Class Meeting Samples

1. Agenda

2. Problem Solving

3. Lessons in Encouragement

4. Secretary's Binder

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CLASS MEETING AGENDA

While everyone is getting settled, empty out the box and read each paper. Separate into problems or suggestions. Do not read any out that are not signed.

1. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER

2. ENCOURAGEMENT CIRCLE

  • "Today, you will be encouraging me"
  • give a minute to think
  • (start with person beside you, go around circle).

3. OLD BUSINESS

  • Mrs. Styles will now report on our old business
  • "Thank you, Mrs. Styles."

4. NEW BUSINESS

  • (empty out the Suggestion Box)
  • read out the problems first, then the suggestions
  • see next page for help.

5. Ask Mrs. Styles if there is time for thank-yous and compliments today.

6. CLOSE MEETING

  • thank everyone for listening and participating
  • say "please return to your seats quietly."

Developed by Donna Styles, Armstrong, B.C.

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PROBLEM-SOLVING MODEL

a) Each child has a copy in their Personal Planning notebook.
b) Class Meeting Leader uses a copy for guidance during the meeting.

1. IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM

  • "Can you tell us about the problem?"
  • "What have you already done to try to solve this?"
  • If another person(s) is involved, you now ask: "Is this true?"
  • "Does anyone have any questions?"
  • "What do you (person with problem) think would solve the problem?"
  • Repeat this suggestion and ask the class, "Who thinks this might work?" Count hands. If it's a majority, problem is considered solved, if not, go on to next step.

2. BRAINSTORM POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS"

  • What do you think would be a logical solution to this problem?"
  • Secretary will record solutions.
  • Go around the circle when asking for a response, taking hands up.
  • People only get to speak once.
  • Do not allow any discussion at this point, only solutions.

3. DISCUSS SOLUTIONS

  • "Mrs. Styles, would you please read the solutions."
  • Ask the class for their opinions as to which solutions might work or not work and why.
  • Allow discussion. If you see that the same ideas are being repeated, ask for an opposing point of view.

4. CHOOSE A SOLUTION

  • "Mrs. Styles will read all the solutions.
  • You can vote only once. Remember that a logical solution is the solution that you think would best solve the problem. And, it should be: - Respectful - Responsible - Related - Reasonable.
  • have Mrs. Styles read each one and count hands.

5. MAKE A PLAN

  • If it involved a plan, figure out who will do what to make the solution happen.
  • Ask if anyone has any advice for the person.
  • If it is a suggestion that needs a committee, the person who puts the suggestion in can lead the committee if they wish. Choose an equal number of girls and boys to be on the committee and decide when they will meet (suggestion - keep the committee small).

Developed by Donna Styles, Armstrong, B.C.

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A LESSON IN ENCOURAGEMENT

Adults often assume that children understand the meaning of a word and many times this is a false assumption. It is easier to achieve results when everyone involved has a common understanding of a word.

In order to have this common understanding about the meaning of the word "encouragement", hold a class discussion. The leader should ask the group, "What do you think the word encouragement means?" As the children tell their ideas, either the leader or another group member should record them on a chalkboard or large piece of paper. After all ideas are presented, the group should discuss them and come to a common agreement as to the meaning of the word.

Teach Children the Language of Encouragement

List the following ideas on a large piece of paper in language appropriate for the grade level being taught.

  1. Encouragement is positive.
  2. Encouragement is noticing improvement.
  3. Encouragement is noticing when someone is trying hard.
  4. Encouragement is noticing when someone is good at something.
  5. Encouragements can begin with "I notice...", "I think...", "I like how..."

Each week, discuss with the class the meaning of one of these statements. Give examples of what each means and have the class practice the concept.

Developed by Donna Styles, Armstrong, B.C.

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SECRETARY'S BINDER SAMPLE PAGE

Class Meeting

Date: _________________ Leader: ____________________

Problem / Suggestion

________________________________________________

Solution / Plans

1. ______________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________
3. ______________________________________________
4. ______________________________________________
5. ______________________________________________

CHOICE: _______

Problem / Suggestion

________________________________________________

Solution / Plans

1. ______________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________
3. ______________________________________________
4. ______________________________________________
5. ______________________________________________

CHOICE: _______

Developed by Donna Styles, Armstrong, B.C.

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