As we approach the last stretch before the holiday break, the energy in schools starts to shift. Students feel it. Teachers feel it. The hallways buzz a little louder, the days feel a little fuller, and routines (and patience!) sometimes stretch thin.
It’s a unique window of time that can feel both challenging and full of opportunity.
This time of year is actually perfect for weaving in small, meaningful practices that strengthen character in your classroom or school community. And if December feels too packed or too fast? January offers a fresh, natural reset.
Either way, character isn’t built in grand gestures. It grows in consistent, intentional, and simple moments, which are the the kinds of moments that students remember long after the semester ends.
Here are 10 practical ways to build character at school, each one quick to implement and impactful over time.
1. Greet every student by name each morning.
Hearing their name - spoken kindly and intentionally - grounds students in belonging. Whether it’s at the door, in the hallway, or before the bell rings, it sets the tone: You matter here.
2. Highlight a “Character Trait of the Week” in announcements.
A short spotlight on traits like empathy, perseverance, or respect can spark conversations schoolwide. Keep it simple, keep it consistent, and invite students to notice the trait in action each day.
3. Incorporate a short reflection question into class openers.
A one-minute prompt of “What’s one thing you can do today to be a good teammate?” helps students build self-awareness and intention. Reflection is one of the most powerful tools in character education.
4. Model respectful language during challenging conversations.
Students learn the most from what they see. Using calm, respectful language, especially in tough moments, teaches emotional regulation and dignity far better than any worksheet ever could.
5. Recognize students showing positive character with quick notes or shout-outs.
Character grows when it’s seen and named. A sticky note, a brief comment, or a quick announcement... it doesn’t have to be fancy to be meaningful.
6. Start each class with a 60-second gratitude or kindness prompt.
A simple, guided moment such as, “Think of one person you’re grateful for today,” helps students build empathy and emotional awareness. It also centers everyone for learning.
7. Create opportunities for students to lead small tasks or routines.
Student leadership doesn’t have to be formal. Handing out materials, leading warm-ups, taking care of the board... these small responsibilities build confidence and agency.
8. Use a rotating classroom responsibility chart to build ownership.
Ownership fosters character. A rotating chart spreads opportunities for responsibility and gives every student a chance to contribute to the classroom community.
9. Incorporate a daily kindness challenge students can complete in under 2 minutes.
Tiny acts create big shifts. Examples:“Hold the door for someone.”“Invite someone new to join your group.”“Say thank you more times than you think you need to.”Two minutes. Big impact.
10. End the week with a ‘Character Win’ share-out in each class.
Give students a chance to celebrate moments of integrity, kindness, or perseverance, by either something they did or something they saw. These reflections become a powerful culture-builder over time.
A Small Start Can Last All Year
Whether you try one idea before the holiday break or save a few for January’s restart, remember this:
Building character doesn’t require perfection; it requires consistency. Small practices, repeated over time, shape the culture of a classroom and the heart of a school.
If you try any of these, I’d love to hear how they go.
And if you have ideas to add, share them! Our strength as educators grows when we learn from each other.
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