Morning Meeting is a particular and deliberate way to begin the day in elementary school in which all classroom members—grown-ups and students—gather in a circle, greet each other, and listen and respond to each other’s news. Morning Meeting is made up of four sequential components: greeting, sharing, group activity, and morning message. The components intentionally provide opportunities for students to practice the skills of greeting, listening and responding, group problem-solving, and noticing and anticipating. Morning Meeting is also a great opportunity to practice academic skills.
Suddenly, it seems like the class is falling apart. Classroom routines that were going smoothly just a few weeks ago now seem rough around the edges. More and more children are forgetting to follow classroom rules. The noise level is higher, and academic productivity seems lower. What's going on?
With increasing demands to meet rigorous curriculum standards and improve the quality of instruction, efficient, productive professional development (PD) and staff meetings are more critical than ever. Too often, though, these sessions fall short of being fully engaging and productive—and opportunities for professional growth are lost. The familiar lecture-style meeting can leave participants feeling disengaged and facilitators weary; a free-wheeling discussion often feels aimless and unsafe.
Q:"Specials" teachers often see each child for only one hour a week. What's one way that you and a special area teacher have worked together to help him/her get to know your students better?
Adolescent DevelopmentClassroom OrganizationDisciplineElementary SchoolFirst Weeks of SchoolMiddle SchoolMorning MeetingMorning MeetingMovement BreaksThe First Weeks of School