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Quick Check-In

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Arrunna Galuh

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Quick Check-In Outline

In this 5-minute Quick Check-In, 7th graders will self-assess their current stress levels, share coping strategies with a partner, and set a focused one-word intention to enhance self-management and readiness.

Building daily habits of self-awareness and emotional regulation helps students manage stress, improve engagement, and create a positive classroom climate.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

5 minutes

Approach

Guided self-rating, peer sharing, and personal goal-setting

Materials

  • Stress Scale Slides, - Check-In Question Script, - Pair & Share Strategies, and - One-Word Intention Guide

Prep

Gather and Review Materials

10 minutes

  • Open or print the Stress Scale Slides.
  • Review the prompts in the Check-In Question Script.
  • Familiarize yourself with guidelines in the Pair & Share Strategies.
  • Preview examples in the One-Word Intention Guide.
  • Ensure any necessary display technology is ready.

Step 1

Introduction

1 minute

  • Teacher: Display the Stress Scale Slides and explain that this quick routine helps everyone recognize and regulate their stress before learning begins.
  • Students: Listen and prepare to reflect on how they feel right now.

Step 2

Rate Stress Level

1 minute

  • Teacher: Guide students to look at the scale and silently pick a number that matches their current stress level.
  • Students: Rate yourself on the 1–5 scale (1 = very calm, 5 = very stressed) using the Stress Scale Slides.

Step 3

Pair & Share

1 minute

  • Teacher: Instruct students to turn to a partner and follow the prompts from the Check-In Question Script.
  • Students: Take turns sharing your stress rating and one strategy you use, using the Pair & Share Strategies to keep the exchange respectful and focused.

Step 4

Set Intention

1 minute

  • Teacher: Ask students to choose one word that represents their intention for today’s lesson (e.g., 'Focus,' 'Breathe'). Reference the One-Word Intention Guide for examples.
  • Students: Reflect silently, then share your one-word intention aloud or keep it in mind if you prefer.

Step 5

Transition to Lesson

1 minute

  • Teacher: Acknowledge students’ participation, reinforce the value of their intentions, and smoothly transition to the next lesson activity.
  • Students: Carry your one-word intention into the upcoming lesson activities.
lenny

Lesson Plan

Quick Check-In Outline

In this 5-minute routine, 7th graders will self-assess stress using a 1–5 scale, share coping strategies with a partner, and set a one-word intention to boost focus and self-management.

Building habits of self-awareness and emotional regulation empowers students to manage stress, improve engagement, and foster a calm, positive classroom climate before learning begins.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

5 minutes

Approach

Guided self-rating, peer sharing, and individual goal-setting

Materials

  • Stress Scale Slides, - Check-In Question Script, - Pair & Share Strategies, and - One-Word Intention Guide

Prep

Gather and Review Materials

10 minutes

  • Open or print the Stress Scale Slides.
  • Review the prompts in the Check-In Question Script.
  • Familiarize yourself with guidelines in the Pair & Share Strategies.
  • Preview examples in the One-Word Intention Guide.
  • Ensure any necessary display technology is ready.

Step 1

Introduction

1 minute

  • Display the Stress Scale Slides and explain that this routine helps everyone recognize and regulate stress before learning begins.
  • Ask students to listen and reflect on how they feel right now.

Step 2

Rate Stress Level

1 minute

  • Guide students to look at the scale and silently choose a number (1 = very calm to 5 = very stressed) that matches their current stress level.
  • Students rate themselves using the Stress Scale Slides.

Step 3

Pair & Share

1 minute

  • Instruct students to turn to a partner and follow the prompts in the Check-In Question Script.
  • Students share their rating and one coping strategy, using the Pair & Share Strategies to keep the exchange respectful and focused.

Step 4

Set Intention

1 minute

  • Ask students to choose one word that represents their intention for today’s lesson (e.g., “Focus,” “Breathe”) with examples from the One-Word Intention Guide.
  • Students reflect silently, then share their one-word intention aloud or keep it in mind privately.

Step 5

Transition to Lesson

1 minute

  • Acknowledge students’ participation, reinforce the value of their intentions, and smoothly transition to the next lesson activity.
  • Students carry their one-word intention into the upcoming lesson.
lenny

Slide Deck

Stress Scale 1–5

Take a moment to notice how you feel right now and pick a number from 1 to 5. Use the faces and colors to guide you.

Today’s quick routine uses a simple scale so every student can privately gauge their stress. Say: “We’ll use this scale to notice how we feel before class starts. No right or wrong—just be honest with yourself.”

Levels 1 & 2: Calm

1 – Very Calm 🟢
• Relaxed, ready to learn

2 – Calm 🟢
• Comfortable with a bit of energy

Point to each icon as you explain. Say: “Levels 1 and 2 are our calm zones. If you feel relaxed or just slightly energized, choose 1 or 2.”

Level 3: Moderate

3 – Moderate Stress 🟡
• Some tension or distraction, but still okay to learn

Emphasize that level 3 is neutral. Say: “Level 3 means you have some tension or butterflies—that’s okay too.”

Levels 4 & 5: Stressed

4 – High Stress 🟠
• Feeling tense or worried

5 – Very Stressed 🔴
• Overwhelmed; difficulty focusing

Notice how the colors warm up. Say: “If you’re at a 4 or 5, consider a quick strategy to help you reset.”

lenny

Script

Check-In Question Script

Teacher Script for Pair & Share (1 minute total):

  1. Teacher: “Okay, everyone—turn to a partner next to you and face them.”
  2. Teacher: “We’re going to share two things with each other:
    1. Your stress rating from 1 to 5.
    2. One strategy you use to manage or reset when you notice that stress level.”
  3. Teacher: “Partner A, you go first. Say exactly:
    ‘My number is __ because ___. One thing I do when I feel that way is ___.’”
  4. Teacher: “Partner B, follow our Pair & Share Strategies by listening respectfully. If you want more detail, ask:
    ‘Could you tell me more about how that helps you?’”
  5. Teacher: “After 20 seconds, I’ll say ‘Switch.’ Then Partner B will share, and Partner A will listen.”
  6. Teacher: “Ready? Go!”




Timing Note:
• 20 seconds for Partner A to share and Partner B to ask a quick follow-up
• Signal “Switch” (20 seconds for Partner B)
• Wrap up with a nod and reminder of what you heard

Teacher Closing Prompt (after 1 minute):
“Great work—thank you for listening so respectfully. Let’s bring our attention back to the front.”

lenny
lenny

Discussion

Pair & Share Strategies

Use these simple guidelines to keep your conversation respectful, focused, and within our time frame.

1. Prepare to Listen

  • Face your partner and make eye contact.
  • Put away distractions (e.g., phones, pencils down).
  • Decide who is Partner A (will share first) and Partner B.

2. Share Clearly

  • Speaker uses “I” statements:
    • “My number is __ because __.”
    • “One strategy I use when I feel that way is __.”
  • Keep your share to about 20 seconds.

3. Listen Respectfully

  • Listener maintains eye contact and nods.
  • Do not interrupt.
  • If you’d like more detail, ask one quick follow-up question:
    • “Could you tell me more about how that helps you?”

4. Switch Roles

  • After 20 seconds, Partner A says “Switch.”
  • Now Partner B shares for 20 seconds while Partner A listens.

5. Close & Transition

  • Thank your partner for sharing.
  • Keep your partner’s strategy in mind—this is for you both to use today.
  • Bring your attention back to the front when the teacher signals.

By following these steps, you’ll help each other feel heard and build a calm start to our lesson!

lenny
lenny

Cool Down

One-Word Intention Guide

A one-word intention helps you focus and stay calm during our lesson. When you pick a single word, it’s easier to remember and bring your attention back when you feel distracted or stressed.

Why a One-Word Intention?

  • Keeps your goal simple and clear
  • Serves as a quick mental reset during challenging moments
  • Encourages self-management and positive mindsets

Examples of One-Word Intentions:

  • Focus – Keep your attention on the task at hand
  • Breathe – Remember to take a deep breath when you feel tension
  • Calm – Stay relaxed, open, and ready to learn
  • Listen – Give your full attention to others and to instructions
  • Try – Emphasize effort and growth, even when it’s hard

Now, it’s your turn!

My one-word intention for today’s lesson is:



I chose this word because:






When everyone has their word, quietly hold it in your mind. We’ll carry this intention into our lesson for the next 45 minutes.

lenny
lenny