I know it can feel like check-ins are just another box to check and one more thing to squeeze into an already full day. But this juice is worth the squeeze, and this is one box that checks back.
When we ask students how they’re feeling, we’re not just collecting moods. We’re teaching them how to notice and name their emotions, recognize patterns, and understand how those emotions show up in both life and learning.
“How are you doing today?” is a daily opportunity for students to slow down, take a temperature check, and feel seen before we ever dive into content. It sends a powerful message: it’s okay to not be okay. And when students practice expressing that appropriately, that proactive work pays off later.
And for us? This is our cheat sheet for the day.
Who’s on today?
Who’s off today?
Who’s carrying something heavy?
Who might need a quick one-on-one before math melts their brain and it turns into a moment?
The beauty of check-ins is their simplicity. A color. A face. A number. A hand signal. Whatever works in your room. And when students hear how others are doing, small moments of empathy start to spark. Sometimes students even begin supporting each other in powerful, unexpected ways.
This isn’t about pouring out feelings. It’s about pouring foundations. So go ahead and check that box with a check-in. It just might save the day.
-Mr. Brian & The Edtomorrow Team