Middle school is a significant transitional period for students, and usually, it isn’t easy for them. They are no longer the youngest children in school, but they also aren’t the seasoned upperclassmen of high school yet. You probably remember this time faintly yourself- and I’ll speak for myself when I mention that it was not a fun time for me. Emotionally, academically, and socially, these years can be a challenging time- anyone who has middle school children of their own or has taught them KNOWS!
Recognizing this, many educators have begun to adopt a practice common in elementary schools to address some of these challenges: the morning meeting. I want to discuss some of the benefits of making time and space for a morning meeting with middle school-aged students.
To be honest- the school I taught at initiated this practice for us at first. The teachers I worked with and I were not excited about yet another task added to our plate at first (I’m sure you understand that feeling). However, even if I didn’t have to do it anymore, I absolutely would. It. Changed. The. Game.
What Do I Do During a Morning Meeting For Middle Schoolers?
I think the most simple way to look at it is- what are you trying to accomplish? You certainly aren’t just trying to fill up time, because we already don’t have enough of it. You’re probably looking to address those social-emotional issues common in middle-school-aged students, to create a classroom community, to address classroom tensions and issues, and to allow students time to express themselves (the list goes on!).
An easy framework to follow is to:
Have an independent, thought-provoking written response prompt available for students as they trickle in for the day,
Greet students and communicate the activity for the day, usually related to a bigger idea like being responsible, taking your schoolwork to the next level, dealing with home issues, etc,
Plan a brief activity that involves students working together in some capacity, and
Reflect on what was learned or shared through a class discussion.
I know this seems overwhelming- on top of planning your lessons (which you probably already don’t have enough time to do), now planning a meeting every morning with activities, writing prompts, and reflections!? I get it. But after doing it for two years, I decided to create an outline for myself and the teachers I work with, and you can get it too! It comes with morning meeting teacher guides, planned activities, PowerPoint and Google Slides slides to display, and reflections for 4 days per week. Feel free to get one for yourself and start having morning meetings now!
What Topics Should be Included in a Morning Meeting?
The topics that I cover in the resource I created include:
Building student-to-student relationships
Supporting academic readiness
Strengthening teacher-student relationships
Developing communication and social skills
Energizing and re-engaging during those times when everyone feels burnt out
Reflecting and recalibrating to focus on the things that are currently happening in school
These are just examples from my own experience, but the topics are endless. Truly, just focusing on what is going on with your students at the time is the most important component. There have been several times that I have scrapped my morning meeting plans last minute and pivoted to something that had affected the whole class the day before in school.
Real-life example: When my classroom started getting particularly, ahem- smelly- after gym class, I planned a morning meeting to talk about various personal hygiene topics and even did a read-aloud to them on their responsibility to wear deodorant- I'm not kidding! It was all very light and not geared toward anyone in particular. This may not be an approach for everyone, but I feel incredibly close to my students (thanks to the morning meetings I had been doing all year!) and it was a very natural and easy topic to approach by that time.
What is the Purpose of Morning Meetings in Middle School?
Where do I begin? There are so many reasons why I think middle school should be the primary place for the morning meeting- anyone who isn't using them is missing a huge opportunity. If I haven't convinced you yet, here is a list of 10 ways that incorporating morning meetings into your routine can transform your middle school classroom.
1. Fostering a Sense of Community
One of the most immediate benefits of a morning meeting is that it can help to foster a sense of community within the classroom. When students come together each morning, they share experiences, discuss their feelings, and engage in group activities. Over time, these interactions can help build trust and a sense of belonging among students, creating a more harmonious classroom environment.
2. Building Social Skills
Morning meetings offer students a structured environment to practice key social skills. Through guided discussions and activities, students can practice listening, turn-taking, empathy, and problem-solving. These skills are vital for personal and academic success and can help students navigate the often tumultuous waters of middle school social life.
3. Establishing Routine and Predictability
Adolescence is a time of great change. A morning meeting can provide a consistent routine in students' lives, offering them a sense of stability and predictability. This routine can help alleviate some of the anxiety and stress that can come with the unknowns of a typical school day.
4. Checking in on Emotional Well-being
The daily nature of morning meetings allows teachers to regularly check in on the emotional well-being of their students. By creating an environment where students feel safe expressing their feelings, educators can better monitor and address any potential issues, be they academic, social, or emotional.
5. Strengthening Teacher-Student Relationships
Morning meetings provide a unique opportunity for teachers to get to know their students outside of the usual academic context. By engaging in open dialogue and sharing experiences, teachers can build stronger, more trusting relationships with their students. These relationships are critical for student motivation and engagement.
6. Setting a Positive Tone for the Day
Starting the day with a positive, engaging activity can set a constructive tone for the rest of the day. When students begin with a positive experience, they are more likely to approach the day's challenges with a positive attitude, leading to better academic outcomes and fewer behavioral issues.
7. Addressing Classroom Issues
Morning meetings provide an opportunity for the class to address and discuss any issues that might arise. Whether it's a disagreement between students or a misunderstanding of classroom rules, addressing these concerns in a structured setting can help resolve problems before they escalate.
8. Enhancing Academic Engagement
Morning meetings can be a time to introduce the day’s academic focus, review previous content, or engage in short, engaging activities that activate prior knowledge. This can prime students for learning and increase engagement during the more formal instructional time.
9. Offering a Platform for Student Voice
Giving students a chance to express themselves, share news, or discuss topics of interest can empower them. Recognizing the value of student voice can improve motivation and give students a sense of ownership over their learning environment.
10. Preparing Students for Future Endeavors
The skills practiced in morning meetings, such as effective communication, active listening, and group problem-solving, are essential for students’ future academic and professional endeavors. By consistently practicing these skills, students are better prepared for high school, college, and the working world.
The benefits of conducting morning meetings with middle school-aged students are endless, honestly. These meetings provide not only a routine and structure to start the day but also a space for building community, fostering essential skills, and setting the tone for positive interactions throughout the day.
As educators continue to seek innovative methods to address the unique challenges faced by middle school students, morning meetings emerge as a powerful tool for creating a supportive, engaging, and empowering classroom environment.
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