George Freeman School | Grade 4 | Teachers: Monica Major & Carlie Laslo
At George Freeman School, Morning Mash is much more than a morning routine—it’s an innovative program that creates a vibrant, student-centered start to the day. With a perfect balance of structure and choice, teachers Monica Major and Carlie Laslo are fostering an environment where all learners feel supported and excited to grow.
How Morning Mash Works
Every morning from 8:30 to 9:30, Grade 4 students dive into Morning Mash, a blend of Must-Do and Choice activities designed to build independence, enhance literacy, and provide targeted support. The schedule is broken into three 15-minute rounds, giving students time to rotate through their activities.
- Blue Checkmarks (Must-Do’s): Tasks every student must complete.
- Purple Checkmarks (Choice Activities): Optional tasks that allow students to explore their interests and strengths.
“Morning Mash gives us the chance to observe and connect with students in a way that feels natural and supportive,” explains Ms. Major. “We can see their strengths, hear their thinking, and tailor our instruction to meet their needs.”
A Look at Today’s Activities
Today’s Morning Mash was a showcase of engagement and collaboration. The Must-Do list included:
- Literature Circle Reading Groups: Students worked in small groups, reading novels aligned with their interests or reading levels. Teachers and an educational assistant joined each group, ensuring that by the end of the session, every group had received dedicated adult support. Through observations and informal conversations, teachers assessed reading skills in real time.
- Financial Literacy Check-In: Using a Google Form, students answered questions that assessed their understanding of recent lessons on financial literacy. This quick check provided valuable insights into areas needing more attention.
The Choice Activities offered something for everyone:
- Math Word Problems: Critical thinking challenges tied to current math concepts.
- Journal Writing: A creative outlet for students to reflect or write freely.
- Word Work: Academic vocabulary activities that reinforced key terms from all subject areas.
Engagement at Every Turn
As students rotated through their tasks, the engagement was palpable. Walking between the two classrooms, one could hear the buzz of discussion and the quiet hum of concentration. Students eagerly shared their work, explaining the math problems they were solving or the novels they were reading. The excitement was contagious—Morning Mash felt like an hour of discovery and connection.
Ms. Laslo adds, “The engagement during this time is incredible. Students are excited to share their progress, and they’re building skills that set them up for success the rest of the day.”
Why It Works
The success of Morning Mash lies in its thoughtful design:
- Targeted Literacy Instruction: Literature circles allow teachers to work closely with students, assessing their reading skills informally and providing immediate feedback.
- Data-Driven Adjustments: Activities like the Financial Literacy check-in provide teachers with real-time data to refine their instruction.
- Choice and Independence: The combination of Must-Do’s and Choice Activities helps students take ownership of their learning while meeting essential goals.
- Community and Collaboration: The collaborative nature of the activities fosters a sense of teamwork and mutual support among students.
A Model for Meaningful Learning
Parents can be assured that programs like Morning Mash are not just about completing tasks—they’re about building skills, confidence, and a love of learning. For educators, it’s a shining example of how structure, choice, and collaboration can create a classroom where every student thrives.With programs like Morning Mash, George Freeman School is proving that innovative teaching practices can truly transform the learning experience.
