How to Model a Morning Meeting for Middle School: Step-by-Step Guide
Building a strong classroom community is essential for creating a positive, engaging, and respectful learning environment. One of the best ways to foster connection among students is through a morning meeting or community circle.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how I modeled a morning meeting for a middle school teacher who wanted to improve classroom community. You'll get a step-by-step guide that you can use in your own classroom, including greetings, sharing activities, and an engaging game to bring students together.
Why Morning Meetings Matter in Middle School
Many teachers associate morning meetings with elementary school, but they are just as powerful for middle schoolers. These meetings help:
✔ Build relationships among students
✔ Foster a sense of belonging in the classroom
✔ Encourage respectful communication
✔ Help students develop social-emotional skills
By starting the day with a structured community-building activity, students feel more connected and engaged, leading to better classroom management and a more positive learning environment.
The Four Essential Parts of a Morning Meeting
A traditional morning meeting consists of four key parts:
1️⃣ Morning Message – A written note or topic for the day (optional in middle school)
2️⃣ Greeting – A quick, fun way for students to acknowledge each other
3️⃣ Sharing – An opportunity for students to express opinions and thoughts
4️⃣ Activity – A game or challenge that builds connection and engagement
For this particular middle school modeling session, I skipped the morning message since it was during an advisory period. Instead, I focused on greeting, sharing, and a high-energy game to keep students engaged.
Step 1: A Simple and Low-Pressure Greeting
Since middle school students can be more reserved about participation, I wanted to keep the greeting quick and comfortable.
Greeting Strategy: Quick & Simple Interactions
✅ High five
✅ Fist bump
✅ Wave
🔹 Directions: Students greet at least three classmates using one of the options above, then stand in a circle.
Why it works:
✔ Low-pressure – No awkward moments for shy students
✔ Quick and efficient – Keeps the energy up
✔ Encourages movement – Helps transition into the next activity
Step 2: Engaging Sharing Activity (Hot Take Question)
A fun and relevant sharing question can help students feel more comfortable speaking in a group setting.
Sharing Activity: “Would You Rather?” Hot Take
🔹 Question example:
Would you rather eat Takis or pizza for the rest of your life? 🍕🔥
🔹 How it works:
1️⃣ Each student takes a few seconds to think.
2️⃣ They share their response with a partner or the whole group.
3️⃣ Students can explain their choice if they want, but it’s optional.
Why it works:
✔ Relevant to middle schoolers – Food debates are always fun!
✔ Low-pressure participation – One-word answers are acceptable.
✔ Encourages student voice – Builds confidence in sharing opinions.
To make it even more engaging, you can:
✔ Take a class vote to see which answer is more popular.
✔ Have students debate their choice in small groups.
✔ Let students suggest their own hot takes for the next day.
Step 3: Setting Clear Expectations Before the Game
Before jumping into the game, it’s critical to set clear expectations.
I made sure to:
✅ Explain the rules upfront
✅ Model how to play the game correctly
✅ Emphasize respectful behavior
Key expectations for students:
✔ No shouting
✔ No fighting over the game piece
✔ If a student breaks the rules, they must sit out for one round
Step 4: Playing the “Cube” Game (Fast-Paced & Fun!)
Now for the main event—a high-energy game called Cube!
How to Play the Cube Game
🔹 Materials: Each student needs a small object (eraser, pencil, mini cube, etc.).
🔹 Directions:
1️⃣ Two students face each other with a small object between them.
2️⃣ The teacher calls out different actions:
“Touch your head”
“Touch your shoulders”
“Touch your knees”
“Touch your stomach”
… and then suddenly say "Cube!"
3️⃣ The first student to grab the object wins that round.
4️⃣ Best out of three rounds wins, and then students switch partners.
Why the Cube Game Works for Classroom Community
This game is so effective because it:
✔ Gets students moving – Helps with engagement and energy.
✔ Encourages quick thinking – Improves reaction time and focus.
✔ Promotes friendly competition – Fun without being overly competitive.
✔ Teaches self-regulation – Students must control their reactions.
Pro Tip: To prevent arguments, be strict about the rules from the beginning! If students argue over who won, they sit out for one round to reset.
How to Make Morning Meetings More Effective
To get the most out of your morning meetings, try these best practices:
✔ Keep It Consistent
Middle schoolers thrive on routine! Try to start every day (or advisory period) with a quick community circle.
✔ Use Student-Led Greetings & Questions
After a few weeks, let students lead the greeting or come up with their own “Would You Rather” questions.
✔ Rotate Activities to Keep Engagement High
Change up the games and questions to keep students excited. Some great alternatives to Cube include:
✅ Rock, Paper, Scissors Championship – Winner keeps advancing.
✅ Silent Speed Ball – Toss a ball while making eye contact, but no talking!
✅ Line-Up Challenge – Students arrange themselves in order (e.g., birth months, height, etc.).
✔ Reinforce Expectations
If students get too rowdy, pause the game and review the rules. Holding students accountable builds classroom respect over time.
Final Thoughts: Try This in Your Classroom!
Morning meetings aren't just for elementary school—they’re an amazing way to build community in middle school classrooms, too. By incorporating fun greetings, engaging discussions, and interactive games like Cube, you create an environment where students feel connected, valued, and ready to learn.
