This simple check-in form can be used each school day, whether it is a virtual school day OR an in-person school day. Quickly gauge how your whole class or a specific student is doing. It takes less than a minute for students to fill out the form, and only a few for you to check the responses. Daily check-ins are a powerful way to let your students know you care about their well being and allow you a quick way to gauge who may need some additional attention or a little TLC to get their day off to a good start.
It goes without saying but I am saying it anyway, the key to the form’s success is your commitment to checking individual responses each time it is sent to students. Nothing is worse than asking someone how they are doing then not taking the time to read what they say in their response. It’s sort of like walking by someone and asking “How are you?” then continuing to walk away as they reply, with their response going unheard. So, please don’t ask if you don’t want to know. Only use this form if/when you are truly wanting students to check-in with you, which is a two-way relationship that includes you!
For the form to be effective, put perimeters around how it is used. Whether you are using it in an actual classroom or during a Zoom or Google Meet meeting, explain the use of the form before sending it to students so they understand the intent. Follow up in a timely manner with students whose answers were of concern. Follow-ups can be quick “touching base” conversations that last a minute or two or may result in a need for additional support through the counselor or a second follow-up from you in an hour.
These are Google Forms, one for K-2 students that does not require reading, and a 3rd-5th grade form that goes into more detail regarding the students’ academic and social/emotional status. Both forms automatically collect data as the forms are completed by students.
