Morning Meeting in First Grade is going very well. We have learned how to greet each other by name, with a hand shake, clapping out names and greetings, and of course, always making eye contact. Sharing time has been productive as well. We take turns sharing and then the child who shared has a chance to call on friends to ask questions. We are learning how to listen, how to ask questions pertaining to the topic to find out more information, and how to be supportive. We are also learning that if someone shares something and you have a similar story, you need to wait your turn and not interrupt. We have come up with a way to not interrupt and still show everyone that we have a similar experience. We have decided to snap our fingers quietly when we have a similar story to share. It is a great way to show respect and still be able to express yourself!
This past week, we started an activity that involves giving appropriate compliments and encouraging our friends. Each day, after sharing, we focus on one classmate. Everyone has time to give this person compliments, think of adjectives to describe this person in a positive way and talk about what they like about this person. We chart this all on a poster and the lucky classmate gets to decorate it and bring it home. After we finish the poster, I always ask the person, "How does your heart feel right now after hearing all of these nice things?" I love to hear their answers! We will continue doing this each day until we are through the entire class.
Lastly, your child will be coming home with a brown lunch bag labeled "All About Me". There will be a date under their name. Please help your child choose 3 items that represent them. If they like to draw, it could be a drawing. If they play a sport maybe a photo of them in uniform. If they collect something, maybe send in one of the items they collect. Put 3 items in the bag and send it in on the assigned day. They will share these things during Morning Meeting and we will learn a little more about your child.
I am trying to build a classroom community of trust, acceptance and family. These are all activities that will help us achieve these goals.
This past week, we started an activity that involves giving appropriate compliments and encouraging our friends. Each day, after sharing, we focus on one classmate. Everyone has time to give this person compliments, think of adjectives to describe this person in a positive way and talk about what they like about this person. We chart this all on a poster and the lucky classmate gets to decorate it and bring it home. After we finish the poster, I always ask the person, "How does your heart feel right now after hearing all of these nice things?" I love to hear their answers! We will continue doing this each day until we are through the entire class.
Lastly, your child will be coming home with a brown lunch bag labeled "All About Me". There will be a date under their name. Please help your child choose 3 items that represent them. If they like to draw, it could be a drawing. If they play a sport maybe a photo of them in uniform. If they collect something, maybe send in one of the items they collect. Put 3 items in the bag and send it in on the assigned day. They will share these things during Morning Meeting and we will learn a little more about your child.
I am trying to build a classroom community of trust, acceptance and family. These are all activities that will help us achieve these goals.