Recently, I've been exploring the concepts of trauma-informed schools and social emotional learning (linked to great articles on both). The deeper I dig, the more I come back to the concept that our little kiddos at school are real people. It might seem simple, but it is so profound. They are not tiny-adults, they are not antecedents and reinforcers. They are complex with feelings and ideas and hopes and dreams. So what can we do to honor where they are?
It can start as simple as asking them. I used to work with a teacher who kept a stack of blue and yellow cards next to the homework basket. As students turned in their homework, they would select a blue card if they were feeling down and a yellow card if they were feeling positive. They would place their cards on their desk as they did morning work. Throughout the day, the teacher would make sure that she was able to check in with all of the blue cards to see what was going on with them. She even made time to celebrate with her yellow cards. It was simple and easy to maintain but it sent a strong message to your students that she cared about what was going on with them.
It can start as simple as asking them. I used to work with a teacher who kept a stack of blue and yellow cards next to the homework basket. As students turned in their homework, they would select a blue card if they were feeling down and a yellow card if they were feeling positive. They would place their cards on their desk as they did morning work. Throughout the day, the teacher would make sure that she was able to check in with all of the blue cards to see what was going on with them. She even made time to celebrate with her yellow cards. It was simple and easy to maintain but it sent a strong message to your students that she cared about what was going on with them.
This idea inspired me to create a mood clip chart. This clip chart could be used in both the counselor's office and a classroom. In the counselor's office, the counselor could use number clips to maintain confidentiality. I envision using the chart at the beginning of each group session by student's clipping their mood. In individual counseling sessions, you could assign a student a certain number so that they can move their clip each time they enter your office. In the classroom, a teacher could have students clip their number, name or picture on the chart as they walk in. The clip chart could also be used during morning meetings.
It's a simple idea, and sometimes those are best. If you're interested, I've created the clip chart for you in my TPT store. It includes 3 different color schemes, number tags, and editable name tags for clips. Just in case you've already posted your amazing MAP It Out wall, I made sure to use a complimentary color scheme.
It's a simple idea, and sometimes those are best. If you're interested, I've created the clip chart for you in my TPT store. It includes 3 different color schemes, number tags, and editable name tags for clips. Just in case you've already posted your amazing MAP It Out wall, I made sure to use a complimentary color scheme.
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What creative ways do you check in with your students? I'd love to hear your ideas! Comment below or give me a shout out on instagram, facebook, or twitter. I'd love to hear from you :)
