Positive Classroom Culture with FREE Student Notes

State testing season is (unfortunately) upon us! During this time of year, I’m always looking for new ways to keep my students’ spirits up. A few years ago, I started leaving personalized notes on my students desks in the weeks leading up to the test. My hands would cramp up and my handwriting would get sloppy from writing so many notes, so I thought of a better way – type personalized notes on bright Post Its!

I started out with these designs and would type student names on each! I loved the ease of printing them out and having them ready whenever I needed them. I posted them as a freebie for other teachers that were entering testing season. 

I loved seeing the reaction on their faces when they received a special sticky note. They loved the bright colors and the ‘pretty letters and pictures’ on the notes. 

My students enjoyed getting peppermints on test days, so I began to add notes that were connected to specific themes. I added some fun puns and food-themed notes when I (or parent volunteers) brought in treats for testing week. It was fun to see them read the puns! Plus, the notes are editable so they can be customized for each child! I loved being able to be specific with the positive praise I was giving them.

I also made some seasonal notes so that I could use them all year! My students LOVED seeing the fun designs and we talked about how it feels good to get special notes. Eventually, I let my students give each other notes! I loved using these to build a positive community in our classroom.

I love putting these on my students’ desks, but I also love hiding the notes so that they find them later on. I’d put them in their Take Home folder, in their pencil box, or even inside one of their books. I also like to use them for my coworkers too! They are easy to edit, print, and stick on a desk or inside a mailbox. 

Who doesn’t love getting a little something that says they’re awesome?! Little acts of kindness like these notes are easy ways to build a positive classroom community. 

To grab the FREE version of these printables, click the link below and I’ll email you a copy to use in your classroom!

To save this blog post for later, use the Pinterest pin below.

Let me know if you use these in your classroom! I would love to see pictures!