Morning Meeting
During the first few weeks of school, our morning meetings are intentionally short and focused on building comfort and connection within the group. We are learning what it means to come together as a community—to listen to one another, take turns talking, and participate in short cooperative games and experiences. As the children become more comfortable with this shared routine, our meetings will gradually grow and evolve to reflect their questions, interests, and inquiries. For now, we are building the foundation for a classroom community where everyone feels comfortable participating, listening, and being heard.
Symbol Sign- In
At the end of our morning meeting, before transitioning to snack, we sign in using our chosen symbols. This daily ritual invites children to represent themselves in our classroom community and communicate, “I am here, I am present, and ready for the day.” As children begin to recognize and use their symbols with intention, they are developing and understanding that marks, symbols, and eventually letters represent ideas, and carry meaning, including their own names. This experience lays the foundation for the name-recognition and early literacy work we will explore later in the year.
Lining Up
This week also marked our first time as a class visiting the different gross motor spaces around Barrow. Whether we are heading to the track, the roof, or the gym, we begin with the same lining-up routine. Each child finds a numbered “mossy green rock” to stand on while practicing staying in one spot, keeping our hands at our sides, and listening for directions. For now, we are simply learning how to choose a rock and line up as a group. As the year progresses, children will begin finding and standing on a specific numbered rock, creating a natural connection to our work with numeral identification. This routine gives children an opportunity to practice moving together as a group while building the independence and early math skills they will use throughout the year.
Time for Rest
After lunch, we slow things down. We gather on the rug for some independent reading, make a quick potty stop, and then settle in for rest. Children who have a lovey or blanket can retrieve it from their green rest bags before getting cozy on their mats. During rest, we listen to soothing music, and for the final 15 minutes, we come together to enjoy a familiar story. When rest time comes to an end, the children practice taking care of their space—putting away their mats, returning their special items to their green bags, and getting ready for our second open time. These predictable routines give children a chance to slow down, recharge, and practice caring for themselves and their classroom.
And, of course, there was plenty of exploring, laughing, creating, and getting to know one another along the way! 💚
