Building a strong elementary school starts with strong school spirit among your students, their families, teachers, and staff. Rally up everyone to get involved with their elementary school with spirit-building activities. Implement some of these 10 spirit-building ideas and watch your school pride soar!
Spirit Week
- Plan a Spirit Week at your elementary school with themed dress-up days. Stock your school store with T-Shirts, Bandanas, and other apparel in your school colors.
- Pajama Day: Students and staff wear their favorite pajamas.
- Crazy Hair Day: Everyone comes to school with wild and creative hairstyles.
- School Colors Day: Encourage everyone to wear the school’s colors.
Door Decorating Contests
2. A door decorating contest where each class decorates their classroom door according to a specific theme. This can be seasonal (like winter or spring) or related to a school-wide theme (like “Heroes” or “Innovation”). Use many different decorating ideas, like background paper, crepe streamers, and cracked ice.
School Mascot Day
3. Designate a day during Spirit Week (or any day of the year) to celebrate your elementary school mascot. Plan activities such as:
- A visit from the mascot to classrooms.
- Mascot-themed games and activities.
- A photo booth with the mascot.
Talent Show
4. Organize a school-wide talent show where students can showcase their unique skills and talents. This can include singing, dancing, magic tricks, or any other special talents they want to share. Get everyone excited for your talent show with custom banners in your school hallways or display them outside!
Buddy System Activities
5. Pair older elementary school students with younger students for buddy activities. They can work together on projects, read books, or play games, all while fostering a sense of community and mentorship.
School Spirit Rallies
6. Hold regular school spirit rallies to celebrate achievements, introduce new events, and boost morale. Fun activity ideas include:
- Cheerleading performances (make sure everyone has Poms to help cheer on your school)
- Student awards and recognitions (Student of the Month, Perfect Attendance)
- Interactive games and contests (Cornhole, Tug of War, Name That Tune)
Themed Assemblies
7. Plan elementary school assemblies around specific themes that promote school spirit and positive values, such as kindness, respect, and teamwork. Include skits, guest speakers, and interactive activities (see #6 for ideas).
Community Service Projects
8. Involve your students in community service projects to promote a sense of pride and responsibility. Create custom Banners and flyers to spread the word about each project.
- Clean-up days at local parks.
- Collecting donations for local shelters.
- Writing letters to residents in nursing homes.
Spirit Sticks and Awards
9. Create cheer sticks, rally signs, or trophies that can be awarded to classes or individuals for displaying exceptional school spirit. Rotate the awards regularly to keep the excitement and competition alive.
Reading Challenges
10. Organize school-wide reading challenges with themes such as “Read Around the World” or “Book Bingo”. Encourage students to read a certain number of books and reward them with fun prizes (lapel pins, patches, dog tags) or other recognition (certificates, backpacks).
Any of these 10 activities will not only boost school spirit but also foster a sense of community, teamwork, and pride among students and staff. They are a great starting point to create a strong sense of school pride!