Reimagining Morning Meetings for 2025

Is your morning meeting feeling a little too much like a morning mishap? Morning meetings have been a cornerstone of K-12 education longer than criss-cross-apple-sauce. They’re an opportunity for connection and set a positive tone for the day. However, the changing dynamics of classrooms in 2025 might call for a modernized approach. Let’s explore strategies to transform morning meetings into inclusive, engaging, and impactful experiences.

3 Key Components of Modern Morning Meetings

1. Prioritizing Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Activities that focus on emotional well-being, such as guided breathing or gratitude sharing, help students manage stress and build resilience. Younger students benefit from visual aids like emotion charts, which help them articulate and manage their feelings. For older students, try starting thought-provoking discussions about empathy, personal growth, or strategies for handling everyday challenges. 

2. Elevating Student Voice

Morning meetings are a great chance to let students lead a segment. It reinforces independence and responsibility. Students can take turns kicking off discussions, presenting on topics they’re interested in, or giving ideas for daily activities. Rotational leadership roles ensure all students participate, building confidence and engagement. You can also encourage students to provide feedback on your morning meetings to personalize the experience and keep their attention. 

3. Leveraging Technology

Want to spice things up? Try adding in digital tools like journaling apps, Flipgrid, or interactive platforms such as Kahoot. For example, students might use a mood tracker app to reflect on their emotions or record video reflections to share asynchronously. Teachers can also display interactive agendas or track participation trends. Just remember to keep a balanced approach that blends tech with face-to-face interactions.

Tailoring Morning Meetings by Age Group

Elementary Students

Interactive and hands-on activities like icebreakers, storytelling, or group games really resonate with younger learners. You can use visual schedules, puppets, or props to guide activities. Singing a class song, drawing mood visuals, or performing simple exercises like “Simon Says” can keep this age group attentive and excited.

Middle School Students

If there’s one thing middle schoolers love, it’s sharing their opinion. Use that to your advantage. Critical thinking activities like debates or opinion polls can incorporate current events and encourage them to connect classroom discussions with the broader world. For example, students could participate in a quick “mock trial” on a relevant topic or brainstorm solutions to hypothetical scenarios. Build teamwork with escape room-style challenges or collaborative art projects that align with their developing social skills and peer relationships.

High School Students

Morning meetings for high schoolers can emphasize goal-setting, peer mentoring, and leadership. Students might set weekly academic or personal goals and share progress with peers. Peer-led workshops, such as “stress buster” sessions or career planning discussions, prepare them for post-graduation challenges. Try collaborative projects, like creating motivational presentations or developing group initiatives.

Inclusive Practices for Morning Meetings

Cultural Responsiveness

Incorporating cultural celebrations, diverse stories, and traditions enriches morning meetings and develops mutual respect. Try dedicating segments to learning about different cultural holidays or inviting students to share traditions from their backgrounds. Teachers can also integrate music, art, or literature from various cultures. 

Supporting Neurodiverse Learners

Now that we’re starting to understand how neurodiversity affects learning, we can plan for it. Including predictable routines, visual schedules, and sensory-friendly options creates accessible and inclusive spaces. Teachers can use tools like noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, or a designated quiet space for students who need them. Structured transitions between activities and clear, concise instructions ensure that all students can participate comfortably and confidently.

Adapting Morning Meetings for Virtual and Hybrid Settings

Tools like Zoom, Google Meet, and interactive platforms like Jamboard facilitate virtual morning meetings. Breakout rooms can mimic in-person small group interactions, while tools like Padlet enable collaborative brainstorming. Teachers might start meetings with virtual scavenger hunts or collaborative whiteboard drawings to keep students engaged and energized.

Tips for Successful Implementation

• Establish a predictable routine—including a greeting, activity, and reflection period.

• Incorporate thematic days, like “Mindfulness Monday” or “Teamwork Thursday,” to add variety.

• Align meeting goals with broader school priorities ensures cohesive and effective practices. 

• Share resources with team planning sessions to brainstorm engaging activities or coordinate themes across grade levels.

Morning meetings in 2025 are a powerful tool for connection, inclusivity, and readiness for the day ahead. By integrating SEL, technology, and student voice, you can create transformative spaces that prepare students for both academic success and the challenges of the future.

Written by Rachel Jones
Education World Contributor
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