Shout-Outs and Compliments: Simple Routines for Building a Positive Classroom Culture 

Building a positive classroom culture can sometimes feel like trying to herd a group of caffeinated squirrels—doable (sure!), but only if the stars align and no one gets distracted by something shiny. Between juggling lessons, navigating transitions, managing behavior, and making sure nobody is sneakily doodling on their math worksheet, finding time for strategies like compliments and shout-outs can feel like just one more thing on an already endless to-do list.

But here’s the thing: these tiny, informal moments are like little magic spells that can actually make the rest of your day easier.

There’s a simple, low-effort way to weave kindness, connection, and confidence-building into your classroom routine—and it only takes a minute or two each day? 🌟 Allow me to introduce one of my favorite tools: shout-outs and compliments.

These small but mighty practices can help students notice the good in others (and in themselves), while infusing your classroom with a stronger sense of community. Plus, they pull double duty by sneaking in some social-emotional skill-building too—kind of like veggies hidden in a delicious dessert.

So let’s chat about how to work these into your day without adding any extra stress. 

What if I told you there’s a simple way to foster kindness, build connection, and boost your students’ confidence—and it only takes a minute or two each day? 🌟 Enter shout-outs and compliments. These small but powerful gestures help students notice the good in others (and themselves!) while strengthening your classroom’s sense of community. Better yet, they’re also sneaky little builders of social-emotional skills. Let’s dive into how to seamlessly make these a part of your routine and watch the positivity magic unfold.

Why Shout-Outs and Compliments Are a (Not-So-Secret) Game-Changer

Here’s the thing: teaching students how to compliment or give a shout-out isn’t just about making things feel warm and fuzzy (although, let’s be honest, that’s a pretty awesome side effect). It’s also about training real social-emotional muscles.

When students pause to notice someone else’s kindness, effort, or strengths, it’s like a workout for their empathy skills. They’re learning how to connect, appreciate, and value the people around them—and here’s the sneaky surprise: it also helps them recognize their own goodness.

Think about it as a two-for-one deal—kindness for others and a boost in confidence for themselves.

Now take that individual growth and zoom out. Imagine the effects on your whole classroom. Shout-outs and compliments foster a kind of glue—the good kind—that makes everyone feel more connected, appreciated, and respected. Students start to see each other as part of a team, cheering each other on instead of competing for attention or praise.

The result? A culture where kindness isn’t just encouraged—it’s expected. 🙌

A Quick 5-Minute Lesson on Giving Great Compliments

Don’t worry, adding this to your classroom routine doesn’t require a complicated unit plan on “The Art of Compliments.” A simple five-minute activity is all it takes to create a positive vibe and encourage kindness.

Here’s how to keep it short, sweet, and effective:

Start with the basics: Explain that a compliment or shout-out is simply a way to recognize others for the great things they do.

• It could be something specific, like: “I appreciate how you jumped in to help when we needed extra hands cleaning up.”
• Or something simple, like: “Shout-out to Maria for being such a good listener today.”

Keep it real, authentic, and grounded in what truly matters. 😊

Talk about WHY they matter: Help your students understand the purpose. Compliments and shout-outs aren’t just about making someone smile (though they will!). They’re about noticing and appreciating the good around us—in other people and in ourselves. That small recognition can brighten someone’s whole day.

Break it down: Teach the golden rules of giving great compliments/shout-outs:

• Be sincere: Only say it if you really mean it.
• Be specific: Avoid generic praise like, “You’re amazing.” Instead, focus on something real: “Shout-out to Jean for helping us stay on track during group work today.”
• Focus on actions or effort: Compliments like, “You worked so hard to finish that project—it really shows!” go a lot further than, “Nice jacket!”

Practice together: Get students to try it out! Use sentence starters to get the ball rolling:

• “I’d like to give a shout-out to…”
• “You did an awesome job at…" 

Have them pair up to exchange compliments or brainstorm examples as a group. Watching kindness and confidence grow in the process is well worth the effort.

Everyday Opportunities for Shout-Outs

Here’s where the real magic happens: practice. Make compliments and shout-outs part of your classroom’s everyday rhythm, and they’ll start to feel as natural as arguing about who’s line leader.

Some perfect spots to sprinkle them in:

• Closing Circles: At the end of the day, ask students to share shout-outs. A simple “Shout-out someone who helped you today or made your day better” is all you need to get the kindness rolling.
• Peer Feedback: Before diving into constructive criticism during a project, encourage students to start with a positive shout-out first.
• After Group Work: Use the wrap-up time to highlight collaboration with questions like, “Who showed great teamwork today?”
• Transitions and Downtime: Keep things lighthearted. Waiting in line? Toss out a quick, “I want to shout-out Mia for leading us quietly to lunch.”
• Lead by Example: Don’t be shy about modeling your own shout-outs. A breezy, “Shout-out to Kiera for helping cleanup the art room today!” shows students how quick and easy it can be.

These small opportunities add up, subtly weaving kindness into your classroom fabric.

Fun and Creative Compliment Activities

Got a few minutes to spare or want to mix it up? Try these fun ways to keep the shout-outs fresh:

• Shout-Out Jar: Place a jar in your classroom for students to drop in written shout-outs. Read a few aloud during the week to celebrate kindness.
• Compliment Chains: Use paper chain links to capture kind moments. Watch the chain grow throughout the year—a visual reminder of just how much love is circulating.
• Compliment Circles: Dedicate time during a Friday circle to compliment a peer. Go around the whole class or spotlight a handful of students each week—it’s perfect for connection AND reflection.
• The Weekly Shout-Out Board: Have students write quick shout-outs on sticky notes to post on a board. By Friday, that board will radiate positivity.
• Compliment Popcorn: When someone gives your class a compliment (like the principal says they’re super well-behaved), add a kernel to a jar. When it’s full? Popcorn party! 🍿
• Complimittens Activity and Display: Cut out mitten shapes and haev student write down a compliment for a classmate on the mitten. You can then easily create a quick door display or bulletin board.

Kindness is Contagious

Look, the beauty of shout-outs and compliments isn’t that they take loads of time or planning. It’s that these small, heartfelt gestures ripple out in big ways. Encouraging your students to notice and celebrate the good in each other fosters empathy, builds community, and cultivates a classroom where kindness isn’t just a rule to follow—it’s a habit.

So why not give it a go? In a world that could always use a little more light, isn’t that the kind of habit worth making?

Start small this week—maybe with a shout-out after groups or a quick compliment circle—and see what happens. My guess? You’ll notice brighter smiles, closer connections, and a little spark of positivity that spreads far beyond your classroom walls. ✨

Comment below with ways that you use shout-outs with students!