The Classroom MeetingWhy is it so important?Is it the key to classroom success?

What is a classroom meeting? Safe place to discuss classroom

concerns, challenges, events, and triumphs

Students and teachers engage in conversation about topics of interest and concern to all members of the classroom community

Benefits of Classroom Meeting

Increases peer interaction Develops social skills Improves behavior (lesson and hopefully

climates bullying) Students learn the skill of speaking to an

audience or sneaking in a large group which is an essential skill to academic, social, and future career success

Students facing difficulties/challenges (academic and/or social) can verbalize their thoughts, feeling and/or actions in a caring environment of their peers.

Benefits of Classroom Meeting Cont. Students will develop closer bonds with

their friends and/or develop new friendships.

By having this community interaction, they can begin to view their peers in a new light, seeing a new perspective on an issue/topic

How do I fit in classroom meetings with curriculum and testing demands

Hold Meetings Regularly Can be daily, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly Taking 5-10 minutes during morning business to

check in with students If there is a situation/concern that needs more

time to address, the class can schedule a meeting date and time If it is a situation that needs immediate attention,

the situation should be addressed (i.e. child endangerment)

How to prepare or the classroom meeting

Teacher journal Student journal Parent surveys with student information Materials (i.e. book to read, video clip,

objects, etc.)

How to begin the Classroom Meeting ? Teacher begins meeting by reviewing

rules. Arranging seats in a circle

With practice will form quickly Reminding students that they speaking

in group meeting is optional.

Important to Classroom Meeting

Must be introduced 1st week of school Do before recess, lunch, or going home Don’t cancel for other activities For younger students For older students Not having students raise hand to speak

helps quiet students not feel pressure and more willing to participate

Students should sit in a circle

Classroom Meeting Sample Situation: Female Kindergartner feels sad

each time peers tease her because her last name (Berger) sounds like Burger

Teacher prepares for meeting by bringing in a real burger to demonstrate the difference in spelling and how although the two sound alike, they have different meanings

Begin by reading Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

ReferencesBurke, K. (2008).  What to do with the kid who...: Developing cooperation, self-discipline, and responsibility in the classroom.  Thousand Oaks, CA: Crowin Press.

 Charles, C.M. (2011).  Building Classroom Discipline (Tenth Edition).  Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Edwards, D., & Mullins, F. (2003). Classroom meetings: Encouraging a climate of cooperation. Professional School Counseling,

Kohn, A. (2006). Beyond Discipline: From Compliance to Community (10th Anniversary Edition). Alexandria, VA: ASCD

Meadan, H., & Monda-Amaya, L. (2008). Collaboration to promote social competence for students with mild disabilities in the general classroom: A structure for providing social support. Intervention in School and Clinic, 43(3), 158-167. 

Miller, T.L. (1999). Creating a sense of community in the classroom using children’s literature and class meetings. US Department of Education, 48, 2-48