A Morning Meeting Routine That Builds Classroom Community in K-2

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The first 15 minutes of the day set the tone for everything after. When every child is greeted by name and has a chance to be heard, the whole day runs smoother. Here is the simple morning routine I recommend for K-2.

Letting each child choose how they were greeted at the door changed the whole feel of our mornings.

1. Greet every child at the door

Hang Morning Greeting Choices Posters by your door. As students walk in, they tap the greeting they want: a high five, fist bump, wave, hug, pinky shake and more. It takes only seconds, and every child starts the day feeling seen.

The set includes a title poster plus an extra editable title, and 16 greeting posters with editable text. Hang a second set inside for greetings between classmates.

"Great routine to connect with students daily and give them choice! Cute artwork! Thank you!" (TPT review)

"Students loved the variation each day!" (TPT review)

2. Gather on the carpet

A rug with a spot for each child makes the circle easy. Start with a quick song or a good morning chant so everyone settles in together.

3. Check the weather

The Daily Weather Cards give you a title poster, 10 weather cards and an 8 by 10 thermometer to laminate and track the daily temperature. They print in black and white, so run them on bright cardstock for a pop of color without color ink. Use them in a pocket chart to talk about types of weather and how the seasons change.

4. Share one thing

Give each child a chance to share 1 sentence: how they feel, something they did, or something they are excited about. A talking object helps little ones take turns.

5. Preview the day

End by walking through the visual schedule so students know what is coming.

The rug, cardstock and pocket chart I love are in my Classroom Supplies and Teacher Must-Haves list in my Amazon shop. For more ideas on big feelings, see all my Social Emotional posts.

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Get the Morning Greeting Choices Posters on TPT

Made by a teacher who's been right where you are.

Jessica Ann Stanford, Teachers Follow Teachers