Morning Meeting in Kindergarten is going very well. We have learned how to greet each other by name, with a hand shake, high fives, 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 answer questions for his/her peers. 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!
Our Morning Meeting time is fun and engaging. It also gives each child in our class a chance to talk and share in a safe environment. Already, just a few weeks into school, we have used our meeting time to discuss some things that have come up in class, on the playground, in the lunch room, etc. We were able to calmly process our feelings and talk to each other to come to a peaceful solution.
Does this take time? Yes it does. Is it worth it? Yes it is. The children are learning how to problem solve in real life situations. They are learning how to be respectful to each other. They are learning appropriate social skills that will take them far in life. Yes, it takes time and with that time invested we gain trust, understanding, respect and unity. We are a family in our class. We will take all the time we need to make sure we are all feeling loved and accepted.
Our Morning Meeting time is fun and engaging. It also gives each child in our class a chance to talk and share in a safe environment. Already, just a few weeks into school, we have used our meeting time to discuss some things that have come up in class, on the playground, in the lunch room, etc. We were able to calmly process our feelings and talk to each other to come to a peaceful solution.
Does this take time? Yes it does. Is it worth it? Yes it is. The children are learning how to problem solve in real life situations. They are learning how to be respectful to each other. They are learning appropriate social skills that will take them far in life. Yes, it takes time and with that time invested we gain trust, understanding, respect and unity. We are a family in our class. We will take all the time we need to make sure we are all feeling loved and accepted.