Looking for simpler ways of adding variety to your classroom, try changing up the way things are done with Class Meetings and Student Lessons.
Class Meeting Guide for Teachers
Purpose of class meetings
Class meetings are a way for teachers to allow students to take charge of their learning and environments, and be held responsible. It also promotes a sense of community.
Related Lessons
- Problem Solving
- Decision Making
Skills learned from class meetings:
- Listening skills
- Problem solving skills
- Decision making skills
- Leadership skills
- Cooperation skills
- Public speaking skills
- Organization skills
- Critical thinking skills
Process Steps/Ideas
- Allow students to fill out form and submit to class meeting agenda box
- Choose a few topics to be discussed each week or however often you would like to do this
- Allow students to address different topics
- What are some constant issues in the class (they can be behavior related)
- What are some specific topics they would like to cover in class
- What are some project ideas they have for the class
- After topics are presented during the meeting, allow the class to brainstorm solutions (make sure that these are documented)
- You may allow students to vote on the best solution *Remember, you have the right to veto anything that is not appropriate or feasible
- Have secretary create meeting agendas to be given out on the day of the meeting
- Starting out, you will lead the meetings; however, the ultimate goal is for the students to lead the meetings
- It is always a great idea to incorporate refreshments (you may choose different groups of students to supply each time, or find another way)
- It’s ok to allow students to address issues while remaining anonymous, otherwise, whomever brought up the issue or made the suggestion may be the one to share it with the group
- This can be as formal or informal as you like; you also have the option of using FCCLA’s parliamentary procedures to help prepare students for Star Events
- Create class meeting guidelines to advise students of what is and is not appropriate and/or tolerated
- Choosing meeting leaders/secretaries
- You may choose a different every time or allow classmates to vote, or take volunteers
Here are a few resources to help get you started
Example of a student suggestion card to use for your suggestion box. Great idea is to print them on 5 x 8 index cards and/or make them into note pads.
This is just a small presentation to get you started and assist with present this topic idea to your students.
Student Lessons
For this idea, you would put the day’s lesson topic or chapter to be covered on the board.
- Allow students to go through the textbook or other resources to highlight the important/relevant information that they would like for you to present in the class.
- You may even allow students to suggest one project and/or activity to do to help them better grasp the lesson’s concept.
These ideas don’t require any extra resources on your part and can be easily incorporated whenever you feel the need. Have more ideas that do not require additional resources? Share below or in the forum under Adding Variety to your classroom.
