Coming back from our winter break, we, as educators have so much work on our hands! One of the most important things we teach our students, aside from the general education, is how to have a positive attitude and a growth mindset! We want to show our kids everyday that they ARE capable of great things, and that they CAN do what they put their mind to!
I teach Kindergarten, and we always start off our day with our morning meeting!
In our morning meetings we discuss our feelings, share stories, and learn to respect one another's talking time, and most importantly, we learn empathy. With these 3 tips your morning meetings will be so much more than just chatting - it'll be great reflection time and teach wonderful traits!
LEARN TO LISTEN:
During these morning meetings students learn to listen to other classmates, and they also learn how to show empathy and understanding of different people and situations. Not every morning meeting is full of joy. Sometimes students share sad stories or stories of frustration. This gives me, the teacher, the perfect situation to demonstrate how to be a kind friend and person. Students always follow best by example, and I love to take the time to demonstrate for our class how we can be good listeners and help others.
During these morning meetings students learn to listen to other classmates, and they also learn how to show empathy and understanding of different people and situations. Not every morning meeting is full of joy. Sometimes students share sad stories or stories of frustration. This gives me, the teacher, the perfect situation to demonstrate how to be a kind friend and person. Students always follow best by example, and I love to take the time to demonstrate for our class how we can be good listeners and help others.
IT IS OKAY TO SHOW EMOTIONS:
It amazes me how quickly students pick up these valuable lifelong traits. On one particular morning a student expressed their sadness over their mom being sick in the hospital. We discussed healthy ways to show emotions and what we can do to make others feel understood and cared for. With their own initiative later that day, students began to make this student's mom a card. We also discussed the holiday season and what we wish for in the new year. Some students shared how they don't receive a lot of gifts. Students shared ways we can make their holiday more cheerful and how it is important to give to others who are not as fortunate as us. Because of our morning meetings, students have learned how we can show kindness and give our support to our friends and peers.
These motivational posters can make a huge difference in teaching positivity
to your class during morning meetings
REFLECT AND LEARN EMPATHY:
Aside from teaching language arts, math, science, and social studies, we need to remember to teach the basic characteristics to being a good-hearted person. Our classroom discussions teach behaviors that aren't only a part of the school environment, but that are also lifelong behaviors that will help our students grow into thoughtful and considerate people who show respect, fairness, kindness, and empathy.
When you get back in the classroom remember these tips and try them out with your students! Your students will learn so much and it creates a tighter bond in the classroom. I hope that we'll have an amazing and fruitful school year this 2020!
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Patricia is a kindergarten teacher from Georgia. Follow her on Instagram to check out more of classroom tips and advices.
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