We love using inspirational quotes to motivate and encourage students. The power of words just cannot be overestimated. Sometimes sharing the right words at the right moment can make all the difference. Here are some of our all-time favorite classroom quotes, as spotted on Instagram.
“My favorite is by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I teach pre-K, and it’s amazing how littles see the world with such a unique lens. And I love how much I can learn from them each day. They make me smile, laugh, and reframe my thinking in whimsical and imaginative ways!” —Katie H.
We have grit and we won’t quit!
“Our elementary P.E. teacher taught the kids to say this. I have them chant it often as a reminder to persevere through struggles. It’s catchy, it rhymes, and it imparts an excellent life lesson with wide application. For example, before beginning our hands-on STEM unit, we talk about how scientists don’t expect things to work perfectly on the first try, but they are problem-solvers who try again. It may take many tries but you shouldn’t give up!” —Amy B.
I’m not crazy. I’m just creative!
“My favorite quote actually came from one of my 4th graders last year! I loved it so much when I heard her say it that she wrote it down for me and I hung it on my wall. I use it to encourage outside-of-the-box thinking and being your own authentic self, always!” —Eliana B.
Classroom Quotes for Elementary School
Be the leader in a school of fish.
Be a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside.
From small beginnings come great things.
You are loved.
Broken crayons still color.
Make today so awesome yesterday is jealous.
Say what you mean but don’t say it mean.
Be awesome, be amazing, be you.
In our class we don’t do easy. We make easy happen through hard work and learning.
Classroom Quotes for Middle Schoolers
You’re going to rattle the stars, you are.
Don’t look at your feet to see if you are doing it right. Just dance.
Live out of your imagination, not your history.
Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.
If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it.
No one is perfect—that’s why pencils have erasers.
The secret of getting ahead is getting started.
Only surround yourself with people who will lift you higher.
Everything comes to he who hustles while he waits.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.
Ideas are great arrows, but there has to be a bow.
History: a collection of epitaphs.
I never dreamt of success. I worked for it.
Passion is the genesis of genius.
5 Ways To Use Quotes in the Classroom
Try these ideas for using inspirational quotes of all kinds with your students.
Daily Quotes
Share a quote during your morning meeting and discuss it with your students. It can set the tone for the entire day!
Writing Prompts
Post a quote and ask students to reflect on what it means to them in their personal journals. You can also encourage kids to write stories or essays with these quotes as the central theme.
Break students into groups and assign each one a quote (or let them choose). Then, have them write and act out a short skit that shows that quote in action.
Quote Debates
Choose a quote and invite students to think about whether they agree or disagree with the sentiment. Then, hold a (friendly) classroom debate to practice effective arguments.
Print and hang our free posters, use a quote to center a bulletin board, or ask students to choose a quote to illustrate. Easy, inspirational classroom decorations in a snap!
Get your classroom quote posters!
We Are Teachers
We’ve selected five of our very favorite quotes for you to print and hang around your classroom. Hit the button, then fill out the form on this page for your free set!
