In 4th grade classrooms across Norway Intermediate, Morning Meetings have become a routine part of the day. It’s more than a simple check-in, but rather a daily routine that proves to be the building blocks for social-emotional health, peer connection, and student creativity.
Morning Meetings typically begin with students and teachers gathering in a circle to greet one another, share personal stories guided by a question, engage in team-building games, and reflect on goals for the day. While the format may vary from classroom to classroom, the purpose remains the same: to create a safe, inclusive environment where every student feels seen, heard, and valued.
Ellaney Cook, a 4th grader in my class said, “Morning Meeting is important because it gives us a chance to get out feelings and talk to each other before we have to start working on school work.” At the end of each year, when students reflect on their favorite moments in 4th grade, Morning Meeting consistently stands out as the highlight of their day.
