Check In, Check Out Script

Introduction: What is a Check-In? (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning, everyone! Let's start our day with a quick thought. How many of you have a routine in the morning before school, or a routine for doing homework, or even getting ready for bed? Can you share some of those routines?"
(Allow a few student responses. Acknowledge and affirm their answers.)

Teacher: "That's great! Routines help us stay organized, know what to expect, and often make things go more smoothly. Today, we're going to learn about a special routine for our school day called 'Check In, Check Out' that's going to help you have an even more successful day, every day!"

"Think of a 'Check-In' like a quick pit stop for your brain at the start of the day. It's a chance to think about how you're feeling, set some goals, and plan for success!"

Introducing Check-In, Check-Out (10 minutes)

Teacher: (Transition to Check In Check Out Slide Deck - Slide 3) "So, what exactly is 'Check In, Check Out'? It's a system, a tool, a secret weapon if you will, to help you take charge of your learning and behavior."
(Refer to Check In Check Out Slide Deck - Slides 4-6)

"This system helps you in three big ways:"

• "First, it helps you Start Strong. By checking in, you'll set clear goals for what you want to learn and how you want to behave."
• "Second, it helps you Stay on Track. Having those goals in mind throughout the day helps you remember what you're working towards."
• "And finally, it helps you Finish Smart. At the end of the day, you'll 'Check-Out' by looking back at your day, seeing how you did with your goals, and thinking about what you can do even better tomorrow."

"Let's look at the My Daily Check-In/Check-Out Sheet that you'll be using. I'll hand these out in a moment, but first, let's talk through it."

"The top part is for your 'Check-In'. This is where you think about your goals for the day."

Guided Practice: Daily Check-In (10 minutes)

Teacher: (Distribute the My Daily Check-In/Check-Out Sheet.)

"Alright, let's fill out the 'Check-In' part together. Look at the section that says 'My Morning Check-In'."

"First, let's think about an Academic Goal. This is something you want to achieve with your schoolwork today. Maybe it's 'I will complete all my math problems,' or 'I will participate in reading discussion.' What's one academic goal you have for today? Write it down."
(Pause for students to write. Offer individual help as needed.)

"Next, let's think about a Behavior Goal. This is about how you want to act or interact with your classmates and teachers. Perhaps it's 'I will raise my hand before speaking,' or 'I will stay in my seat during independent work.' What's one behavior goal you have for today? Write it down."
(Pause for students to write. Offer individual help as needed.)

"Now, think about your 'Mood Check-In'. How are you feeling right now, at the start of our day? Circle the emoji that best shows how you feel. It's okay to feel different ways, this just helps us notice how we start."

"And finally, think about what you need to be successful. Is there anything specific you need today? Maybe it's 'focus,' or 'to ask questions,' or 'to be patient.' Write that down too."

"Great job! You've just completed your first 'Check-In'. How do you think having these goals written down might help you throughout the day?"
(Allow a few student responses.)

Guided Practice: Daily Check-Out & Reflection (5 minutes)

Teacher: (Transition to Check In Check Out Slide Deck - Slides 7-8) "Now, let's fast-forward to the end of the school day. Imagine it's almost time to go home. This is when we do our 'Check-Out'."

"Look at the 'My Afternoon Check-Out' section on your sheet."

"First, you'll review your goals. Think back to the academic and behavior goals you set this morning. Did you meet them? You'll mark 'Yes' or 'No', and then tell yourself why or why not. What did you do well? What was challenging?"

"Then, you'll do a 'Mood Check-Out'. How are you feeling after the day? It's a chance to see how your feelings might have changed."

"Finally, you'll think ahead to tomorrow. Based on how your day went, what's one thing you'll remember or try to do differently tomorrow to keep growing and learning?"

"Why do you think checking out is just as important as checking in?"
(Allow a few student responses, guiding them towards reflection and self-improvement.)

Teacher: "Exactly! Checking out helps you see how much you've grown, celebrate your successes, and learn from anything that was a bit tricky. It's about becoming more aware and setting yourself up for an even better tomorrow! This system is here to help YOU take charge of your learning and be the best you can be! Ready to give it a try?"

My Daily Check-In/Check-Out Sheet

My Morning Check-In

Date: ______________

My Academic Goal for today is:

My Behavior Goal for today is:

Mood Check-In: How are you feeling right now?

😀      😐      😟      😠      😴

One thing I need to be successful today is:

My Afternoon Check-Out

My Academic Goal: Did I meet my goal?

⭕ Yes      ⭕ No

What went well or what was challenging?

My Behavior Goal: Did I meet my goal?

⭕ Yes      ⭕ No

What went well or what was challenging?

Mood Check-Out: How are you feeling now?

😀      😐      😟      😠      😴

One thing I will remember or try to do tomorrow is: