Morning Meeting and Responsive Advisory Meeting

These practices are the cornerstone for building a positive learning community. The components provide opportunities for students to practice social-emotional learning and academic skills such as welcoming others, respectfully listening and responding, group problem-solving, empathy, and self-control.

Morning Meeting and Responsive Advisory Meeting are powerful practices for fostering positive relationships, building community, promoting social-emotional learning, and reinforcing academic content. These structured gatherings allow students to feel connected, supported, and engaged in their learning environment. 

Morning Meetings are typically held at the beginning of the school day, setting the tone for a positive classroom environment. The meeting includes four key components:

1. Greeting – Students greet each other by name, fostering respect and belonging.

2. Sharing – Individuals or groups share news, stories, or experiences, encouraging open communication.

3. Group Activity – A quick, interactive activity builds teamwork and reinforces class cohesion.

4. Morning Message – A brief written message outlines the day's plans and sets expectations and goals.

Ideas for Morning Meeting activities include icebreakers, mindfulness exercises, and group games to promote collaboration. Teachers can also introduce themed weeks to align with school values or seasonal topics.

The Responsive Advisory Meeting, designed specifically for middle school students, helps deepen relationships through meaningful interactions. It consists of the following components:

1. Arrival Welcome – Students are welcomed individually, creating a sense of connection.
2. Announcements – Relevant school news or classroom updates are shared to keep students informed.
3. Acknowledgments – Teachers and students recognize achievements and positive behavior, boosting morale.
4. Activity – Engaging group activities provide opportunities for social-emotional learning and teamwork.

Responsive Advisory Meetings can incorporate lesson plans and activities around empathy, goal-setting, or conflict resolution. Creative ideas like journaling prompts, problem-solving games, and team-building challenges ensure the meetings stay dynamic and meaningful.