As the new school year begins, educators are finding creative ways to bring joy to the classroom. From dance parties to gratitude practices, these strategies aim to foster a positive and uplifting learning environment. Laura M. from Newark, DE, uses dance as a stress-relieving activity, building it into the weekly schedule to promote connection between students and teachers. Josh from New Haven, CT, starts each Monday morning with a question: 'What brought you joy over the weekend?' This encourages students to share their positive experiences and build connections with one another. Emi from Lobitos, Peru, uses the concept of 'enchantment' to foster curiosity, creativity, and care for the environment in her all-girls surf, science, and storytelling program. She encourages students to notice the 'awe' of riding the energy of a leftover storm or taking 'macro' photos of small, wondrous things in their environment. Other educators share their own strategies, including using sidewalk chalk to write positive messages, having a 'Would you rather...' question on the whiteboard, and designing a cardboard maze to teach engineering principles. These practices not only bring joy to the classroom but also promote social-emotional learning, creativity, and a sense of community. By incorporating these strategies, educators can create a positive and uplifting learning environment that sets the tone for a successful and joyful school year.