Whether it's the first day of school or just any 'ole day of the week, it's so important to have the right routines in place so that chaos is minimized and students are actually engaging with their learning. Morning routines are a great way to maximize that half hour or so - allowing you to get those last minute things prepared.
Today I thought it would be great to talk about some helpful morning routines and how easily you can incorporate a few of them into your daily schedule.
1. Engaging morning message
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| photo: Learning with Mrs. Langley |
By having a morning greeting, and it being the first things kids do when entering the classroom, it gives them a start off point to their day. From there they can ready their materials at their desk and begin their morning work.
2. Morning work and brain boosters
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| photo: Mrs. Beattie's Classroom |
Every morning my kiddos have the opportunity to practice and review key concepts taught earlier in the week then catch up on any unfinished work. Morning work, or brain boosters, routines and expectations are laid out right from the beginning of the year so students know what to work on and choices they can make when they finish.
I always make sure that the necessary materials are available as to cut down on wasted time and the risk of students getting off task. The work I give my kids follows a similar framework all year so that they know how to complete an activity without me having to give directions a million times.
And don't think morning work always has to be worksheets!
- Other ideas I love for morning work are a Rise and Shine binder where each day students work on a set of concepts in language arts, math, or phonics.
- Try having hands-on activities that require cutting and pasting, coloring, use of play dough, or a variety of word work activities that keep those tactile learners engaged!
- Students can have a choice in their morning work with a 'menu' of activities they can complete.
- Or even have morning work stations like this awesome kinder teacher!
3. Morning Meeting
When I was completing my student teaching I was introduced to the Responsive Classroom method. I really enjoyed how inclusive it was and how it stressed the importance of classroom community all throughout the day. One aspect of this method that I've always included in my daily schedule has been morning meeting. I love the chance to meet with my kiddos to go over the objectives for the day, touch base with them about the goings-on in their lives, and do an activity together like calendar math or another skill practice.
Morning meeting can look and feel a number of ways, which is why it's so great to do! Here are a few ideas that caught my eye and that I want to somehow incorporate next year!
Sharing: This is possibly the most favored part of morning meeting as it's a time for students to share what's going on with them. It's also a time for other kiddos to ask questions or give compliments or comments about what they each shared.
Morning Message: Here is where the message from the morning routine comes back into play. It's a message written by you, the teacher, and focuses their attention on what they'll be learning and doing that day. I love including questions or review and using this time to go over student responses and how it ties into what they'll be learning.
Have you used Responsive Classroom before? What are your favorite or least favorite aspects?
In conclusion, don't waste your precious moments in the morning! From the time your kids walk through the door be sure you have engaging and interesting activities available for them while you're busy getting those last minute things done. And don't forget those early finishers, either! By sequencing the morning, I've found that my kids stay on task and always have something they can be working on - and the best part is, they want to!
Morning meeting can look and feel a number of ways, which is why it's so great to do! Here are a few ideas that caught my eye and that I want to somehow incorporate next year!
Responsive Classroom Meeting Routine
Greeting: Each morning students sit in a circle and greet each other in different ways. They practice communication skills like eye contact and simply, the art of greeting people - which can be intimidating for some. I love mixing it up between high fives, handshakes, or something the kids invent and saying hello or good morning in a different language.Sharing: This is possibly the most favored part of morning meeting as it's a time for students to share what's going on with them. It's also a time for other kiddos to ask questions or give compliments or comments about what they each shared.
- Bear Share: I love Reagan's idea of using bear counting manipulatives to help guide her students and keep them on track during their share. Read all about it here!
- 'Class Pet' or Flat Stanley: Use either of these ideas to allow students a time to share their adventures with the class pet (stuffed animal) or Flat Stanley.
- Discovery Journals: I loved using this research/writing activity for years now! It allows those kiddos who want a little more to practice early researching skills and practice writing an 'All About' piece on whatever topic they choose! See how it works here!
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| photo: Tunstall's Teaching Tidbits |
- Use themed prompts in terms of the days of the week (i.e. 'Thoughtful Thursday', 'Monday Make It', etc.)
- Incorporate your board for your messages instead of a paper or dry-erase easel!
So, no matter how you start your day make sure it engages your kiddos, boosts their brains for the day, and invites them into a welcoming and open community within the classroom! Ever since I began using Responsive Classroom foundations, I've seen a direct impact on positive interactions between students, orderly and efficient time spent in the AM, budding communication skills, and an overall sense of belonging.
Have you used Responsive Classroom before? What are your favorite or least favorite aspects?
For more information about the Responsive Classroom morning meeting approach, be sure to check out their many books and online resources! I would also love to help answer any questions you may have, so feel free to pop on over to the comments and let's talk!
In conclusion, don't waste your precious moments in the morning! From the time your kids walk through the door be sure you have engaging and interesting activities available for them while you're busy getting those last minute things done. And don't forget those early finishers, either! By sequencing the morning, I've found that my kids stay on task and always have something they can be working on - and the best part is, they want to!
But, I want to know from all of you veteran teachers! What are your favorite activities you use in the mornings and how do you keep your kids engaged for the whole period?
