One thing I want to focus on this year in my classroom is building a better sense of community. I want my students to feel as if they are part of a special team. I'm imagining a classroom in which students are kind to each other, help each other without being asked, and lift each other up! Although I have always expected this type of behavior from my students, it has never been something I did with much intention. I told them to be kind to one another, I noticed and gave praise when they helped each other, but I wasn't doing much to actively improve and maintain our classroom culture throughout the year.
This year I am going to start a closing circle procedure at the end of the day. The end of the day can be a little chaotic with packing up, passing out papers, and last minute reminders. My goal is to end the school day on a CALM and POSITIVE note each day.
After students pack up, they will head to the carpet for our closing circle. One student will choose a closing circle question stick from the can, and then students will take turns answering the question! This will be a time for students to reflect on the school day and set goals for tomorrow!
There are so many different ways that these sticks can be used. Some days I may just have all students answer the same question around the circle. Other days I may have each student choose a different question to answer.
You can purchase this product in my Teachers Pay Teachers store by clicking the picture below!
I am giving away one digital copy of my Closing Circle Reflection Questions! All you have to do is enter the contest using the Rafflecopter and comment on this blog post with the date you have to return to school! Contest ends on 7/9/2015 at 12:00am Mountain Time. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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