We do morning meetings with a literacy focus and a quick journal write to start the day. Both are enjoyed by the class and help start our day focused on literacy.

I have put up a funny picture and have had my students to write about what they see. I am attaching an example.

I start my mornings with a "Morning Message" on the board. I write a short message that students read as they enter the classroom, often including interesting vocabulary words, joke or a thought-provoking question. To make it engaging, I sometimes intentionally misspell words or use unconventional punctuation, prompting students to find and correct the errors. This activity not only sets a lively tone for the day but also encourages students to pay attention to detail in language.

I have students answer Would You Rather questions in their journals and then discuss it with a peer when they’ve finished.