In schools everywhere, the morning rush often sets the tone for the day ahead. But what if there was a simple yet effective way to ensure that students begin their day on a positive note? Enter morning meetings – a practice that is often used in primary grades but is gaining traction in educational settings worldwide. At Indi-ED, we do this daily as a whole school.
Morning meetings are more than just a gathering of students and teachers; they are intentional, structured sessions designed to foster connection, build community, and set a positive tone for the day ahead. These meetings transform the educational experience for our students: Each day a student signs up to lead the meeting. They choose a quote and question and the other students have time to reflect on these in their journals. We also hold space for sharing personal stories, sharing our gratitude for others and general school announcements, and we always end with our Indi-ED pledge.
In a world where students may feel isolated or disconnected, morning meetings offer a sense of belonging. It’s a time for students to come together as a community, share experiences, and support one another. Morning meetings reinforce the idea that every student is valued and respected.
Education extends beyond academics, and social-emotional learning (SEL) plays a crucial role in a student’s overall development. Morning meetings provide an ideal platform to cultivate SEL skills such as empathy, communication, and self-awareness. Through discussions about feelings or practicing gratitude exercises, students learn valuable life skills that extend far beyond the classroom walls.
Morning meetings are a powerful tool for helping students begin their day on a positive note. By fostering a sense of belonging, building social-emotional skills, setting expectations, nurturing positive relationships, promoting mindfulness, and enhancing academic engagement, these meetings lay the groundwork for a successful and fulfilling educational experience. So we start each day with a smile, a greeting, and a shared sense of purpose – because how we begin our day matters.