Lesson Plan: Circle Time/Morning Meeting for Year 3-5 Students in a Special Needs Classroom

Overview

This lesson plan is designed specifically for Years 3-5 students in a New Zealand special needs classroom. The session focuses on establishing a routine, encouraging social interaction and emotional expression, and aligning with the New Zealand Curriculum's emphasis on well-being and key competencies, particularly relating to self-management, social skills, and participation.

Lesson Duration

Total Duration: 17 minutes
Class Size: 2 students

Learning Objectives

1. Students will improve their social interaction skills by participating in a greeting and sharing session.
2. Students will enhance their emotional expression and recognition by sharing their thoughts and listening to their peer.
3. Students will develop their sense of routine and classroom community by engaging in a structured, predictable group activity.

Curriculum Links

This lesson aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum focusing on key competencies:

• Relating to Others - Interacting effectively with a diverse range of people in a variety of contexts.
• Managing Self - This involves self-motivation, having a ‘can-do’ attitude, and showing resilience.

Materials Needed

• “Good Morning” song (preferably a culturally inclusive and accessible version).
• Talking stick or any object to signify whose turn it is to speak.
• Visual timetable displaying the schedule of the day.
• Emotion cards or chart.

Lesson Details

Introduction (2 minutes)

• Teacher's Action: Start with a "Good Morning" song to signal the beginning of the circle time.
• Students' Engagement: Students are encouraged to join in the singing to promote a sense of belonging and routine.

Greeting Each Other (3 minutes)

• Activity Description: Using a talking stick, each student takes turns to greet the class and share one good thing about their morning at home or something they are looking forward to today.
• Teacher's Role: Facilitate the interaction and provide prompts if necessary to help students share their thoughts.

Emotions Check-In (5 minutes)

• Activity Description: Utilize emotion cards where each student picks a card that best describes how they feel today. They share why they chose that emotion.
• Learning Aim: This activity aims to develop emotional awareness and vocabulary, which are crucial for emotional and social development.
• Teacher's Role: Guide students in expressing why they feel a certain way, ensuring that the other student listens and acknowledges the sharing.

Review of the Day’s Schedule (2 minutes)

• Activity Description: Go through the visual timetable of the day’s activities.
• Purpose: This helps students understand what to expect throughout the day, thus reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of security.

Activity Planning (3 minutes)

• Activity Description: Students suggest and decide on one activity they would like to include in the upcoming week’s timetable.
• Teacher's Role: Help students negotiate and decide if they have different preferences, guiding them to understand the perspective of others and to make collaborative decisions.

Closing (2 minutes)

• Activity Description: End the session by summarising what was discussed. Reiterate the plans for the day, and encourage a positive outlook for the day’s activities.
• Students' Engagement: Students can express one thing they are excited about or feeling positive towards for the remainder of the day.

Assessment and Feedback

• Observational Assessment: Monitor students’ ability to express themselves, listen to others, and their engagement in activities.
• Feedback: Provide verbal feedback, highlighting positive interactions and suggesting improvements in a supportive manner.

Additional Notes

Ensure all activities within the circle time are facilitated in an inclusive, respectful, and encouraging environment, allowing each student to feel valued and understood. The activities should be adaptable based on the individual needs of the students, particularly focusing on their cognitive and emotional levels.

For more specific resources related to the New Zealand Curriculum Key Competencies, please visit Te Kete Ipurangi - The New Zealand Curriculum Online.

This plan is specifically tailored for a small, special needs classroom context in New Zealand, ensuring a highly focused and supportive educational environment.