The Power of an Emotional Check In

Tamara Irving
Emotional check-ins might look different for each student, but what happens when you have those students who are unwilling or resistant to check in? How do you make sure that they are okay?

There are many ways you can still check in with them but you may have to think outside the box in doing so. In a virtual setting you are able to check in with a private chat or send them a message on a school approved app. Sometimes choosing a different path to reach those students in a creative way will open up the opportunity for them to actually talk back. While private chatting is a direct approach, what should you even say. Remember a simple “how can I support you today” may work miracles.
Emotional check ins are important because so much has changed for ourselves and for our students in a short amount of time and it’s important to normalize communication of their feelings. Once they are able to recognize how they are feeling, the conversation can open up to how to manage those feelings.

Here are a few other alternative ways to check in with resistance students, by asking these questions.

  • What do you have time for this week?
  • What was your peak and valley today?
  • What has given you joy this week?
  • What have you learned about yourself this week?
  • What are you most grateful for?
  • What music has inspired you during the pandemic?
  • If you were a song, what would your title be today?

These are only a few ways to engage your students and to attempt to reach out to your resistant students. Checking in doesn’t have to look the same each day or in each class, find some creative ways to engage all of your students and make sure they are ok and if they need support. 

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