Written by Year 7 students

What is a Morning Circle?

A Morning Circle consists of the following steps; greetings, values, expectations, announcements and games. This arrangement allows us to engage with each other whilst creating new memories and sharing laughter. It allows us to self-regulate and set standards and goals for the day to achieve our highest potential. It also encourages personal growth, such as developing awareness of our surroundings, collaboration skills and communication skills.

Greeting

When we come into to class we stand at our desk and wait for our teacher to tell us to greet each other. We walk around and say hello to our peers in diverse ways such as a high five, fist bump, shoe tap, elbow bump, handshake, or many other exciting ways!

Values

After we have said hello to our classmates, we organise ourselves into a “circle” (our circle doesn’t always end up like a circle). We then put our hand up and get selected by our teacher to give a value (for example, respect, kindness, compassion, excellence, persistence or courage). We usually base our value on what we hope to achieve throughout the day.

Expectations

After the values, Ms Fisher goes through the expectations of the day, making sure we stay respectful to our peers. Expectations can include timetable changes, room swaps or any other notices.

Announcements

Now to the fun part – the announcements! This is when we get to share exciting and fun things that have happened in our life recently. Some people talk about their new pet, how their sporting match went or maybe something they bought. There is always something funny or bizarre when it comes to announcements.

Games

Finally, we have our fun (and sometimes chaotic) games. Having a game helps the class get their energy out and ready to learn. Games can be played in groups, a duo or independently. A group game we like to play is when you have two pool noodles and one cup. You number your group from 1-6 and then the teacher will call out 1 or 2 numbers. When your number is called, you pick up the cup and place it onto the pool noodle, you use the other pool noodle to tap the cup off other people’s noodles!

I think morning circles set me up for the day in ways that I very much appreciate.  Jithin

 I think it allows us to self-evaluate ourselves and set good standards and goals for each other as a community. It also allows us to share information and have many laughs as a whole.  Yalini 

During the morning circles, Ms Fisher explains and shows how the day is going to run which makes the day run smooth and makes the day a lot easier to navigate. The games are always the best part when we get to try something different. Noah

Our morning circle creates new memories with each other and allows us to get closer with another, creating new friends, I also think it fully immerses ourselves into a schooling mindset.  Ardela 

It helps me interact with others and strengthen my communication skills around the classroom. I love hearing about people’s lives and the exciting things that happen.  Stella

The morning circle helps me focus and be prepared for what happens throughout the day in my timetable.  Kapila