Morning Meeting Games

Morning meetings are a cornerstone of many educational environments, fostering a sense of community, empathy, and excitement for the day ahead. Incorporating games into these gatherings can transform the start of the day from routine to remarkable. Learn more about the benefits of morning meetings and how morning meeting games can enhance this crucial time, specially tailored for various age groups from kindergarten to middle schoolers.

What is a Morning Meeting?

A morning meeting is a dedicated time at the beginning of the school day that brings students together to set a positive tone for the hours ahead. It’s a structured gathering where students and teachers can share news, celebrate achievements, and preview the day’s agenda. This meeting is the perfect time to engage in fun activities that promote social-emotional learning, communication skills, and a sense of belonging within the classroom community.

Benefits of a Morning Meeting

Incorporating morning meetings into the daily schedule offers numerous benefits. It helps build a strong classroom community, where every student feels valued and included. These meetings create a safe space for students to express their thoughts and feelings, fostering a positive attitude and a supportive environment. Moreover, morning meetings enhance social skills, prepare students for the day’s learning, and promote a positive start to the day, ensuring everyone starts on the right foot.

Morning meeting games offer a myriad of benefits across all grade levels, making them a cornerstone of a dynamic and inclusive classroom environment. They are a great way to meet the diverse needs of students, providing them with a fun and engaging start to their day. For more fun morning meeting games and activities, check out these articles below:

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Think Outside the Box Questions for Kids

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Morning Meeting Games for Kindergarten

Morning meeting games for kindergarteners focus on simple, engaging activities that help young students develop crucial social-emotional skills, expand their vocabulary, and learn the value of teamwork. Below are three detailed game ideas perfect for this age group:

  • Magic Wand Greetings
    • Objective: To greet classmates in a unique and fun way, promoting social interaction and creativity.
    • Directions:
      • The teacher or a selected student leader holds a “magic wand” (this can be any object designated as the wand).
      • The wand holder uses the wand to perform a creative greeting gesture towards another student (e.g., a twirl, a gentle tap on the shoulder, etc.).
      • The student receiving the gesture then takes the wand and creates their own greeting gesture to use on another student.
      • Continue until all students have had a turn.
  • Animal Sound Ball
    • Objective: To improve animal vocabulary and auditory discrimination, and to practice taking turns in a group setting.
    • Directions:
      • Students sit in a circle.
      • The teacher starts by holding a ball and saying the name of an animal, then making the corresponding animal sound.
      • The teacher gently rolls the ball to a student. That student must then choose a different animal, say its name, make its sound, and roll the ball to another student.
      • The game continues, with each student picking a different animal when their turn comes.
  • Colorful Compliments
    • Objective: To foster positive interactions among students and practice color recognition and descriptive language.
    • Directions:
      • Each student is given a sticky note of a different color.
      • The teacher explains that each color represents a type of compliment (e.g., red for something you admire about the person, blue for something cool they did, yellow for something that made you happy).
      • Students go around the circle, giving a compliment based on the color of the sticky note they have to the person on their right.
      • After giving their compliment, they stick the note onto the complimented student’s shirt, creating a “compliment patchwork” on each student by the end of the game.

These games are not only a fun start to the day but also crucial building blocks for young learners, teaching them the foundational skills of empathy, language, and cooperation in a playful and engaging manner.

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Morning Meeting Games for First and Second Grade

At the ages of first and second grade, students are ready for morning meeting games that challenge their thinking and encourage teamwork. Below are detailed descriptions of three engaging games tailored for this age group:

  • Sticky Note Wishes
    • Objective: To promote literacy and positive classroom interactions through sharing personal wishes or goals.
    • Directions:
      • Provide each student with a sticky note and a marker.
      • Ask students to write a simple wish or a positive message for the day on their sticky note. This could be a personal goal, a wish for someone else, or something they’re looking forward to in the school day.
      • One by one, students come up to a designated area in the classroom to stick their note on a “wish board” and briefly share their wish with the class.
      • This activity not only encourages writing skills but also fosters a sense of community and support among classmates. You can find more Sticky Note Games here.
  • Question Ball
    • Objective: To enhance communication skills and personal connections through a fun, interactive question-and-answer game.
    • Directions:
      • Use a lightweight ball (e.g., a beach ball) and write or tape different questions around it. Questions can range from simple (e.g., “What’s your favorite color?”) to more thought-provoking (e.g., “What makes a good friend?”).
      • Students sit or stand in a circle, and the teacher or a student tosses the ball to someone.
      • The student catching the ball must answer the question their right thumb touches or is closest to when they catch the ball.
      • After answering, the student tosses the ball to another person. The process repeats, allowing everyone a turn to catch the ball and answer a question.
  • Compliment Chain
    • Objective: To build self-esteem and strengthen classroom bonds by sharing genuine compliments.
    • Directions:
      • Students sit in a circle.
      • Starting with the teacher or a selected student, the first person offers a compliment to another student directly. This could be about something they’ve done well recently, a positive trait they have, or thanking them for something specific.
      • The student who receives the compliment then chooses someone else to compliment, creating a chain of positive feedback.
      • Continue until all students have given and received at least one compliment. This encourages attentive listening, as students must think about what to say when it’s their turn.

These games not only enliven the morning meeting but also instill important values such as empathy, respect, and open communication, setting a positive tone for the day’s learning and interactions.

Morning Meeting Games for Older Elementary Students

For students in the upper elementary grades, integrating games that are both educational and suitable for small spaces can create a dynamic and inclusive environment. Here are three games tailored for third to fifth graders that fit perfectly in limited spaces:

  • Trivia Trails
    • Objective: Engage students’ academic knowledge across diverse subjects in a fun, interactive way.
    • Directions:
      • Prepare a series of trivia questions from different subject areas.
      • Split the class into small teams or pairs.
      • Ask a trivia question and give teams a moment to discuss and write down their answer.
      • Teams present their answers simultaneously. Points are awarded for correct responses, with the game continuing for a set number of rounds or until a point goal is met.
      • This game encourages teamwork, critical thinking, and friendly competition.
  • Simon Says with a Twist
    • Objective: To promote physical activity, attentiveness, and social-emotional skills in a compact setting.
    • Directions:
      • The teacher or a selected student plays the role of “Simon.”
      • Simon gives out commands starting with “Simon says…” such as:
        • “Simon says give yourself a hug.”
        • “Simon says high five the person to your right.”
        • “Simon says find a person wearing red and show them the heart symbol with your hands.”
      • Participants must only follow the command if it begins with “Simon says.” If Simon gives a command without the phrase, those who follow it are out for that round.
      • The game can include a wide range of motions and actions that encourage positive interaction and physical movement without needing a lot of space.
  • Word Web
    • Objective: Boost vocabulary and spelling skills through a collaborative and engaging activity.
    • Directions:
      • Start with a word related to a chosen theme written on the board.
      • Students take turns adding a new word to the board that starts with the last letter of the previous word.
      • The game continues, with the challenge that words cannot be repeated and should fit the theme if one is set.
      • This activity not only expands vocabulary but also fosters creativity and teamwork, all within a small physical space.

These games are designed to maximize the use of limited space while still providing older elementary students with a fun and engaging start to their day. They encourage learning, physical activity, and social interaction in an inclusive and dynamic way.

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Mindfulness Middle School Workbook

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Morning Meeting Games for Middle Schoolers

Middle school students are at an age where games can significantly enhance their social skills, creativity, and teamwork. Below are three engaging games designed specifically for middle schoolers that are perfect for morning meetings:

  • Hot Seat
    • Objective: To foster open communication and quick thinking in a fun, supportive environment.
    • Directions:
      • Arrange chairs in a circle with one chair in the center—the “Hot Seat.”
      • A student volunteers or is chosen to sit in the Hot Seat.
      • Students in the circle take turns asking the student in the Hot Seat questions. These can range from light-hearted and funny to more serious, thought-provoking inquiries.
      • The student in the Hot Seat has a short time (e.g., 30 seconds) to answer each question before the next question is asked.
      • After a set number of questions, another student takes a turn in the Hot Seat. This game is excellent for building a sense of community and helping students learn more about each other.
  • Collaborative Art Projects
    • Objective: To promote teamwork, creativity, and non-verbal communication through a shared artistic endeavor.
    • Directions:
      • Divide students into small groups and provide each group with art supplies (paper, markers, paint, etc.).
      • Assign a theme or concept for the artwork. This could be abstract (e.g., emotions, dreams) or more concrete (e.g., the environment, community).
      • Groups work together to create a piece of art that represents their interpretation of the theme.
      • After a set amount of time, each group presents their artwork to the class, explaining their concept and the collaborative process. This activity encourages creativity and critical thinking, allowing students to express themselves in non-verbal ways.
  • Question Roulette
    • Objective: To engage students in reflective thinking and personal sharing in a random, game-like format.
    • Directions:
      • Prepare a list of questions or prompts that encourage self-reflection or opinion sharing. These can be written on cards, pieces of paper, or displayed digitally.
      • Students sit in a circle, and a random question or prompt is selected (this can be done by drawing from a hat, using a digital randomizer, etc.) along with a student’s name.
      • The student then answers the question or responds to the prompt.
      • Continue until each student has had at least one turn or as time allows. This game encourages thoughtful discussion and allows students to share their perspectives and experiences.

These games are tailored to meet the unique needs of middle schoolers, facilitating not just fun but also meaningful engagement that promotes social-emotional learning, critical thinking, and empathy.

Incorporating games into morning meetings can significantly enrich the educational experience, transforming the start of the school day into a dynamic and engaging time for students across all grade levels. From the simplest activities designed for kindergarteners to more complex challenges suited for middle schoolers, each game is crafted to foster key skills such as teamwork, communication, creativity, and critical thinking. By starting the day with these interactive and fun activities, educators can create a positive and supportive classroom environment where every student feels valued and motivated. These games not only make learning enjoyable but also build a strong foundation for social-emotional learning, setting students up for success both inside and outside the classroom.

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