Spend an hour as a class sorting the donations and writing cards to the recipients. Best Practices for Planning Your Event
Schedule big events for the day before winter or spring break. This captures the natural excitement students already have and can actually improve attendance on days that are historically low.
For station-based events like the Gala or Geometry Night, give students a paper passport. They earn a stamp at each station they visit, keeping them focused and accountable.
Use games to make curriculum review exciting. classroom events g
Make sure every student can participate fully. Consider dietary restrictions when planning snacks. Provide alternative roles for students who experience sensory overload in loud or crowded environments.
: Brief 5–10 minute sessions to practice critical thinking. Mind Mapping
Linking rewards to behavior goals makes the process fun and encourages consistent effort. Some effective strategies include , where classes work together to earn a small celebration, or a Secret Student , where a randomly selected student receives a reward for following directions and being a good friend. Another highly effective intervention is the Mystery Motivator , where students work to earn a chance to reveal a hidden, exciting reward for appropriate behaviors. These events turn positive behavior into a fun, collaborative goal rather than a chore. Spend an hour as a class sorting the
(Grand Rapids, OH): A deep dive into the principles of liberty with Dr. Adam Thomas at Grand Rapids Old Town Hall Voices of the Revolution Workshop : A full-day session for K-12 educators at George Washington's Mount Vernon
Hang black butcher paper on walls. Use glow-in-the-dark star stickers. Dim the main lights and use flashlights or blue holiday lights for ambiance. Activities:
Turn your room into an using a Breakout EDU game—students collaborate to solve puzzles and "unlock" the breakout, building teamwork and problem-solving skills. You can leverage ready-to-play digital games or even design your own, with students creating and testing each other's games for a culminating project. For station-based events like the Gala or Geometry
Take photos, assign student roles (like line leaders or materials managers), and focus on facilitating rather than lecturing. To help narrow down your options, tell me: What grade level do you teach? Which academic subject do you want to focus on most? Do you have a budget or access to specific supplies? Share public link
Bring history or literature to life with immersive role-playing scenarios.