How I Use Morning Meetings in My 6th Grade Classroom

As a 6th grade teacher in a small classroom of students with learning differences such as dyslexia and ADHD, I’ve found that morning meetings are an essential part of our daily routine. They help set a positive tone for the day, build a strong sense of community, and provide structure and consistency that my students thrive on. Our morning meetings last 20 minutes and are packed with various engaging activities. Here’s how I structure them: 


Daily Reminders

We start each morning meeting with daily reminders. This includes upcoming events, assignments due, and any changes in the schedule. For my students, having a clear understanding of what to expect helps reduce anxiety and keeps them on track. I make sure to write these reminders on the board and go over them verbally, reinforcing the information in multiple ways.

Quote of the Day

Next, I introduce a quote of the day. I choose quotes that are inspiring, thought-provoking, and age-appropriate. For example, one day we might discuss a quote from Albert Einstein about the importance of curiosity, while another day we might reflect on a quote about kindness from Mother Teresa. We take a few minutes to talk about what the quote means and how it can apply to our lives. This activity not only promotes critical thinking but also encourages a positive mindset.

Get-to-Know-You Question of the Day

Building connections among my students is crucial, especially in a classroom where everyone has unique challenges and strengths. I use a get-to-know-you question of the day to foster these connections. The questions range from light-hearted (e.g., "If you could have any superpower, what would it be?") to more reflective (e.g., "What are you great at?"). Each student has a chance to share their answer, and we often find common ground or learn something new about one another.


Riddle Time

Riddles are a fun way to get my students’ brains warmed up. I present a riddle and give them a few minutes to think it over. Students can discuss their ideas in pairs or small groups before we reveal the answer. This not only encourages critical thinking and problem-solving but also collaboration and communication.

Poem of the Day

Introducing poetry to my students has been a wonderful way to expose them to different forms of literature and creative expression. I read a short poem aloud, and we discuss its meaning, themes, and any emotions it evokes. Sometimes, we even try our hand at writing our own short poems. Poetry helps my students appreciate the beauty of language and boosts their confidence in expressing themselves.

Game Time

Finally, we end our morning meeting with a quick game. These games are designed to be inclusive and accessible for all my students, regardless of their learning differences. We might play a vocabulary game, a memory challenge, or a quick round of charades. The goal is to have fun and build teamwork skills. Starting the day with laughter and enjoyment sets a positive tone for the rest of our lessons.

Our 20-minute morning meeting is a cornerstone of our day in the classroom. It’s a time for us to come together, share, and prepare for the day ahead. By including daily reminders, quotes, questions, riddles, poems, and games, I can engage my students in a variety of ways that cater to their diverse learning needs. These meetings not only enhance our academic focus but also strengthen our classroom community, making every student feel valued and supported. 

If you want to try out Morning Meeting in your classroom, my no-prep slides are available on my TPT. You can get 1 day for free or purchase them in packs. 

Let me know in the comments below how YOU use Morning Meeting in your room.