How might the implementation of choice affect the curiosity in my 2nd grade students during morning work time?

Seminar Title

How might the implementation of choice affect the curiosity in my 2nd grade students during morning work time?

Curiosity

2nd Grade

Elementary

Other

All Disciplines

Is your morning routine lacking engagement? Do your students need time to build community with purposeful play? I asked myself this question and realized how my morning routine was impacting my 2nd graders’ behavior for the rest of their day. How can I train my students to make choices for themselves to continue to stay curious? Every day at school a child is told when to come, what to eat, where to sit, when they can go outside, when they can go to the bathroom, what to read, what to write, and so much more. My research was proving time to help students to feel in charge, and help them become curious. By changing my morning routine from a morning work page to stem bins I wanted my learners to have fun, and enable curiosity, and quite honestly, a morning work page daily does not scream fun or engaging. My morning routine switched to a time for opportunity of discovery for play using a variety of stations using legos, measuring, drawing, puzzles, and creative building. As an unexpected result my classroom community grew stronger and students learned more social skills naturally than I expected. Why do we stop letting kids build and grow after primary years? Whether teaching Kindergarten or 6th graders, is there a way you could allow for more choice and opportunity to start class as a way to engage them? If you are looking for an opportunity to engage in a discussion about morning routines or finding ways to incorporate choice and curiosity into your daily routines, this is the session for you!