Goal: Regard for Student Perspectives by Tori Labbe

Morning Meeting Share Circle

tlabbe2 — 2025-02-18 15:32:20 UTC

Start each day with a sharing circle where students take turns sharing something important to them. Use a special 'talking stick' or stuffed animal that gets passed around. This builds confidence in speaking and teaches others to listen respectfully. Include prompts like 'What made you smile yesterday?' or 'What do you want to learn today?'

Feelings Check-In Board

tlabbe2 — 2025-02-18 15:32:20 UTC

Create a visual board where students can move their name or photo to different emotion pictures at various times during the day. This helps them express their feelings and needs, while helping teachers understand their students' emotional states. Have brief check-ins about why they chose that feeling.

Choice Time voting

tlabbe2 — 2025-02-18 15:32:20 UTC

Let students vote on different activities for choice time using simple picture cards. Count the votes together and discuss the results. This teaches democratic decision-making and helps students feel their preferences matter.

Story Response Drawing

tlabbe2 — 2025-02-18 15:32:20 UTC

After reading a story, have students draw their favorite part or what they think should happen next. Have them share their drawings and explain their thinking to the class. This allows for creative expression and interpretation of stories.

Show and Tell with a Twist

tlabbe2 — 2025-02-18 15:32:20 UTC

Instead of traditional show and tell, have themed days like 'Something that makes me happy' or 'Something I'm good at.' This helps students share meaningful aspects of their lives while building speaking and listening skills.

Classroom Helper Survey

tlabbe2 — 2025-02-18 15:32:20 UTC

Create a simple picture survey where students can indicate which classroom jobs they'd like to try. Rotate responsibilities based on their interests, teaching them that their preferences are valued while building responsibility.

Partner Interview Practice

tlabbe2 — 2025-02-18 15:32:20 UTC

Pair students to interview each other about simple topics like favorite colors, foods, or activities. Help them use question words and active listening. Share discoveries with the class to build connection and understanding between peers.

Thumbs Up/Down Check-ins

tlabbe2 — 2025-02-18 15:32:20 UTC

Throughout activities, do quick check-ins using thumbs up/down/sideways to gauge understanding, interest, or opinions. This gives every student a voice and helps teachers adjust instruction based on student feedback.

Class Book Creation

tlabbe2 — 2025-02-18 15:32:20 UTC

Create collaborative class books where each student contributes a page about their experiences or opinions on a topic. For example, 'Our Favorite Things' or 'What Makes Us Special.' Share the books during story time and keep them in the class library.

Problem-Solving Circle

tlabbe2 — 2025-02-18 15:32:20 UTC

When classroom issues arise, gather in a circle to discuss problems and brainstorm solutions together. Use simple language and picture cues to help students express their ideas for making the classroom a better place.

Learning Station Choice Board

tlabbe2 — 2025-02-18 15:32:20 UTC

Create a visual choice board of different learning stations. Let students place their name tag on their preferred activity, teaching them to make choices and express preferences while ensuring balanced participation across activities.

End-of-Day Reflection

tlabbe2 — 2025-02-18 15:32:20 UTC

Use simple picture prompts to help students reflect on their day - what they enjoyed, what was challenging, and what they'd like to do tomorrow. This can be done through drawing, simple writing, or verbal sharing.

Incorporate Child-Choice Activities

tlabbe2 — 2025-02-18 15:34:19 UTC

Choice Time: Allow children to choose from a variety of activities, such as art, building, or reading. Giving them control over their choices helps them feel valued and empowered.
Individualized Learning: Observe the interests of individual children and create activities that cater to those interests. If a child loves dinosaurs, for instance, incorporate them into learning activities like counting, storytelling, or group play.

Encourage Self-Expression

tlabbe2 — 2025-02-18 15:34:37 UTC

Art and Play: Provide opportunities for open-ended creative activities where children can express their thoughts and feelings, such as drawing, painting, or imaginative play. Let them explain their creations and decisions to the group.
Storytelling and Role Play: Give children time to share stories or enact scenarios through dress-up and pretend play. This helps them communicate their feelings and experiences in a fun and nonjudgmental way.

Incorporate Student Ideas into the Classroom

tlabbe2 — 2025-02-18 15:34:58 UTC

Classroom Rules: When setting up classroom rules, ask children for their ideas. You can use simple questions like, “What should we do to be kind to each other?” and involve them in creating the rules. This gives them a sense of ownership in their learning environment.
Co-Constructing Learning: Sometimes, let children help decide on the theme of a lesson. For instance, if you’re going to study animals, ask them which animals they are interested in learning about. This fosters excitement and engagement.

Provide Opportunities for Peer Interaction

tlabbe2 — 2025-02-18 15:35:22 UTC

Group Activities: Allow children to collaborate on tasks, whether it's building a tower together, working on a group painting, or solving a puzzle. Group work encourages children to listen to each other and share their ideas, fostering respect for their peers' perspectives.
Peer Feedback: After activities, let children share their thoughts with one another. For example, they could give positive feedback on a friend’s drawing or describe what they like about each other’s work.