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2. Morning Check-In Sheet - Every morning, the class begins when each student pulls out their Morning Check-In Sheet and answers a few simple questions. How am I feeling today? Why am I feeling this way? Did I eat breakfast? Did I bring lunch? Is there something I need to talk about? These questions may sound simple, but they are revolutionary. Not only does it give your students a chance to actually think about their feelings (and why they are having them) but it helps to build strong relationships between teacher and student. The teacher then goes around to every student and reads their response, and discusses with them as needed. This is a really easy way for students to feel safe and accepted in their classroom too! |
3. Community Circle - During Community Circle students and teacher all sit together in a circle and have some type of discussion. Clear expectations are always set up, and students know that this time is for listening and sharing, but also use this as an experience in respecting others. Only one student is allowed to speak at a time, and all other students must listen attentively. This means "no fiddling or eye-rolling" according to one student! In the Community Circle that I attended, each student had prepared a short paragraph of things they wanted to tell me (as their new student teacher). Students are always allowed to pass if they want to, but are encouraged to share what is on their minds. Just as with the Morning Check-In Sheet, this exercise builds great relationship between teacher and student, but also builds community in the classroom. |