From ‘Hello’ to ‘How are you feeling right now?’

“By rearranging the letters in the word LISTEN, you find a primary key to good listening. SILENT. ”

— Joy Marchese

So, you’ve greeted your students at the door, setting a positive tone for the day.

That first “Hello” was a small but significant step toward creating an environment where students feel welcomed and valued.

But as any seasoned teacher knows, the school day is long, and the initial connection you’ve established is just the beginning.

How do you maintain that positive energy?

How do you ensure that each student continues to feel seen, heard, and supported as the day progresses?

Once your students have put their things away, and instead of immediately sitting at their desks and diving straight into the day’s agenda, what if, you took a moment to pause? What if, before the lessons and assignments begin, you create a space where your students can continue that connection—not just with you, but with each other?

A time and place where everyone’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences are acknowledged and respected.

This is where the power of quick check-ins comes into play.

Quick check-ins are a moment to slow down, to breathe, and to create a shared experience before the busyness of the day takes over. They offer a chance for each student to share how they’re feeling, what’s on their mind, or something they’re grateful for. It’s about more than just a quick chat—it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and setting a positive, supportive tone that will carry through the entire day.

(Quick) Q-Tips on How to do Quick Check-ins:

Quick check-ins can be as simple or as creative as you want them to be. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Weather Forecast: Ask students to describe how they’re feeling using weather terms. Are they feeling sunny, cloudy, or maybe a bit stormy? This gives you a quick read on their emotional state and opens up opportunities for empathy and support.

• Round of Compliments: Let students take turns sharing a compliment or appreciation for a classmate. It could be something as simple as, “I appreciate how you helped me yesterday.” This not only boosts morale but also strengthens peer relationships.

• Gratitude Circle: Pass an object around the circle, and let each student share something they’re grateful for. This practice shifts the focus to positivity and helps students start the day on a thankful note.

• Hope for the Day: Let students share one thing they’re hoping for that day, whether it’s related to their schoolwork or something personal. This helps them set intentions and gives you a glimpse into what they’re focused on.

When students have a chance to express themselves and hear from their peers, they feel seen and valued.

This sense of belonging is crucial for their social-emotional development and can have a big impact on their behavior and engagement throughout the day.

Moreover, these check-ins give you, the teacher, valuable insights into how your students are doing.

If a student is feeling “cloudy,” you might check in with them later, offering support or just letting them know you’re there if they need anything.

It’s these small, consistent moments of connection that build trust and a positive classroom culture.

Incorporating quick check-ins into your daily routine doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Even just five minutes can make a big difference.

The key is consistency—making these check-ins a regular part of your classroom culture so that students come to expect and look forward to them.

When we take the time to connect with our students through quick check-ins, we’re not just improving the atmosphere of our classroom—we’re teaching them important life skills.

They learn to identify and articulate their emotions, listen to others, and offer support. These are skills they’ll carry with them far beyond the classroom walls.

So, the next time you’re about to jump into the day’s lessons, consider taking just a few minutes for a quick check-in. It’s a simple practice with a powerful impact, setting your students up for success—emotionally, socially, and academically.