{"id":81479,"date":"2025-09-16T09:55:01","date_gmt":"2025-09-16T14:55:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/casel.org\/?post_type=blogposts&#038;p=81479"},"modified":"2025-09-16T09:55:03","modified_gmt":"2025-09-16T14:55:03","slug":"from-wiggly-to-wise-how-morning-meetings-build-self-aware-kids","status":"publish","type":"blogposts","link":"https:\/\/casel.org\/blog\/from-wiggly-to-wise-how-morning-meetings-build-self-aware-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"From Wiggly to Wise: How Morning Meetings Build Self-Aware Kids"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"key-points\"><strong>Key Points<\/strong><\/h2><a class=top href=\"#top\">Back to top<\/a>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The kindergarten classroom can bring challenges\u2014and sometimes even tantrums! But social and emotional learning (SEL) can help.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In this blog, a kindergarten teacher describes a challenge she faced with one student, and how she used SEL techniques such as the morning meeting and feelings check-ins to support them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>She shares practical examples and videos of the ways she incorporates SEL into morning meetings to create a welcoming, supportive classroom for all her students.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>The beginning of my third year of teaching Kindergarten brought me a challenge I\u2019ll never forget\u2014a student who had 47 tantrums in one day. These outbursts, triggered by impatience or not being called on, could last from 2 to 30 minutes. I tried strategies like breathing exercises, calm activities, and breaks in the calming corner. While some worked occasionally, others made the situation worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over time, I leaned heavily into SEL practices\u2014especially morning meetings and feelings check-ins. At first, this student struggled to sit through the meeting but always participated in check-ins. Over the course of about four months, after consistent practice, listening, and modeling, I saw gradual progress. Then one day, during a difficult moment, the student paused and said, \u201cI feel frustrated!\u201d\u2014a breakthrough that reflected months of emotional scaffolding and trust-building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since then, tantrums have decreased dramatically, and the student now identifies and expresses emotions regularly. One day, my growing friend even comforted a sad classmate by saying, \u201cIt\u2019s okay\u2014you\u2019ll get picked next time!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"morning-meetings-in-action\"><strong>Morning Meetings in Action<\/strong><\/h2><a class=top href=\"#top\">Back to top<\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>Every morning, my students gather on the rug for our morning meeting. Here\u2019s how it works:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Feelings Check-In: <\/strong>Each child shares how they\u2019re feeling and why, using a visual chart of emotions. Some days we SHOW how we feel with our body and face, without using our voices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><iframe title=\"Morning Meeting: Feelings Check-in\" width=\"422\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/dwbRjgplooo?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"expectations-review\"><strong>Expectations Review<\/strong><\/h2><a class=top href=\"#top\">Back to top<\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><iframe title=\"Morning Meeting: Expectations Review\" width=\"422\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/z5S36ltrf5w?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Student of the Day Question<\/strong>: The student of the day answers a thought-provoking question while classmates practice active listening\u2014eyes on the speaker, hand signals to connect, and voices off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Calendar Math, Songs, and Pledges<\/strong>: We transition into calendar math, sing learning songs and recite the pledge, followed by a recitation inspired by Kamala Harris\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=oU4tVXU3dt0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Superheroes Are Everywhere<\/a>, ending with, \u201cI promise to be the best person I can be.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><iframe title=\"Morning Meeting: Hero Pledge\" width=\"422\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SVn4XcdqAyA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><iframe title=\"Morning Meeting: Song Time\" width=\"422\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pAtE66D-oS8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mindful Breathing and Yoga:<\/strong> Using a Hoberman sphere, we practice belly breathing, then the student of the day selects a yoga pose of the day. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reallygoodstuff.com\/really-good-stuff-yoga-chips-24-chips\/p\/164849\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Yoga chips fo<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reallygoodstuff.com\/really-good-stuff-yoga-chips-24-chips\/p\/164849\/\">r kids<\/a> can be a great resource for these activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><iframe title=\"Morning Meeting: Belly Breathing\" width=\"422\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/0tgZifilgmM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><iframe title=\"Morning Meeting: Yoga Pose\" width=\"422\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/uQ4aEgxP9PY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Affirmations and Song:<\/strong> We recite our own affirmations and then dance to Snoop Dogg\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=PGFBxoWqOV0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Doggyland Affirmation Song<\/a>, setting a positive tone for the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><iframe title=\"Morning Meeting: Affirmations\" width=\"422\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VP1yi2S45PI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These activities support self-management and prepare us for a day of learning and growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-impact-in-my-classroom\"><strong>The Impact in my Classroom<\/strong><\/h2><a class=top href=\"#top\">Back to top<\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>The results of these practices have been extraordinary. From September to December, our class grew from 64% to 86% at or above grade level in Math, and from 63% to 73% in Reading. That\u2019s a remarkable amount of growth in just four months\u2014and I believe our daily SEL routines played a key role. When students are emotionally regulated and connected to their learning environment, they\u2019re more able to focus, take risks, and engage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While one student made a breakthrough by naming their emotions instead of acting out, others made equally significant strides. A student with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who couldn\u2019t sit still or attend to a group meeting at the start of the year, gradually learned to participate fully. The consistency of our routine created a sense of safety and predictability that allowed them to thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Another shared they felt \u201cfrustrated that their brother wasn\u2019t being nice in the car but happy because Mom let them listen to their favorite song.\u201d Moments like these show how deeply these routines resonate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, many students today struggle with sitting still, listening to others, and showing attention\u2014especially post-COVID. But after months of practicing mindful listening during feelings check-ins, our class became known for their ability to sit attentively and respectfully. During assemblies and classroom visits, our principal and other teachers frequently commented that my students were the most capable listeners they\u2019d seen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My classroom has transformed from a group of wiggly five-year-olds rolling on the rug to a community that listens, respects boundaries, and resolves conflicts. These aren\u2019t just academic skills\u2014they\u2019re life skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"research-that-backs-it-up\"><strong>Research That Backs it Up<\/strong><\/h2><a class=top href=\"#top\">Back to top<\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>Morning meetings aren\u2019t just feel-good routines\u2014they\u2019re grounded in research. <a href=\"https:\/\/casel.org\/what-is-sel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CASEL\u2019s framework<\/a> emphasizes the importance of the five core SEL competencies in fostering academic and social success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Handbook-Social-Emotional-Learning-Research\/dp\/1462527914\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Durlak et al. (2015)<\/a> found that effective SEL programs improve social behaviors, reduce emotional distress, and increase academic achievement. Morning meetings, with their focus on emotional regulation and connection, create the structure needed for these outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/drc.casel.org\/sel-as-a-lever-for-equity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Schlund, Jagers, and Schlinger (2020)<\/a> highlight SEL as a lever for equity. By teaching emotional regulation and active listening, morning meetings provide tools that benefit all students, particularly those who face challenges in social or emotional development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"start-your-morning-meetings-today\"><strong>Start Your Morning Meetings Today<\/strong><\/h2><a class=top href=\"#top\">Back to top<\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>Morning meetings are adaptable to any grade level. Even a simple daily feelings check-in can make a big difference. Build on it with mindfulness practices, affirmations, or a student spotlight, and watch your classroom transform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SEL isn\u2019t just a subject; it\u2019s the foundation for lifelong success. Let\u2019s start the day right\u2014one morning meeting at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The views in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of CASEL.<\/em><em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>About the Author<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Katie Jo Olsen<\/strong>, M.A. SEL, B.Ed., is a kindergarten teacher and advocate for equity-driven, trauma-informed SEL. She creates emotionally responsive classrooms that help young learners grow in self-awareness and empathy. Her work blends research, routine, and heart.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related Posts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/casel.org\/blog\/5-meaningful-standards-based-sel-activities-for-the-classroom\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5 Meaningful, Standards-Based SEL Activities for the Classroom<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/casel.org\/blog\/teaching-sel-one-story-at-a-time-how-i-use-picture-books-to-build-character\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Teaching SEL One Story at a Time: How I Use Picture Books to Build Character<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/casel.org\/blog\/what-are-you-bringing-to-your-classroom-this-year\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What Are You Bringing to Your Classroom This Year?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"write-for-us\"><strong>Write for Us<\/strong><\/h2><a class=top href=\"#top\">Back to top<\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you interested in writing for CASEL\u2019s blog, <em>Constellations<\/em>? <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1zSZFveKA8xsmlCADpfDP8t-y9emN0qswHQh1MnfmqBI\/edit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more<\/a> about what we\u2019re looking for and how to pitch your idea!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key Points Back to top The beginning of my third year of teaching Kindergarten brought me a challenge I\u2019ll never forget\u2014a student who had 47 tantrums in one day. These outbursts, triggered by impatience or not being called on, could last from 2 to 30 minutes. I tried strategies like breathing exercises, calm activities, and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":81480,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","theme":[202],"class_list":["post-81479","blogposts","type-blogposts","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","theme-sel-to-me"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blogposts\/81479","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blogposts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blogposts"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=81479"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/81480"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=81479"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"theme","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/theme?post=81479"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}