There are many ways to begin the school day...Independent Work, STEM Bins, Spiral Review, Bellwork, Online Programs, Journal Writing Morning Meeting...the options are endless. My students begin each morning with an activity that is INTENTIONAL and PURPOSEFUL. Check out my routine for the FIRST 10 WEEKS of school!
Each morning my students begin with a Daily Skill Review. I gave details on my favorites HERE
After completing their Skill Review they have a morning activity to complete. For the FIRST 10 WEEKS of the school year, we complete the following routine...
MONDAY - QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Monday is Quote of the Week. The students are presented with a quote to analyze based on the theme of CHOICES, ATTITUDE, and EFFORT. I then incorporate the quote into my teaching during the week. These quotes spark discussion and set the tone for the entire school year.
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TUESDAY - PICTURE OF THE WEEK
Tuesday is Picture of the Week with Inference Images. A key skill in grades 3-5 is the ability to draw inferences and back them up with facts and evidence. A fun and engaging way to do this is with pictures. Students list facts from a photo then write a 5 sentence paragraph that includes an inference statement, 3 pieces of evidence to support their inference, and a conclusion statement. Along with working on inference skills, the students also practice the elements of a basic 5 sentence paragraph with a topic and conclusion.
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WEDNESDAY - WOULD YOU RATHER
Wednesday is Would You Rather Wednesday. The students are given two options to choose from like: Would you rather live 100 years in the past OR Would you rather live 100 years in the future? Students must select one choice and give 3 concrete reasons to support their choice. Answers are written in a basic 5 sentence paragraph with an opinion statement, 3 reasons to support their opinion and a closing statement. Would You Rather makes for great classroom discussion. Take a class vote and see which choice wins!
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THURSDAY - THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY
Thursday is Thoughtful Thursday. I post a question that gets the kids thinking. My question could be related to a school event or a story we are reading in class. At my school we use the CANVAS platform which allows for a DISCUSSION. I post a questions, the kids respond and then they can see their classmates answers and can "like" and "comment" just like on social media. Students learn how to give positive feedback and how to be respectful of other opinions. Journal Prompts can be easily found. Teachers offer free journal prompts. One of my favs is from Miss 5th👇🏼
These are specific to days of the week but can be used anytime.
Click Here For Miss5ths Whiteboard Prompts
FRIDAY - FINISH UP FRIDAY
Friday is Finish up Friday. With so many intentional learning activities, the kids are given time on Friday morning to finish up any morning work from the week that was not complete and get it turned in.
This is the routine that I follow for the FIRST 10 WEEKS of a school year. I explicitly teach my expectations for each assignment and by week 3 the kids have it! The students get spiral review of essential grade level skills, critical thinking, inferencing, opinion writing, basic 5 sentence paragraph practice, peer discussion (accountable talk).
The SECOND 10 weeks of school, I transition to different activities to focus on new skills. Details to come...
How do you start your morning?
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