Thoughts on Classroom Meetings

When class started we were introduced to the concept of Morning Meetings.  This idea that we can foster an environment where students are able to start the day with news, activities, greetings, and sharing of experiences may initially seem like its a wast of time.  I have come up with a few reasons why I think the use of Morning Meetings may make the class more productive.

1) When students begin the day with a Greeting that helps to involve them in to the classroom environment they are more willing to share ideas and feelings through out the entire day.

2) Providing students the chance to Share their ideas or experiences on a subject helps to develop a community attitude.  This will foster a classroom of friends vs a class of students.

3) Getting the class to participate in a Group Activity continues to foster a caring friend driven attitude.

4) News and Announcements direct the classroom for the remainder of the day.  Students are aware of whats going on that day and news of upcoming events.  This takes some of the anxiety away from the day and allows them to learn and grow.

I say a successful implementation of Morning Meetings during my field experience in a kindergarten classroom.  The students knew the process, understood the class schedule each day, and learned more about the class and students in it.  When the teacher was absent the students were able to maintain the classroom environment though the day because of the meeting.  They felt more comfortable with the substitute because they already knew how to start their day.