Classroom Joy Hacks: Small Shifts That Make Teaching Feel Lighter
CategoriesTeaching is meaningful work—but let’s be honest, it can also be exhausting. Between lesson planning, behavior management, and meetings, incorporating joy can start to feel like one more thing on the to-do list.
The good news? Classroom joy doesn’t require a full curriculum overhaul. Sometimes, it’s the smallest changes that make the biggest difference. Research shows that joy is linked to better learning because it improves attention, supports memory retrieval, boosts motivation, and encourages creativity.
Here are a few hacks—simple, low-effort ways to bring more lightness into your students’ day.
1. Joy hack: Start with one “easy win”
Begin the day with a relaxing activity such as morning journaling, an exercise routine, a short read-aloud, or a calm warm-up. Starting with success sets a positive tone for both you and your students.
Image credit: https://www.thepathway2success.com/morning-routines-for-the-classroom-to-help-students-activatate-their-brains/
2. Joy hack: Let students see your personality
You don’t have to be an entertainer, but authenticity goes a long way. Share a favorite book, a funny (appropriate) story, or your excitement about a topic. Students respond to teachers who feel human.
Image credit: https://www.neamb.com/work-life/how-to-effectively-use-humor-in-the-classroom
3. Joy hack: Give students more choices
To increase engagement, let your students choose:
- Their reading spot
- A partner or independent work option
- A topic for a short assignment
- Classroom norms/rules
4. Joy hack: Celebrate progress, not perfection
Perfectionism can quietly drain joy from classrooms. Shift the focus to effort, growth, and small wins. Acknowledge improvement—even when the final product isn’t perfect. For more tips on avoiding perfectionism in your classroom, check out TCL’s new course: Feedback that Fuels: Strategies to Promote Resilience, Growth, and Confidence in the Classroom
5. Joy hack: Create a fun ritual
Joy doesn’t have to come from big celebrations. Try:
- A thought-provoking question of the day
- A two-minute dance break
- A class inside joke
- A “good news” share on Fridays
6. Joy hack: Create an inviting atmosphere
Students want to walk into a classroom every day that sparks joy and wonder. Here are some ways to accomplish this:
- Student work galleries
- Name + strength boards (“Something I’m good at”)
- Plants and nature imagery
- Cozy corners and comfort zones
- Soft lighting, such as string lights
Image credit:
https://www.reddit.com/r/CozyPlaces/comments/wvsfc7/back_to_school_classroom_library_coziness/
7. Joy hack: Protect your joy outside the classroom
Classroom joy is deeply connected to teacher well-being. Boundaries matter. Whether it’s closing your laptop at a certain time, saying no to one extra task, or finding connection with colleagues, your joy deserves care too.
Joy in the classroom isn’t about constant happiness. It’s about moments of connection, laughter, ease, and meaning—even on hard days. When teachers feel joy, students feel it too.
Here are a few classes related to this topic:
Social and Emotional Learning: Promoting Positive Mental Health Across the Curriculum
Trauma, Stress, and Anxiety in Schools: Finding Hope and Building Resilience
Refocusing Attention: Tackling Student Distractions by Gaining Their Attention