Morning Meetings

We are having a great time in morning meetings. We continue to work on our schedule, but when we are able to have a full-blown morning in the morning meeting…it’s wonderful.

Here are some pictures of kids doing their secret handshake from our Friday meeting!  So.  Much.  Fun. 

Greetings:  Greetings are fun, fast and friendly.  There are quick greetings which only take a minute or two, and there are more involved greetings that take several minutes.  Both are a fantastic way for kids to get to know one another.  Favorite foods, weekend plans, and hopes and dreams are only a fraction of ways we are getting to know one another!

Sharing:  This gives everyone a chance to share information about important events in their lives.  Listeners are learning how to ask questions or make empathetic comments as well.

Group Activity:  Everyone participates in a fun activity that helps us foster a sense of togetherness.  They practice social and academic skills and kids really LOVE this part of our meetings.  Yesterday, we played a game called “WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?” and kids begged to play it again.  It starts by someone doing a pantomime of an action – for example – brushing their teeth.  The person next to them asks “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” and the person responds with another action, like “Playing basketball!”  Then they act out playing basketball and it continues around the circle.  Super.  Fun. 

Morning Message:  Our morning message greets them every day.  I often have a few tasks for them to complete and it sets the tone for our day.  This message gives them a heads up about what we will be working on while also giving them a consistent way to begin each day.  Also, they love the pictures I include.  J 

For more information on Responsive Classroom, visit their website: 

www.responsiveclassroom.org