Lesson Plan
Kickstart Guide to CICO
Students will learn the purpose and steps of Check-In/Check-Out (CICO), identify key classroom expectations, practice mapping behaviors, and begin using a daily behavior tracker to monitor progress.
Implementing CICO helps reduce problem behaviors by giving students daily feedback and support, boosting engagement and confidence through clear expectations and consistent check-ins.
Audience
5th Grade Small Group
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive modeling, mapping activity, and tracker launch.
Materials
Prep
Setup Materials
10 minutes
- Review the CICO Overview Slides and familiarize yourself with talking points.
- Read through the Teacher Launch Script to prepare your introduction.
- Print copies of the Expectation Mapping Exercise and Daily Behavior Tracker for each student.
- Arrange seating so each student can clearly see the screen and has space to work on the mapping exercise and tracker.
Step 1
Introduction & Goals
5 minutes
- Welcome students and explain the session’s focus: daily check-ins, clear expectations, and tracking progress.
- Read aloud the opening portion of the Teacher Launch Script.
- Ask: “Why might getting feedback two times a day help us stay on track?” (Check for understanding.)
Step 2
CICO Overview
10 minutes
- Project the CICO Overview Slides.
- Walk through each slide: what CICO is, how morning and afternoon check-ins work, and the adult supports involved.
- Pause after each slide to ask a quick question (e.g., “What happens if you meet your goals at afternoon check-out?”).
Step 3
Modeling & Role-Play
10 minutes
- Demonstrate a mock morning check-in with a volunteer, using the script points.
- Highlight how to greet, review yesterday’s tracker, set today’s goal, and offer encouragement.
- In pairs, have students role-play morning and afternoon check-ins. Rotate roles once.
- Circulate, offer feedback, and answer clarifying questions.
Step 4
Expectation Mapping Exercise
10 minutes
- Distribute the Expectation Mapping Exercise.
- Explain: students will list two key expectations (e.g., respecting classmates, following directions) and draw or write examples of behavior that meets and does not meet each expectation.
- Students work individually for 7 minutes, then share one mapped expectation with the group.
- Check understanding: ask a student to explain why mapping helps clarify expectations.
Step 5
Tracker Launch & Wrap-Up
10 minutes
- Hand out the Daily Behavior Tracker.
- Model filling out the tracker for one period (e.g., “Math”) with a positive example and an area to improve.
- Students begin their own tracker for today’s afternoon sessions.
- Review next steps: morning check-in tomorrow, aim to meet at least 3 of 5 goals.
- Exit ticket: each student states one thing they feel confident about and one question they have about CICO.
Slide Deck
How Does Check-In/Check-Out (CICO) Change the Game?
• A simple daily routine
• Morning check-in + afternoon check-out
• Keeps us on track and feeling supported
Welcome the students and introduce the topic: CICO as a supportive routine. Explain that today we’ll learn how CICO works and practice using it.
What Is Check-In/Check-Out?
• A Tier 2 support for small groups
• Quick morning chat to set goals
• Brief afternoon chat to share feedback
Define CICO in kid-friendly language. Emphasize it’s not a punishment but a support system.
Morning Check-In
- Greet your CICO adult warmly
- Review yesterday’s tracker ratings
- Pick 1–2 goals for today
- Get a positive send-off
Walk through each step of the morning check-in. Model friendly greeting, goal setting, and encouragement.
Afternoon Check-Out
- Meet with your CICO adult
- Review today’s tracker ratings
- Talk about what went well
- Plan one improvement for tomorrow
Explain the afternoon check-out. Show how feedback works and celebrate successes.
Roles & Supports
• Student: track your own behavior
• CICO Adult: guide check-ins, give feedback
• Family: encourage at home
Highlight roles: students, CICO adult (teacher or aide), and families. Emphasize teamwork.
Daily Behavior Tracker
• Columns for each class or period
• Space for goal rating (e.g., 😊 or 👍)
• Notes area for comments
Show the basic layout of the tracker. Point out where to record each class or activity.
Example Tracker Fill
Math – 😊 Met goals: raised hand, stayed on task
Reading – 🙂 Could improve: focus on partner talk
Fill in an example row live: show a positive and an area to improve.
Why Use CICO?
• Daily feedback keeps you on track
• Clear goals mean fewer surprises
• Builds confidence and success
Discuss the “why.” Link CICO to fewer behavior problems and more fun at school.
Next Steps
• Morning check-in tomorrow at 8:30 AM
• Aim to meet 3 of 5 goals each day
• Bring tracker to each check-in
Explain what students do next: start tomorrow’s morning check-in, set goals, and keep filling trackers.
Script
Teacher Launch Script
(Teacher stands at the front of the group, smiling and making eye contact.)
Teacher: "Good morning, everyone! Today we’re going to try something new called Check-In/Check-Out, or CICO for short. It’s a simple routine that will help you feel supported and keep you on track all day long."
Teacher: "By the end of our time together, you’ll know exactly how morning and afternoon check-ins work, you’ll practice talking through your goals, and you’ll start using your very own Daily Behavior Tracker. This routine can help us reduce problem behaviors and boost your confidence!"
Teacher: "Let me ask you this—why might getting feedback two times a day help us stay on track?"
(Pause, look around the group for raised hands.)
Teacher: "I see some great ideas! Yes—if we know when we’re doing awesome, we build on that. And if something didn’t go as planned, we can fix it right away instead of waiting until the end of the week."
Teacher: "Today we’ll use the CICO Overview Slides to learn the steps. We’ll model a check-in, practice with a partner, map out our classroom expectations, and then you’ll fill out your tracker for the afternoon. Sound good?"
(Wait for thumbs up or nods.)
Modeling a Morning Check-In
Teacher: "First, I’ll show you how a morning check-in works. I need a volunteer—someone who’s willing to be my CICO partner for a moment. Who’s up for it?"
(Select a volunteer and invite them to stand next to you.)
Teacher: "Good morning, Alex!"
(Extend a friendly handshake or high five.)
Teacher: "Good morning, Ms. Taylor!"
(Volunteer responds.)
Teacher: "Let’s take a quick look at yesterday’s tracker. I see you met your goal of raising your hand before speaking in three classes—nice work! Today, what would you like to focus on?"
(Pause for student goal.)
Teacher: "Great choice! Keeping your eyes on the speaker is an awesome goal. I know you can do it. Have a fantastic day—see you this afternoon!"
(Smile and give a thumbs-up.)
Teacher: "Did you notice the steps?"
- Greet with a warm hello
- Review yesterday’s ratings
- Choose 1–2 goals for today
- End with positive encouragement
Teacher: "Now let’s turn to a partner and try it yourselves. One of you will be the CICO adult, and one of you will be the student. Use those exact four steps. You have three minutes—go!"
(Circulate, listen, and offer quick feedback.)
(After role-play finishes.)
Teacher: "Nice work, everyone! How did it feel to give feedback and to get feedback?"
(Invite a couple of quick responses.)
Teacher: "Fantastic. Remember, we’ll do our real morning check-in tomorrow at our regular time. Now let’s move on to mapping our expectations…"
(Continue to next activity.)
Activity
Expectation Mapping Exercise
Objective: Identify key classroom expectations and clarify them by mapping examples and non-examples.
Instructions:
- Choose two important expectations for our group (e.g., respecting classmates, following directions).
- For each expectation, write it in the box, then draw or describe:
- A behavior that meets this expectation (Example).
- A behavior that does not meet this expectation (Non-example).
- Be ready to share one of your mappings with the group and explain how it helps everyone understand what to do.
Expectation 1
Expectation:
_______________________________
Example (Meets this expectation):
_______________________________
Non-example (Does NOT meet this expectation):
_______________________________
Expectation 2
Expectation:
_______________________________
Example (Meets this expectation):
_______________________________
Non-example (Does NOT meet this expectation):
_______________________________
Share Out (2 minutes)
- Select one of your mapped expectations.
- Tell the group:
• What is the expectation?
• What example did you draw or write?
• How does mapping help everyone know how to meet that expectation?
Worksheet
Daily Behavior Tracker
Use this tracker to record how well you meet your goals in each class today. Bring this sheet to your morning and afternoon check-ins.
Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________
| Period / Subject | Rating (Circle one) | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| 1. ______________ | 😊 🙂 😐 🙁 | ____________________________ |
| 2. ______________ | 😊 🙂 😐 🙁 | ____________________________ |
| 3. ______________ | 😊 🙂 😐 🙁 | ____________________________ |
| 4. ______________ | 😊 🙂 😐 🙁 | ____________________________ |
| 5. ______________ | 😊 🙂 😐 🙁 | ____________________________ |
Morning Check-In Goals
- ___________________________________________
- ___________________________________________
CICO Adult Initials: ____________
Afternoon Check-Out Reflection
What went well?
___________________________________________
What can I improve tomorrow?
___________________________________________
CICO Adult Initials: ____________