The Morning Narrative...

Every sunrise promises new opportunities and possibilities. Yet we awaken to different moods and energies to carry through the day. There are mornings when the corn flakes feel crispier than ever and some days the daylight can’t seem to find the appetite for any meal.

Such is the cycle of life. As a teacher I would stand at the door to my classroom greeting my children as they would walk in to begin the day.

Some would hold a cheerful smile and their walk would indicate a happy ride to school. Some would drag their bags off the bus with a sigh of relief upon reaching the classroom. Some would stroll down the corridor absolutely lost in the crowd following all familiar rituals.

The understanding of such diverse mornings and moods clearly indicates the need for the “Circle Time”.

I strongly believe teachers who begin their day with their children without keeping into account their morning mood swings or experiences are not able to achieve their lesson targets as planned.

Adults, despite their ability to put up faces still need a sharing heart to let go of their sour arguments of the mind. Children, carry the same burdens, sometimes small and at times complicated in nature. However, children do have the blessed ability to relieve their hearts temporarily if intervened at the right time.

Therefore, the ‘Circle Time’ need not be a time to discuss the lesson objectives or simply remind our students of the code of conduct. It needs to be utilized to create a sense of togetherness, an air of justice, a surrounding of equality and the acknowledgement of each one’s individuality.

There are many ways to rejuvenate our mornings. The idea is to create an effective synchronization of hearts and minds as far as possible to be able to connect and understand each other.

The classroom, the teacher and the classmates must hold the power to read each other’s joys and sorrows by sharing news everyday. If “X” is down because his/her Mum is not feeling well, there must be a platform for him/her where he/she feels safe to express the emotions of pain or fear understanding that there will be compassion and prayers offered in return.

Likewise, it could simply be the stress of getting on the bus too early in the morning. The long ride could instigate an edgy mind that needs a little humour to unwind those straining hours.

If the teacher is regular in holding the Circle Time, she will be quicker to build the trust and respect that is much needed to move forward in achieving both Academic and Social goals.

Therefore a lot depends on the teacher who holds the greatest power in determining the class morale.

Ideally, the Circle Time should hold a little humour, a lot of praise, some sharing of news and a lot of compassion towards each other’s needs. Miraculously, the process leaves the teacher in peace too despite her Morning Narrative!

Yes, the morning brings with it lots of possibilities, however it is up to us to tap those promising prospects!