Question:

Dear Dru,

I have heard a lot about Class Meetings and am thinking of starting one in my 6 th grade class but there is so little time after we do our required academics. So, what I guess I’m wanting to know is how valuable you think they are and how much time do they take?

Thanks.

Lucille in Solano County

Answer:

Dear Lucille,

Thanks so much for your question. I understand your dilemma. What I would urge you to consider is that one of the most important things children learn in school is to work in a community. That is, how to subsume some of their own needs for the greater good, how to communicate clearly, how to demonstrate respect for themselves and others. The teaching and practice of these skills are enhanced by involvement in Class Meetings.

While it would be nice to have a meeting every day, if you can spare 30 minutes once a week it will make a big difference.

Here is a very nice overview from:

http://www.teachervision.fen.com/lesson-plans/lesson-4864.html?detoured=1

Class Meetings

Class meetings can be an excellent multipurpose tool for your classroom. This simple strategy of setting aside time for students to discuss classroom issues as a group can yield far-reaching benefits. For example, you can hold class meetings to involve students in important decisions such as "How should cheating be handled?" or "What can we do about teasing in our school?" Don't be afraid to let students think about these weighty issues. You may be surprised by the thoughtful and creative solutions your students propose.

While each teacher and class needs to find what works best for them, it is worthwhile to have a weekly time set aside for class meetings. It may require only 20 to 30 minutes, but it will be time well spent.

Why have class meetings?

• To get kids involved in constructive decision-making in their classrooms and schools.
• To build a climate of trust and respect between teacher and students, as well as among students.
• To help build self-esteem by getting kids involved in decisions that impact their world in important ways.

Rationale

• Students often develop a better sense of responsibility when given a chance to make meaningful contributions to the world around them.
• When children believe they are contributing to the school environment in a significant way, they feel a more positive attachment to school and are more motivated to learn.
• Students who are allowed to problem solve and make some of their own decisions are likely to buy in to the solutions.

Benefits

• Just as families can use family meetings as times to connect and reflect on their goals and/or problems as a family, class meetings can achieve similar results.
• Class meetings provide children with opportunities for assuming responsibilities.
• Class meetings may help children to take ownership for their actions by involving them in the process of understanding and questioning rules, guidelines, limits, and consequences.
• Children are able to reason/reflect on their actions, think about the consequences of their behavior, and comprehend the impact they have on others.
• Class meetings can help students learn to associate their successes with their own efforts and abilities, thus boosting self-esteem.
• When children feel they are making an important contribution to the world, their motivation and sense of control in their lives can greatly increase.

Boundaries of class meetings

Allow students an active voice:

• If students believe their ideas are respected and valued, they will more likely be productive participants.
• Follow the rules of brainstorming.
• Use techniques such as mirroring to help hone students' ideas.
• Establish a regular schedule for classroom meetings.

Remember your role in the classroom:

• As a teacher, you hold "veto" power; use it sparingly for best results.
• Remember the advantages of "Socratic questioning" to help students think through the logic of their proposals.
• Allow students to learn from their mistakes. Let them try out their ideas, even if you're convinced they won't work, as long as no obvious harm could result.

Brainstorming

1. Allot 20 to 30 minutes for the session.
2. Record all ideas on butcher paper so everyone can see them and they can be retrieved at a later date.
3. Encourage all ideas. Perhaps offer a sticker to the person with the most ideas or with the most creative suggestion.
4. Do not accept judgmental tones, remarks, body language, or facial expressions that indicate the ideas are good, bad, or funny.
5. Use others' comments to think of new ideas.
6. Keep discussion of the recorded ideas to a minimum. Allow time for an exchange of views later.

Mirroring

Mirroring is a listening technique where one student describes a problem, idea, or conflict to another. The second student listens and then repeats or "mirrors" the first student's thoughts to ensure that the ideas were properly understood. The first student confirms the information is correct or the listening student tries again until it is.

Here are other web sources that have some great ideas:

http://www.education-world.com/a_curr/profdev012.shtml

http://www.ilovethatteachingidea.com/ideas/subj_class_meetings.htm

http://www.discovery-school.org/html/classmtg.html

http://homepage.risd41.org/cschoenings/stories/storyReader$691

http://homepage.risd41.org/koalatykid/stories/storyReader$169

http://www.devstu.org/csc/how_ways.html

The basic book on Class Meetings:

Nelson, J., Lott, L. & Glenn, H.L. Positive discipline in the classroom (around $15. new) Available at

http://www.empoweringpeople.com/store/page13.html

Another great thing about Class Meetings is that you will enjoy them too, and you will be amazed at how your students grow.

Good luck!

Dru