Fortune Cookie Quotes For the Classroom

“At the end of the day, people won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.” ~Maya Angelou

For me, teaching has always been so much more than just instructing curriculum. If teaching were a hamburger and curriculum were the patty, then this girl’s burger would be dressed with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, slabs of melted cheese, the perfect amount of ketchup, and of coarse an oversized bun. That’s just the way I roll. Let’s face it. Burgers are bland without all the dressings, and learning is made flavorful when lots of special trimmings are added to the meat. I bet you share my passion or you wouldn’t be reading this post.

I tried a new condiment on my teaching burger this month, and I’d like to share it with you. If you are searching for a way to spread positivity within your classroom, then fortune cookie quotes will be just what you need. Now let’s get down to business.

Print the quotes on bright, colorful paper. There are three sheets of quotes. I copied three pages of each sheet on assorted colors, which ended up being nine pages in all, or 288 quotes to fill my container. Cut the quotes into strips. A paper cutter makes this job easier if you have one.

Wrap each of the quotes tightly around a pencil to create a coil. Then drop them into a clear container. This makes for a good T.V. time project. You could also search for family or student helpers.

Place the quote container in an easy-to-access location in your classroom. Print and laminate the “Take One” sign to hang near your display. I placed my display right near the classroom door.

Then, establish some rules for how and when your students may take a quote. For example, perhaps they could take one on their way out the door, on Monday mornings, before journal writing time, before a class meeting, etc. Think about what works best with your own program.

Encourage your students to think about and/or discuss the meaning of the quotes. What personal connection can they make with the quote? How might the quote influence their actions? Did it give them a new perspective or change their outlook on life?  Hopefully it will do all of the above. These quotes are meaningful.

I’m actually beginning to think that these fortune cookie quotes would work well in many settings. Does your faculty room or school office need a little pick-me-up? How about your home? Wouldn’t it be fun to grab a quote at the hair salon or dentist office? Go ahead. . .share the idea and spread some cheer! Enjoy!