A Great Way to Start the Day
Those greetings and high-fives set the tone.
At Jacksonville Country Day School, the day does not begin with a rush to the first lesson. It begins with Morning Meeting: a few quiet minutes to sit together, take a breath, greet one another, and think about the day ahead.
“It gives us a chance to connect as a class before we move into academics,” said first-grade teacher Courtney Shine.
That small pause matters. Students greet their classmates, share a thought, and practice listening. In a low-pressure circle, they learn turn-taking, kindness, and respect. More than anything, they feel seen. That sense of belonging settles nerves and makes the rest of the morning easier to meet.
Ms. Shine, in her first year at JCDS, has given Morning Meeting a gentle extra step: affirmations.
“I added affirmations because I think they’re a great way for the students to start the day feeling positive and confident,” she said. “We say them together, and I encourage the students to really think about what they’re saying about themselves.”
Together they repeat simple, steady lines: I am truthful. I am patient. I am beautiful. I am important.
“At this age, they’re still building so much of their confidence as learners,” Ms. Shine added. “I love giving them that positive message first thing in the morning.”
Jacksonville Country Day School
Located in Jacksonville, FL, Jacksonville Country Day School is a private school for Pre-K 3 through 5th grade. JCDS prepares students for a healthy and productive lifetime of intellectual exploration, character development, and social responsibility.
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