Lesson Plan
Kickstart Guide to CICO
Enable 5th grade students to understand and practice the Check-In/Check-Out (CICO) system by reviewing expectations, completing a sample check-in/check-out cycle, and learning to self-monitor behavior using the Daily Behavior Tracker.
Providing a clear, consistent routine with adult feedback reduces problem behaviors and increases student engagement. This session introduces CICO so students feel supported and empowered to track their progress.
Audience
5th Grade Group
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, practice cycle, self-monitoring activity
Prep
Review and Print Materials
10 minutes
- Review CICO Overview Slides to familiarize yourself with the flow and talking points.
- Print enough copies of the Expectation Mapping Exercise and Daily Behavior Tracker for each student.
- Practice your pacing using the Teacher Launch Script to ensure clarity and timing.
Step 1
Welcome & Introduction
5 minutes
- Greet students and introduce the purpose of today’s session.
- Use the Teacher Launch Script to define Check-In/Check-Out and its benefits.
- Emphasize that this is a team approach—students and staff will support growth.
Step 2
CICO Overview
10 minutes
- Display the CICO Overview Slides.
- Walk through each slide: what happens at morning check-in, behavior tracking during the day, afternoon check-out, and goal setting.
- Invite two volunteers to role-play a quick check-in/check-out with scripted prompts.
Step 3
Expectation Mapping
10 minutes
- Distribute the Expectation Mapping Exercise.
- In pairs, students list one example of following each school expectation and one non-example.
- Circulate and provide feedback, highlighting positive strategies and correcting misconceptions.
Step 4
Practice Check-In/Check-Out
10 minutes
- Model a full check-in/check-out cycle with a student volunteer.
- Demonstrate how to fill in the Daily Behavior Tracker at three check points.
- Students complete a mock tracker entry for the morning and predict how they’ll adjust during the day.
Step 5
Reflection & Q&A
5 minutes
- Ask students to share one thing they learned and one question they have.
- Clarify misunderstandings and reinforce benefits of timely check-ins and honest self-ratings.
- Remind students that all check-ins are private and supportive.
Step 6
Closing & Next Steps
5 minutes
- Explain when the first real CICO check-in will occur.
- Encourage students to keep their trackers visible and remind them you’re here to help.
- Collect mock trackers for quick review and plan to return feedback tomorrow.
Slide Deck
Check-In/Check-Out: Introduction
• A supportive system to help you track and improve your behavior each day.
• Involves a quick morning check-in, behavior tracking during class, and an afternoon check-out.
• Builds positive habits and keeps you motivated.
Welcome everyone! Today we'll introduce a simple routine called Check-In/Check-Out (CICO). This slide opens the conversation—explain that CICO is like having a daily coach to help keep us on track.
What Is CICO?
- Morning Check-In: Set goals and get your Daily Behavior Tracker.
- Throughout the Day: Rate your behavior at key points.
- Afternoon Check-Out: Review your progress and plan for tomorrow.
Define the three core components of CICO. Emphasize teamwork—students and adults partner up.
Morning Check-In
• Happens first thing in the morning.
• You meet with an adult coach (teacher or aide).
• Review yesterday’s performance and set 1–2 goals for today.
• Receive your Daily Behavior Tracker.
Walk students through a sample morning check-in: greeting, goal review, giving tracker. Show enthusiasm.
Daily Behavior Tracking
• Your tracker has three check-points (before lunch, after lunch, end of day).
• At each point, you rate yourself on selected behaviors (e.g., participation, respect).
• Your adult coach signs off or gives quick feedback.
Explain how behavior points are recorded. Encourage honesty and remind that mistakes help us learn.
Afternoon Check-Out
• Meet with your coach again at day’s end.
• Review your ratings and celebrate strengths.
• Discuss ways to improve tomorrow.
• Write down your new plan or goal.
Outline the afternoon routine: positive feedback, reflect on goals, decide next steps.
Setting Your Goals
• Specific: “Use kind words” vs. “Be good.”
• Measurable: “Raise hand before speaking” each class.
• Achievable: Pick one or two behaviors.
• Positive: Focus on what you will do, not what you won’t do.
Help students understand SMART goals in simple terms. Give examples of clear, realistic targets.
Why CICO Matters
• Reduces surprises—everyone knows the plan.
• Provides regular check-ins so you don’t feel alone.
• Encourages you to reflect and improve daily.
• Builds a stronger connection between you and your coach.
Highlight why CICO works: consistent feedback, relationships, self-reflection.
Role-Play: Let’s Practice
• Volunteer A will be the student; Volunteer B will be the coach.
• Follow these steps:
- Greet and review yesterday’s tracker.
- Set today’s goal.
- (Fast-forward) Review today’s ratings and give feedback.
• Class watches and gives positive feedback.
Invite two volunteers to model a quick morning check-in and afternoon check-out. Use the script prompts to guide them.
Next Steps
• Your first real morning check-in is tomorrow.
• Keep your Tracker sheet in your binder or folder.
• Think of one goal you want to work on tonight.
• Any questions before we finish?
Prepare students for the first real check-in tomorrow. Remind them to bring their trackers and think about goals tonight.
Script
Teacher Launch Script: Welcome & Introduction
Teacher (smiling, enthusiastic): “Good morning, everyone! I’m so glad to see all of you today. Let’s settle in and get ready to learn something new that’s going to help each of us do our best every single day.
Teacher (pause for quiet): “Today, we’re talking about a routine called Check-In/Check-Out, or CICO for short. Can anyone guess what “check-in” reminds you of? Maybe when you check in at the airport or at the doctor’s office?
Possible Student Response: “When I go on a trip!”
Teacher: “Exactly! It’s a quick way to connect, share information, and make sure we’re ready for what comes next.”
Teacher: “So in our classroom, morning check-in will be a moment where you meet your adult coach—like me or one of our amazing aides—to set a goal for your day and grab your Daily Behavior Tracker. Then, we’ll pause a few times during the day to rate how we’re doing, and finish with an afternoon check-out to celebrate successes and plan for tomorrow.”
Teacher: “Why might this routine help us? Let’s think together:
- Helps us remember what we’re aiming for.
- Gives us feedback so we can celebrate wins or get quick support if we need it.
- Keeps us talking as a team—me, you, and our helpers—so nobody feels on their own.”
Teacher: “I want you to know that Check-In/Check-Out is not a punishment. It’s more like having your own personal coach cheering you on. We’re all working together to build positive habits, stay on track, and feel supported.”
Teacher (transitioning): “Now, let’s look at our first slide and see the three parts of CICO.
(Display CICO Overview Slides, Slide 1)
As we go through, think about how this might fit into our day. After we finish, you’ll even get to practice a mini check-in/check-out of your own!”
Teacher (smiles, enthusiastic): “Ready to see how the game changes when we team up this way? Let’s dive in!”
Activity
Expectation Mapping Exercise
Objective: Help students connect school expectations (Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible) to concrete examples and non-examples, reinforcing clarity for their Daily Behavior Tracker in the CICO system.
Time: 10 minutes
Materials:
- Printed Expectation Mapping chart for each pair (see table below)
- Colored pencils or markers
Steps
- Introduction (2 minutes)
- Remind the class of our three core expectations: Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible.
- Explain that today we’ll map out what each one looks like (examples) and what it doesn’t look like (non-examples).
- Pair Work (5 minutes)
- Form pairs and give each pair an Expectation Mapping chart.
- For each expectation, write one example (what you should do) and one non-example (something that breaks this expectation).
| Expectation | Example | Non-Example |
|---|---|---|
| Be Safe | ||
| Be Respectful | ||
| Be Responsible |
- Share-Out (3 minutes)
- Invite 2–3 pairs to share one example and one non-example from their chart.
- As pairs share, jot their ideas on the board so everyone can see a master list.
Follow-Up Questions
- How could we turn a non-example into a positive example?
- Which examples do you think will help you on your Daily Behavior Tracker today?
Teacher Tip: Highlight common misconceptions and praise creative, realistic examples. Reference these during CICO check-ins to reinforce expectations.
Worksheet
Daily Behavior Tracker
Date: ____________________________
Morning Check-In
My Goal 1 for today:
My Goal 2 for today (optional):
Coach Initials: ________________
Checkpoint Ratings
| Time | Self-Rating (circle one) | Coach Initials |
|---|---|---|
| Before Lunch | 1 Needs Work 2 OK 3 Great | ______________ |
| After Lunch | 1 Needs Work 2 OK 3 Great | ______________ |
| End of Day Review | 1 Needs Work 2 OK 3 Great | ______________ |
Afternoon Check-Out & Reflection
1. What went well today?
2. What could I improve tomorrow?
3. My goal for tomorrow:
Coach Feedback / Notes: