Morning Meetings Help Students Feel Connected, Ready to Learn

As second graders entered their classroom, they were greeted warmly by their teacher and invited to choose how they wanted to say hello – a fist bump, a high five or another greeting that felt right to them. Then, they gathered on the rug to connect with one another before starting their school day. Meanwhile, a group of fifth graders began their day by sharing interesting facts about themselves with their classmates.

Though the activities look different from classroom to classroom across the elementary school, the purpose of the daily Morning Meeting remains the same: to bring students together, strengthen relationships and foster a sense of belonging.

“This special time together gives everyone a chance to feel seen and connected before we jump into the work of the day,” second grade teacher Tevon Palermo said. “I have loved watching the students get to know each other in new and exciting ways and seeing new friendships form with these connections.”

As the school year progresses, Palermo said she is excited to continue building her classroom community while also incorporating skills like cooperation, problem-solving, along with academic skills in grammar, phonics, and math.

Fifth grade teacher Susan Engelhardt said Morning Meeting provides a calm and meaningful start to the day. It allows everyone to settle in while also checking in on each other.

“The Morning Meeting allows us all to slow down and be present before we embark on our day together,” Engelhardt said. “A gentle pause. It invites students to be present, engaged, and ready to take on the day.”

Morning Meeting also provides a way for teachers to balance learning with opportunities to strengthen classroom community and nurture a sense of belonging. In fifth grade, students will continue to engage in academic learning while also finding ways to encourage and support their friends and classmates. Palermo, Engelhardt, and 28 other educators received training in Responsive Classroom best practices over the summer, thanks to the generous support of the Bronxville School Foundation.

“My hope is that students leave Morning Meeting feeling like, ‘I belong here, people are happy to see me, and I am ready for the day,’” Palermo said.