☀️ Morning work made easy!

💡 Tips, Tools and Templates

☀️Morning work made easy

Starting the day on the right foot can make all the difference, and that's where effective morning work comes in. In this section, we've gathered our best advice, practical templates, and simple tools to help you streamline your morning routine. Get ready to save time, reduce stress, and set your students up for a successful day, every day.

What is morning work?

It's a set of short activities designed to engage students as they start their day. These activities provide a structured and calming routine that helps students transition from home to school, preparing them for the lessons ahead while reinforcing key skills.

Why we have it

Morning work serves several important purposes in the classroom:

1. Settling In: It provides a smooth transition for students as they arrive, helping them settle into the school environment.

2. Routine Building: Consistent morning activities create a predictable routine that fosters a sense of security and structure.

3. Skill Reinforcement: Morning work often involves review and practice of skills learned, supporting retention and mastery.

4. Independent Work: Students develop self-sufficiency by working independently, boosting confidence and accountability.

5. Classroom Management: As students engage in morning work, teachers can use this time for administrative tasks or personalized interactions.

Morning work ideas

1. Math Puzzles

Engage students with fun and challenging math puzzles to get their brains buzzing in the morning. Puzzles promote problem-solving skills and logical thinking while reinforcing math concepts. Print them out and laminate to use with dry erase markers so that students can use them over and over again.

2. Journal prompts

Encourage creativity and writing skills with a daily writing prompt. Journaling allows students to express themselves and enhance their narrative skills.

3. Choice Boards

Offer students a choice board with a variety of activities they can select from. This can include tasks like reading, drawing, or interactive games. Choice boards foster autonomy and cater to different interests, making morning work more engaging and personalized.

4. Morning work review packets

Prepare review packets that cover key concepts students have been learning. These packets can include worksheets, quick quizzes, or flashcards focusing on math, reading, and writing. Review packets reinforce learning and ensure continuous practice of essential skills.

📺 Teaching with Teachflix Junior

 👑 The King of Kindergarten

🎥 Video Link: The King of Kindergarten

"The King of Kindergarten" by Derrick Barnes follows a young boy's first day of kindergarten, where his mother instills confidence in him by declaring him the "King of Kindergarten." This imaginative perspective transforms his school day into a royal adventure, filled with new friends, learning, and exciting experiences, ultimately easing his first-day jitters and showcasing the joy and bravery of starting school.

Key points covered in the video:

• Themes: Facing Fears, Cultural Diversity, Classroom Routines, Independence, Self-Esteem, Family

• Central message: "The King of Kindergarten" champions building confidence in young children by reframing the first day of school as a royal adventure, fostering a positive perspective on learning and new experiences. It highlights the importance of kindness, social skills, and celebrating milestones, while also showcasing the powerful influence of parental support and the significance of diverse representation, ultimately transforming potential anxieties into excitement and joy for kindergarten.

Ready-made video resources:

The King of Kindergarten Teacher’s Guide from Storyline Online offers educators a range of engaging activities designed to enhance comprehension, vocabulary, and social-emotional learning for young students. It includes discussion prompts, creative projects, and interactive exercises that align with early learning standards to make the story's themes relatable and impactful.

✏️ The King of Kindergarten activities from The Novel Effect

With over a dozen engaging activities—like tracing, coloring, creating crowns, and writing about feelings—this resource supports English Language Arts, Math, and social-emotional learning.

🛍️Teacher Finds for the Classroom

🧊A Mini Fridge AND Bluetooth Speaker 🤯

This micro-fridge is a teacher's perfect classroom companion, keeping food and drinks cool while adding a fun, retro flair to the room. The fridge holds up to six 12-ounce cans and has a 4-liter capacity, with an adjustable shelf to store items like yogurt, snacks, or a small lunch. It’s also incredibly versatile, with a temperature range that can be adjusted from 32 to 150 degrees F, allowing you to keep things either chilled or warm. The best part? It includes an integrated Bluetooth speaker so you can stream music or podcasts from any compatible device, turning your classroom into a more entertaining space.

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