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Mood Meter Check-In

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Lesson Plan

Mood Meter Check-In

Students will complete a 10-minute Mood Meter Check-In survey rating their feelings about the start of the school year on a 1–5 scale and answering open-ended questions about needed supports, hopes, and desired changes, providing data to guide classroom community building and teacher planning.

Early insight into students’ feelings and needs fosters a supportive classroom environment, informs targeted Tier 1 supports, and helps teachers respond proactively to student well-being and engagement.

Audience

5th–8th Grade Students

Time

10 minutes

Approach

Student self-reflection via survey.

Materials

Prep

Survey Preparation

5 minutes

  • Review the Mood Meter Check-In Survey Template.
  • Print paper copies or confirm that the digital form link works correctly.
  • Ensure devices are charged and connected to the internet for digital completion.
  • Plan accommodations (e.g., reading questions aloud, providing translations, extra time) for students with IEPs, 504s, or language needs.

Step 1

Introduction

1 minute

  • Explain that today’s quick survey will help the teacher understand how everyone feels about the new school year.
  • Emphasize that honest answers are valued and responses are confidential.
  • Share that this information will guide supports, classroom activities, and follow-up check-ins.

Step 2

Rating Scale Review

1 minute

  • Display or read aloud the 1–5 Likert scale: 1 = Strongly Disagree, 2 = Disagree, 3 = Neutral, 4 = Agree, 5 = Strongly Agree.
  • Provide an example item (e.g., “I feel excited to be back at school”).
  • Clarify how to circle or select a number that best matches each statement.

Step 3

Survey Completion

7 minutes

  • Distribute paper surveys or share the digital link; ensure each student has what they need.
  • Instruct students to complete all rating and open-ended questions thoughtfully.
  • Offer accommodations: read questions aloud, assist ELLs, allow extra time, or provide larger-font copies as needed.

Step 4

Collection and Closing

1 minute

  • Collect paper surveys or verify that all digital submissions are received.
  • Thank students for their honest feedback.
  • Let them know you’ll review responses and follow up individually or as a class with supports and plans based on their input.
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Worksheet

Mood Meter Check-In Survey Template

Use this survey as part of the Mood Meter Check-In to help your teacher understand how you feel about the start of the school year.

Instructions

  • For each of the statements below, circle the number that best matches how you feel today.
    1 = Strongly Disagree 2 = Disagree 3 = Neutral 4 = Agree 5 = Strongly Agree

Part 1: Likert-Scale Questions

  1. I feel excited to be back at school.  Circle one: 1 2 3 4 5


  2. I feel prepared for my classes.  Circle one: 1 2 3 4 5


  3. I feel confident I can ask for help when I need it.  Circle one: 1 2 3 4 5


  4. I have the resources or supports I need to succeed.  Circle one: 1 2 3 4 5


  5. I feel nervous or anxious about returning to school.  Circle one: 1 2 3 4 5


  6. I feel connected to my classmates.  Circle one: 1 2 3 4 5


  7. I feel motivated to do my best this year.  Circle one: 1 2 3 4 5


  8. I feel comfortable asking questions in class.  Circle one: 1 2 3 4 5


Part 2: Open-Ended Questions

  1. What are you most looking forward to this school year?





  2. If you could change one thing about school this year, what would it be?





  3. Do you have any other thoughts or suggestions for your teacher?










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Slide Deck

Mood Meter Check-In

5th–8th Grade • 10-Minute Survey

Gather your thoughts so we can build a supportive classroom together!

Welcome everyone! Today we’re doing a quick Mood Meter Check-In to help me understand how you feel about the start of the school year. Explain that there are no right or wrong answers, emphasize honesty and confidentiality.

Why We’re Doing This

• To understand how you feel about being back at school
• To identify supports or resources you need
• To hear what you’re looking forward to and any changes you’d suggest

Read aloud: “I value your honest feedback. Your responses will guide classroom supports and future activities.”

Understanding the 1–5 Scale

1 = Strongly Disagree
2 = Disagree
3 = Neutral
4 = Agree
5 = Strongly Agree

Example: “I feel excited to be back at school.”

Explain each point clearly, give an example of circling a number. Invite questions if scale isn’t clear.

Time to Complete the Survey

• Use the printed or digital Mood Meter Survey Template
• Part 1: Circle your feeling (1–5)
• Part 2: Answer open-ended questions
• Ask for help or extra time if you need it

Distribute paper surveys or share the digital link now. Set a timer for 7 minutes. Circulate to offer help and accommodations.

Thank You & Next Steps

• Thank you for your honest feedback!
• I’ll review responses and share supports or activities soon
• Let’s keep open communication all year

Collect all paper surveys or verify digital submissions. Thank students and explain when they’ll see follow-up.

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