“Morning Meeting group activities are short and fast-paced, and involve everyone in the class. Though they may appear to be “just for fun,” they support crucial learning goals: Some activities incorporate academic skill-building components that tie in to current topics in the curriculum; others offer practice in important generalized skills like listening, following directions, exercising self-control, or practicing deductive reasoning; still others help build a positive classroom community”
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?