our second grade program
Morning Meeting/Closing Circle
Morning Meeting begins our indoor work each day. Here, children take responsibility for putting their coats and books away, they check in, gather in a circle, and participate in routines that help settle them and make a plan for their day. Based on the school’s social curriculum and the work of the Responsive Classroom, Morning Meeting has four components: greeting, sharing, activity and news and announcements. Morning Meeting always begins with a greeting. This greeting time helps create a climate of trust, gives students daily practice in respectful communication, and encourages cooperation and inclusion among all children. The greeting is followed by a prayer and sharing of news, feelings, or ideas. Students also may enjoy a group activity, usually including songs and stories. During news and announcements, the day’s events are discussed, long-term project work is discussed, and the children make a “plan” for where they wish to begin their daily work. This routine helps the children take responsibility for their learning. We also discuss jobs, special events, and other announcements to help them prepare for a successful day.
At the end of each day, St. Anne’s School Second Grade students gather for a Closing Circle, often called reflection circle, which provides additional opportunities for reflecting on the day’s work and for planning ahead. Often, we close with stories and conversations to think about while we’re away from school.