November is a great time to bring a sense of fun and camaraderie to your school staff with engaging activities. These activities not only serve as stress relievers but also promote teamwork and a positive school culture. Here are five creative and enjoyable staff activities to try this November.
1. Turkey Hunt Staff Activity
A Turkey Hunt is a fun and festive way to get everyone moving and working together. Here’s how you can organize it:
How It Works
Preparation: Cut out paper turkeys in various colors and patterns. Assign different point values to each design:
Solid color: 5 points
Stripes: 10 points
Dots: 20 points
Hide the Turkeys: Hide the turkeys around the school campus in various locations. Make some easy to find and others more challenging to increase the excitement.
Teams: Divide the staff into teams and give them a set amount of time to find as many turkeys as possible.
Points and Prizes: The team with the most points at the end of the hunt wins a lunch provided by the school. You can also offer smaller prizes for the most creative team name or best team spirit.
Benefits
The Turkey Hunt encourages physical activity, teamwork, and friendly competition. It’s a simple but effective way to bring some fun into the school day and give staff a break from their usual routines.
2. Gratitude Tree
The Gratitude Tree is an excellent activity for fostering a sense of appreciation and community among the staff.
How It Works
Setup: Place a large tree drawing or a real branch in a prominent location in the staff room. Provide paper leaves and markers.
Participation: Encourage staff members to write down things they are grateful for on the leaves and attach them to the tree. This can include appreciation for colleagues, specific moments, or general gratitude.
Sharing: At the end of the month, gather everyone to share some of the gratitude notes. This can be done in a staff meeting or during a special event.
Benefits
The Gratitude Tree promotes a positive atmosphere and allows staff to recognize and appreciate the good things in their work environment. It’s a simple way to boost morale and remind everyone of the positive aspects of their job.
3. Potluck Lunch
A Potluck Lunch is a fantastic way to bring staff together over food, allowing everyone to share their favorite dishes and enjoy a communal meal.
How It Works
Organize: Create a signup sheet where staff can indicate what dish they will bring. Encourage a variety of foods, including main dishes, sides, desserts, and beverages.
Theme: Consider giving the potluck a theme, such as “Harvest Feast” or “Comfort Foods,” to make it more festive and cohesive.
Setup: Arrange a space where everyone can set up their dishes and enjoy the meal together. Make sure to provide enough plates, utensils, and napkins.
Benefits
A Potluck Lunch fosters a sense of community and allows staff to share a part of themselves through their cooking. It’s also a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend time together outside of the usual work context.
4. Staff Trivia Night
Trivia Night is a fun and engaging activity that can be held in person or virtually, depending on what works best for your staff.
How It Works
Preparation: Create trivia questions across various categories such as general knowledge, pop culture, school-specific trivia, and more. You can use online platforms like Kahoot or traditional pen and paper.
Teams: Divide the staff into teams and have them compete to answer the questions. Consider having a mix of easy and challenging questions to keep everyone engaged.
Prizes: Offer small prizes for the winning team, such as gift cards, school merchandise, or fun trophies.
Benefits
Trivia Night encourages teamwork and friendly competition. It’s a great way to have fun and allow staff to showcase their knowledge and trivia skills.
5. Staff Wellness Workshop
A Wellness Workshop can be an excellent way to support staff well-being and promote a healthy work-life balance.
How It Works
Organize: Invite a wellness expert to lead a workshop on topics such as stress management, mindfulness, yoga, or nutrition. This can be done during a staff meeting or as a special event.
Participation: Encourage all staff members to participate and engage in the activities. Provide materials or resources they can use after the workshop.
Follow-Up: Offer ongoing wellness resources or programs to support staff well-being throughout the year.
Benefits
A Wellness Workshop provides valuable tools and strategies for managing stress and promoting overall well-being. It shows staff that their health and happiness are a priority and provides them with practical resources they can use in their daily lives.
Conclusion
Celebrating your staff in November with fun and engaging activities is a wonderful way to show appreciation and boost morale. Whether it’s through a Turkey Hunt, Gratitude Tree, Potluck Lunch, Trivia Night, or Wellness Workshop, these activities foster a sense of community, teamwork, and positivity. By taking the time to organize and participate in these events, you’ll create a more connected and supportive work environment that benefits everyone.
