue until every student has given or received at least one shout-out.
3. Reflection & Reinforcement (3 minutes)
   • Ask: “How did it feel to give or receive a shout-out?”
   • Prompt: “What are some words we can use when someone does something kind?”
   • Record key words on chart paper (e.g., helpful, kind, patient).

Guidelines for Students

• Be specific: mention the person’s name and the kind action.
• Use positive language: “Thank you” or “Great job.”
• Listen quietly while others speak; show respect with eyes on the speaker.

Teacher Tips

• Rotate who starts each day so every student feels comfortable taking the lead.
• If a student struggles, prompt with options: “Did someone help clean up?”
• Highlight new shout-out vocabulary from your chart during the next session.

Use this activity as part of your Daily Celebration Blueprint to maintain a steady rhythm of recognition and positivity in your classroom culture.

Morning High-Five Check-In

Purpose:
Kick off our day with a friendly greeting, set a positive tone, and give students a chance to share something they’re excited about.

Materials:

• None

Setup:

• Teacher stands at the classroom door before students arrive

Instructions (5 minutes):

1. As each student approaches, offer a high-five and greet them by name:
   • “Good morning, Mia!”
   • Use an enthusiastic tone and smile.
2. Ask each student one quick share question:
   • Primary prompt: “What are you looking forward to today?”
   • Alternate prompts (rotate daily):
     • “Tell me one thing you’re proud of.”
     • “What’s one kind thing you could do today?”
3. Listen actively and respond briefly with encouragement:
   • “That sounds fun!”
   • “Great idea, thank you for sharing!”
4. Continue until every student has entered, greeted, and shared.

Teacher Tips:

• Keep responses to a few words so you can greet everyone.
• Make eye contact and use each child’s name.
• Jot down interesting shares to reference later in class.
• Rotate question prompts to keep it fresh and build speaking skills.

Use this routine each morning to build a welcoming, supportive classroom culture.

End-of-Day Reflection Card

Name: __________ Date: __________

1. Something I did well today:

2. How did that make me feel?

3. Who could I celebrate or thank next?

Keep up the great work!