The Impact of CREW in the Elementary Classroom
Level of Education of Students Involved
Undergraduate
Faculty Sponsor
Selina Bartels
College
College of Arts & Sciences (CAS)
Discipline(s)
Elementary Education
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Symposium Date
Spring 4-24-2025
Abstract
I will be asking the following question of how implementing CREW in the class’s morning routine affects student behavior throughout the day. At Edgewood Elementary school teachers are required to conduct a morning meeting referred to as CREW, which addresses social emotional learning foundations with the class. They have stated in staff meetings that schools who implement CREW time effectively often see a reduction in disciplinary problems and improved attendance. Students are less likely to act out when they feel supported emotionally, have strong peer relationships, and see school as a positive environment that meets their social and emotional needs.Content of CREW is different each school day, addressing topics from bullying, identifying emotions, and using inclusive terminology. I decided to use this as my research topic since many staff and students have expressed that the recent lack of CREW time in the classroom routine has shown an increase in bullying, emotional outbursts, and the lack of opportunity to set the day in a positive manner. Many students struggle with negative interactions not only in the classroom, but during specials, recess, and other school activities. A number of students also struggle to identify how they are feeling when confronted with strong emotions, allowing them to build it up rather than express it and counteract it. Since time seems to be the main issue with dedicating time to CREW, I am going to plan small interventions throughout the day that students can interact with. I am most interested in seeing how these small interventions will limit classroom disruptions, negative talk between students, and self talk. Implementing CREW routine back into the routine these principles create a classroom environment where students feel safe, valued, and motivated, which helps to minimize negative behaviors while encouraging positive ones.
Recommended Citation
Hall, Abigail, "The Impact of CREW in the Elementary Classroom" (2025). Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 1441.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/cus/1441
Biographical Information about Author(s)
I have been an advocate for social emotional learning my entire college journey, whether it be in or out of the classroom. Seeing the impact of cultivating a space where young children, teens, and adults feel comfortable enough to be vulnerable and learn empathy is essential to the future. My goal as a future educator is to not only have a classroom in which students and fellow colleagues feel they can be their true authentic selves, but to challenge myself to be an individual who showcases those things. My experience in the classroom, as a camp counselor, and other part time jobs has provided opportunities for me to understand the importance of this topic.