On Mondays, the early morning message consists of a math puzzle or issue for students to solve. It can relate to the existing lesson or evaluate a previous concept. It can be as simple as a math issue for each trainee to solve, like adding or dividing or streamlining portions. Or it can be a complex, multistep word issue that trainees work together to resolve.
Including math into early morning messages provides additional time for mathematics. It also permits me to introduce or examine subjects in an enjoyable and low-stakes manner. Even trainees who state they aren’t proficient at math often take pleasure in taking part in the morning message and will attempt issues they may otherwise hesitate to do.
Inform Me About It Tuesday
On Tuesdays, I position a question to the class and ask each student to respond. Trainees can respond directly on the message or, when we’re in the classroom, on a sticky note that they stick on or near the message. I like to mix up the format. During distance knowing, you can post these concerns online and allow trainees to respond either during a class conversation or in a private message.
I utilize these questions for a variety of purposes, including learning more about the trainees, developing class community, reinforcing academic ideas, and mentor social and emotional knowing abilities.
Examples consist of:
Would You Rather Wednesday
“Would you rather …” is a favorite activity of numerous children. It offers a quick and simple method for them to voice their viewpoints. Questions can be outlandish, tied to academic material, based upon the season, or even entirely random.
Examples consist of:
I utilize “Would you rather …” questions to discuss and review tally marks. For older trainees, they can also start a discussion about fractions or likelihood. Sometimes I ask the trainees to protect their choice or convince somebody else why their option is better.
Think Outside package Thursday
On Thursdays, students flex their creativity muscles and think outside package. I draw part of an item on the message and supply a copy for each student to finish. Throughout distance knowing, you can send your simple illustration online and have a parent or guardian either print it out or replicate it on a sheet of paper, and send you an image of the completed drawing. I impose a time limitation for the illustrations, and students have the opportunity to share their creations with the class.
I typically connect the drawing to the current season or vacations, and I limit trainees’ thinking by telling them what the item is not– they can turn it into anything else. If the message consists of a drawing of a V, I might add, “It is NOT an ice-cream cone. What could it be?” The students finish their illustration based upon the V making it anything but an ice-cream cone.
Thursdays are constantly my students’ favorite morning message. I’m astonished by how imaginative and creative they are. This activity likewise enables trainees who often deal with academics to shine.
Figure It Out Fridays
On Fridays, the message includes a riddle or puzzle. In some cases I use a simple brain teaser, “This is the longest word in the English language.” (Response: “smiles,” since it has a mile between the very first and last letter). I likewise introduce analogies, logic puzzles, and word play. These messages help establish critical believing abilities.
In some cases the puzzle is simple, and students can think the response on their own. Other times it’s more difficult, and students must work together.
The very best early morning messages are both fun and training. As you experiment with them, you’ll determine what works best for your students.