Having a great sense of school spirit can help boost morale in not only the school population but the wider community as well. Activities aimed at bringing people together increase happiness at school for both students and staff alike while creating a sense of belonging. Schools that have a strong sense of school spirit report that students feel more invested in school life and, in turn, tend to be more committed to their learning as well. However, thinking of new and engaging ways to boost school spirit can be time-consuming on top of an already overwhelming workload—so don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! Read on to discover a wealth of Spirit Week ideas.
1. Acts of Kindness
Simple acts of kindness can really change someone’s day. Challenge your students to say hi to someone new, thank a staff member, or leave a positive note for a classmate. School of Kindness has some excellent ideas and resources!
Learn More: School of Kindness
2. Dress Like A Teacher Day
Kids love to imitate their favorite teachers—what better way to encourage this than to host a dress-like-a-teacher day at your school? Invite your kids to dress as their most influential teachers for the day. Check out the amazing students and staff in this video for fun inspiration!
Learn More: YouTube
3. Gratitude Chain
Simply reminding your learners how important it is to give thanks can do wonders for school spirit. Have them write a small note of thanks on a strip of paper and link them together to make a gratitude chain like the students at Glenwood Middle School.
Learn More: Post Independent
4. Spirit Bands
Your kids can make these super easy paper friendship bands designed by the talented youngster Ojaswin Komati and sell them for a small fee to increase school spirit and school funds!
Learn More: YouTube
5. Positivity Pebbles
For this fun craft project, have your students each decorate a pebble and hide it somewhere in the local area. If you also set up a public Facebook group and tag it on the stones, lucky recipients can leave messages and re-hide the stones for others to find.
Learn More: Inspired Kindness
6. Diversity Day
Celebrate cultural traditions by hosting a diversity day at your school. Ask your students to bring in different foods for a potluck, wear their culture’s traditional dress, and create posters and presentations about their backgrounds if they wish.
Learn More: East Bay Times
7. Scrabble Day
Have fun and encourage spelling skills with a school scrabble day! Have your students come to school with letters on themselves and have fun seeing what words they can make with each other. This is a great way to meet new friends and build confidence as well as increase school spirit!
Learn More: Times of India
8. Community Cookout
Hosting a community cookout is a great way to make ties with people in the local area. Your kids can work together to plan the food, create posters, and reach the community through social media.
Learn More: Piqolo Kids
9. Chalk Challenge
Give each of your students half a stick of chalk and ask them to leave positive messages or images on the sidewalk at your school. Brainstorm your own ideas or look online for inspiration. Soon you’ll have a colorful schoolyard full of uplifting images and messages!
Learn More: Pinterest
10. Spirit Keychains
These keychains are super simple to make and a great fundraising idea for kids who love to craft things. Your students can sell them at your school and either donate the proceeds to charity or put them back into the pot for school supplies.
Learn More: The Homes I Have Made
11. Lunchtime Name That Tune
Lunchtime is when a lot of social interaction happens. Encourage your students to work in teams by hosting a lunchtime music quiz. What a fun way to break up the day!
Learn More: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
12. Cookie Sale
No one can resist a cookie! Get the kids involved in the planning, baking, and distribution of their goods and they’re bound to learn a ton of new skills.
Learn More: The Spruce
13. Ugly Sweater Day
Get super creative designing your own ugly sweater by adding tinsel, sequins, and pom poms to make the sweater of your nightmares! The most outrageous ugly sweater definitely deserves a prize!
Learn More: YouTube
14. Show Your School Spirit
Have your staff and students dress in school colors. Nothing says school spirit like showing support for your team! This is super simple and something that everyone can get involved in.
Learn More: South Lakes Sentinel
15. Host A Talent Show
This is a great whole-school activity! Challenge your students and staff by hosting a talent show. The more varied the acts the better. Invite your pupils to show off their best dance moves or latest magic tricks and bring the school community together!
Learn More: De Su Mama
16. Decorate The Door
Here’s an a-door-able idea for the art students! Award the most creative, funniest, wackiest, and worst doors! Make sure every student gets to add something along the way and encourage working together as a team to bring a spirited, school-themed door to life.
Learn More: The Gifted Gabber
17. Tie Dye Day
We’re dye-ing to try this one! Encourage your students and staff to wear as much tie dye as possible for the day. Provide colorful ice pops and sweet treats to make this a special day to remember. There are a lot of resources online to show you how to make different tie-dye patterns, and you can award a prize for your favorite design!
Learn More: Chaotically Yours
18. Wear Your Country Best
Dig out your cowboy hats and boots and host a Western day at your school. This is a super simple school activity that’s a ton of fun! Add country-style food to the menu and play country music at lunch, with a country quiz thrown in too! Yeehaw!
Learn More: Momma Teen
19. Movie Night
Let your students be in charge of advertising and planning this night. Invite everyone to bring a sleeping bag or blanket, and then snuggle down in the hall with a film. You could add in hot chocolate and snacks too!
Learn More: Teach Good, Teach Well
20. Twin Day
Have all your kids find a partner, dress the same, and be twins for the day! Super fun and easy to do. This will get your students talking and provide a lot of laughs and great photos. Staff should get involved too!
Learn More: eHow
21. Rainbow Day
This colorful activity is sure to get your entire school involved! Assign each grade a different color to wear for the day. Turn it into a sports event and have the colors play against the other! You can share highlights on social media to increase engagement with the wider community.
Learn More: YouTube
22. Food Trucks
Invite local food trucks to park in your school parking lot on a weekend or game night. Arrange for part of the profits to go back into your school as a great fundraising idea. Invite the whole community—it’s fun for local residents to feel like they’re a part of school life too!
Learn More: Social Tables
23. Students Vs. Teachers
Host a students vs. teachers day. This can be sports-themed, everyone could compete in quizzes, or your students can dress as teachers and vice versa. There are lots of options for creativity here so get investigating!
Learn More: YouTube
24. Celebrate The Staff
Don’t forget about your school janitors, cooks, and cleaners—they deserve a day of service. Dedicate a day to them by leaving them a message of thanks or hosting a cake and coffee morning specially for them. You can even let your students take on their duties for a couple of hours while they relax!
Learn More: West Valley School District
25. Spirit Video
Lights, camera, action! Have your students create a school spirit video showcasing your school and what it’s all about. Make sure everyone has a role to play, whether it’s presenting, editing, or publishing. This is a fun way to create a sense of community among your kids!
Learn More: YouTube
26. Color Wars
Have each grade wear a different color and compete against each other in a colorful, sport-filled day! There are loads of options here, but playing games like basketball and soccer and adding in quizzes is a great start!
Learn More: Fernwood Cove
27. Wacky Tacky Day
Invite all your students—and fellow staff—to dress as wacky and mismatched as they can. This is a ton of fun and a great way to get everyone involved. There’s no need to buy lots of fancy accessories; the older, stranger, and tackier things you can find around your house, the better! Share the day’s highlights on social media for added engagement with the wider community and be sure to reward your most creative participants!
Learn More: The Classroom
28. Decade Day
Pick a decade for the whole school to dress up as or pick a different decade for each grade! This engaging idea is sure to allow for plenty of research opportunities and is always a ton of fun for staff and students alike!
Learn More: Unique Ideas
29. Anything But A Backpack Day
It goes without saying that this always gets students talking and laughing which is what school spirit is all about! Invite your students to bring their regular books and supplies to school in anything other than a backpack. Buckets, mixing bowls, wheelbarrows… The sky’s the limit!
Learn More: YouTube
30. Spirit Pom Poms
Nothing says school spirit like cheer! These super cute and easy-to-make pom poms will be a great hit with your students. How great for school pep rallies and pep assembly day—or anytime you need some extra pep in your step!
Learn More: Happiness Is Homemade
31. Color Run
Challenge your pupils and the local community by hosting a color run at your school and having your students plan and advertise it. There are plenty of opportunities for creativity—your kids can make posters and flyers, email local businesses to see if they will sponsor the event, and help organize prizes and judging. Any money you raise can be donated to charity or put back into the community.
Learn More: Wholesale Color Powder
32. Favorite Book Character Day
Dress as your favorite book character! This creates lots of opportunities for discussion about books and reading too. Ask your students to bring in their favorite books and take a photo of them with it to create an “Our Best Reads” wall.
Learn More: Polk County Schools
33. Community Bingo Game
Teach your students the importance of community service by hosting a bingo night. Get your kids involved with advertising, running the bingo games, and selling drinks and snacks to participants
Learn More: Donor Box
34. Mother’s Day Cake & Coffee Morning
Celebrate the ladies in your life by hosting a cake and coffee morning. Have your students plan the event and serve the ladies—they can make it that much more special by offering table service and playing background music. Encourage your kiddos to show their appreciation by crafting messages of thanks to decorate the tables with!
Learn More: QC Event School
35. World Record Attempt Day
Fuel the spirit of determination and teamwork as your whole school comes together in a spirited attempt to etch their name in the annals of world records. Whether your students are creating the longest painting or a massive human pyramid, this day will definitely embody perseverance and unity.
Learn More: Facebook
36. Mascot Day
Encourage your students to partake in a joyous day of creativity and school spirit! Encourage them to either don their favorite school mascot costumes or let their imagination run wild by creating their very own mascot. It’s a splendid opportunity to foster a deeper bond with the school community while nurturing their creativity and boosting morale.
Learn More: Olympus Mascots
37. Carnival Day
Transform your school grounds into a vibrant carnival wonderland! Set up a medley of game booths where your students can try their hand at various delightful activities, food stalls offering gastronomic adventures, and zones dedicated to different exciting events. It’s a day of laughter, bonding, and wholesome fun that’s sure to bring your entire school community that much closer together.
Learn More: It’s Elementary
38. Time Capsule Event
Invite your students to take a nostalgic journey by bringing in items that symbolize their current lives or represent memorable moments from this school year. Together, create a time capsule to be buried within your school grounds; don’t forget to plan a date for these treasures to be unearthed and reminisced upon in the years to come!
Learn More: Concertus
39. Charity Walkathon
Unite for a good cause by organizing a walkathon where your students can be sponsored to walk set distances. This heartwarming event will not only promote physical activity but also instill a sense of philanthropy in young minds as the funds raised are donated to a deserving charity chosen by your school community.
Learn More: Do Jiggy
40. Superhero Day
Ignite the flame of heroism within your students by hosting a Superhero Day! Let your school corridors be graced by a parade of young superheroes dressed in their favorite costumes. It’s a day to honor the courage and kindness found in each student; it also gives your kids a break from the normal routine and lets them embrace their inner champions!
Learn More: Nord Anglia Education
41. Mural Painting
Allow your students to leave a colorful mark on your school by collaborating on a mural painting project. This activity is great for not only fostering teamwork but also for beautifying your school environment with a piece of lasting art that embodies the spirit and unity of your student community.
Learn More: YouTube
42. Career Day
Gaze into the future as your students come to school dressed in outfits representing their dream professions. This event is sure to stimulate your kiddos’ curiosity about the wider world and invite insightful conversations about potential career paths, ambitions, and the steps required to achieve them.
Learn More: Northwood Technical College
43. Stuffed Animal Day
Invite your kids to bring a touch of home into school with Stuffed Animal Day. Your students should be encouraged to bring along their most cherished stuffed companions to foster a day filled with warm memories, and comfort, and share the stories behind each of their furry friends.
Learn More: TPT
44. Silent Disco
Dive into a modern dance phenomenon where your students can groove to their favorite beats using wireless headphones. Your school will buzz with energy as everyone dances to their own rhythm; have fun creating a collective yet individualized experience like no other! Silent discos are all the rave and we bet your staff and pupils will love one!
Learn More: Silent Disco Hire
45. Talent Expo
If you don’t like the idea of a traditional talent show, host an interactive Talent Expo instead! Your students can set up individual booths to shine a spotlight on their unique skills, be it singing, magic tricks, or hula hooping.
Learn More: YouTube
46. Recycled Fashion Show
Blend creativity with sustainability by challenging your students to design outfits from recycled materials. As your young designers strut down the runway, they’ll not only showcase their fashion sense but also spread an essential message about environmental consciousness.
Learn More: YouTube
47. PJ Day
Revel in the delightful coziness of pajamas as you and your students sport your favorite nightwear for the day! Amidst the giggles and comfort, this day serves as a gentle reminder that school can be both a place of learning and relaxation.
Learn More: Apple School
48. Schoolyard Picnic
Replace the humdrum of cafeteria lunches with a sunny outdoor picnic. Spread your blankets out and enjoy baskets filled with homemade treats. What a wonderful way to foster camaraderie and enjoy the simple pleasures of shared meals under the open sky.
Learn More: Landscape Structures
49. Crazy Hair Day
Let hair do the talking! Encourage your students to get imaginative with their tresses and craft styles from avant-garde to downright whimsical dos. It’s a day where individuality has a place to shine and creativity knows no bounds (or braids).
Learn More: Pinterest
50. DIY School Merchandise Day
Unleash the creative spirit within your kids as they craft personalized school merchandise. From vibrant badges to innovative mugs, this activity will encourage your students to infuse a part of their personality in each creation—bolstering a sense of belonging and pride towards their school.
Learn More: Medium
51. School Trivia Quiz
Ignite a flame of intrigue and camaraderie with a trivia quiz that unveils the rich tapestry of your school’s history and traditions. This engaging event will quickly turn your students into detectives— getting them to unravel facts and anecdotes that weave the very fabric of your school’s community!
Learn More: Parade
52. Hat Day
Top off the school day in style! Invite your students to don their quirkiest, most imaginative hats. From towering creations to whimsical designs—the school will be abuzz with laughter and creativity.
Learn More: Hornell Evening Tribune
53. DIY Instrument Concert
Discover the magic of music with a twist. Have your students craft their own instruments from recycled materials and come together for a one-of-a-kind musical extravaganza. Sit back and enjoy a symphony of innovation and resourcefulness thereafter!
Learn More: YouTube
54. Sock Hop
Rewind the clock for a blast from the past! Host a ’50s-inspired dance, complete with retro music and vintage moves. Your students will be able to jive and twist while enjoying an energetic lesson in history and nostalgia.
Learn More: Ironton Tribune
55. Indoor Camping Day
Adventure awaits indoors! Transform your classroom into a campsite with tents and campfires (battery-operated candles, of course). Let your students then indulge in storytelling, sing-alongs, and maybe even some indoor stargazing; make it a day of exploration without ever leaving the school.
Learn More: The Vine Preschool
56. Garden Party Extravaganza
Transform your schoolyard into a lush garden party paradise where your students can unwind and soak in the beauty of nature along with their teachers. Adorned with floral decorations, your yard will become a place where friendships blossom amidst games, laughter, and the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers.
Learn More: Things to Share and Remember
57. Riddle Contest
Challenge those young minds with a series of riddles! Your students will test their wits and logic—and learn that sometimes the answer is right in front of them, if only they think a little differently.
Learn More: 100 Riddles To Keep Your Students Engaged and Entertained!
58. School Garden Day
Nurture nature by starting a school garden. Have your pupils plant seeds, tend to flowers, and watch as their efforts bloom over time. It’s not just about gardening; you’ll be teaching patience, responsibility, and the joys of seeing hard work bear fruit.
Learn More: The Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina
59. Futuristic Day
Embark on a journey to tomorrow! Invite your students to dress up and conceptualize life in the future. Blend science fiction with their hopes and aspirations, you’ll be able to take a deep dive into tomorrow’s possibilities.
Learn More: Facebook
60. Swap Roles Day
Walk a mile in each other’s shoes! Your students can step into the role of educators, while teachers become their students. Amidst the fun, it’s sure to be an enlightening experience that fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of daily challenges and joys.
Learn More: Houma Today
61. Guess Who? Day
Fill your hallways with intriguing characters, from Cleopatra to Captain Hook! Encourage your students to transform into historical icons, cherished book characters, or celebrated celebrities. The catch? Their peers have to unravel the mystery of their identities.
Learn More: The RoundUp
62. Mad Scientist Day
Experience the thrill of discovery as students conduct quirky and safe experiments. They can create a volcano, watch colors dance, or engage in anything else that they can come up with; it’s a day to make science exhilarating and accessible for all.
Learn More: Clare Primary
63. Flash Mob
Surprise and delight with a sudden burst of coordinated dance or song. Bring your students together for this unexpected performance; it’s a shared moment of joy, camaraderie, and school spirit!
Learn More: YouTube
64. Schoolwide Yoga Session
Align body and mind with a mass yoga session. Invite your students (and educators) to stretch and breathe together as they take a serene break from routine; emphasizing mindfulness and well-being.
Learn More: Moving Minds Blog
65. Pet Show-And-Tell
With this idea, your school will become a mini-zoo for a day! Whether your students bring in pets or share delightful animal anecdotes; either way you’ll experience a fun and enlightening insight into the animal-loving side of students.
Learn More: YouTube
66. Mediation Day
Equip your students with the tools for peaceful conflict resolution. You can host workshops and activities to teach your kids the art of understanding, empathy, and finding common ground.
Learn More: St. Michael’s Episcopal Day School
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