For the Classroom

Enthusiasm

Handling tasks with passion and a positive spirit

Enthusiasm energizes classrooms and inspires student engagement.

When educators bring passion to their work, students respond with curiosity and excitement. Enthusiasm creates a joyful learning environment.

Essay

Enthusiasm Makes a Difference

by Jill Tomey

We’ve all endured boring lectures, whether from our student years or professional development workshops. We have learned to appreciate Enthusiastic teachers. When an instructor is excited, then I am inclined to get excited and stay engaged. The lesson will most likely be easier for me to remember. Enthusiastic instructors bring an energy to the room that draws me in and makes me feel connected to the class. It encourages my participation, and I may ask more questions. Engaging instructors make me feel respected and valued. I’m worth the effort that went into the instructor’s preparation. Students can reap the same benefits when a classroom teacher engages with genuine Enthusiasm.

This month, what opportunity do you have to notch up the energy output?

Affirmations for the Classroom

I put my whole heart into what I do.
I use my smile to make others feel happy.
I like giving and sharing to make our classroom better.
I do every job like it matters.
I try hard and stay positive, even when things are tough.

Enthusiasm Resource Library

The Links below will take you to Resources like activities, lessons, reflections, tools, and visuals you can use in the classroom or in homeschool to teach the Character Quality of Enthusiasm.

Featured

Reading List Roundup: Enthusiasm Picture Books

A curated reading list for teaching Enthusiasm—plus a printable download and a link to the full Enthusiasm bookshelf on Goodreads.

Enthusiasm as a Sidekick Quality

Descriptions of how Enthusiasm supports the other qualities.

Enthusiasm as a Core Value

Descriptions of Enthusiasm as a Core Value and how the other qualities support it.

Fun with Character: Two Frogs In Cream

Discover the power of persistence and positive thinking through the classic poem of two frogs in a can of cream. This lesson includes a hands-on activity where students transform heavy cream into butter, proving that "kicking and swimming" through challenges leads to sweet success.

Fun with Character: Whistle While You Work

Teach students how to tackle undesirable chores with a positive attitude using this creative musical activity. By turning mundane tasks into silly "ditties" set to familiar tunes, students learn how to lighten their workload and find joy in responsibility.

Fun with Character: What Floats Your Boat?

Explore the meaning of Enthusiasm by identifying what 'floats your boat.' This interactive activity helps students recognize their passions and learn creative strategies, such as gamification and rewards, to bring that same positive energy to less exciting chores and responsibilities.

Connecting Enthusiasm to the History Curriculum

Use stories of Theodore Roosevelt from your History curriculum to teach Enthusiasm

Picture Book Pick: Ripple’s Effect

A featured Enthusiasm picture book—Ripple’s Effect—with a read-along link and ready-to-use classroom discussion questions.

No Matter How You Say It: Enthusiasm

A quick language-and-meaning snapshot of Enthusiasm, showing the word origins, sign language, and common idioms anyone can discuss.

Enthusiasm Quotes

Looking for reminders that Enthusiasm makes a difference? Explore the full collection of Enthusiasm Quotes and find the perfect line to share, post, or spark a conversation.

Quotes

Celebrate Character Qualities All Month

Use the holidays this month to celebrate our other qualities.

Featured

Juneteenth Activity

A simple Juneteenth activity.

June Character All Month

A list of classic and quirky holidays in June and their connection to a variety of character qualities.

Summersgiving

A simple Summersgiving activity.

Build Community in Your Classroom

Try these activities!

Featured

Getting to Know You: Fortunately, Unfortunately

This lighthearted Team Building activity uses stories to encourage people to express their identity and values in a fun, creative way—boosting connection, conversation, and a sense of belonging within any group or organization. Spark fun dialogue and collaboration, and help participants practice quick thinking, positive interaction, and group energy.

Getting to Know You: Read All About it!

This lighthearted Team Building activity uses paper to encourage people to express their identity and values in a fun, creative way—boosting connection, conversation, and a sense of belonging within any group or organization. Spark fun dialogue and collaboration, and help participants practice quick thinking, positive interaction, and group energy.

Enthusiasm

Handling tasks with passion and a positive spirit

Enthusiasm energizes classrooms and inspires student engagement.

Enthusiasm Makes a Difference

This month, what opportunity do you have to notch up the energy output?

Affirmations for the Classroom

Enthusiasm Resource Library

Enthusiasm Quotes

Celebrate Character Qualities All Month

Build Community in Your Classroom

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