From Check-In to Check-Out: A Classroom Routine that Works
What if a five-minute routine could build stronger student relationships and ownership of learning? That’s exactly what science teacher Julie Selep of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, achieves with her “dashboard activity.”
At the beginning of each week, students complete a quick “check-in” in their science notebooks:
How are you feeling today?
What is one goal you have this week?
Who can help you reach your goal?
Julie collects these notebooks, reads every response, and writes back. Her short messages let students know she’s listening and that their voices matter. At the end of the week, students “check out” by reflecting on how they feel and whether they reached their goal.
Her students love this activity and look forward to it each week. When Julie introduces new prompts, they see it as a chance to pause, reflect, and share a piece of themselves. The notebook becomes more than an assignment—it’s a conversation with their teacher. For many students, that personal connection makes the activity one of the highlights of their week.
How This Reflects the NEIR Model ©
Normalize – Julie takes time to understand what students bring with them into the classroom—whether it’s their emotions, personal challenges, or outside responsibilities—so that learning starts with their reality.
Empower – By writing goals and receiving personal feedback, students gain ownership over their growth and feel supported by their teacher.
Inclusive – Every student, regardless of confidence level, gets the same opportunity to be heard. The notebook provides a safe space for quieter voices.
Relevant – Weekly “check-outs” give students time to pause and reflect on what they’ve learned about themselves and their growth—an important step in moving forward with purpose.
The NEIR model is important because it provides a clear framework for building classrooms where students feel seen, supported, and motivated. It helps teachers design learning environments that go beyond content, fostering trust, connection, and real engagement—the foundation of highly effective teaching. Practices like Julie’s dashboard activity embody this model in action, showing how small routines can have a big impact on both learning and belonging.
Even if physical notebooks aren’t available, this practice can be adapted in many ways. Teachers might use digital tools like Google Forms, Padlet, or a classroom management platform to create weekly check-ins. Others could set aside time for short reflection slips, sticky notes on a “goal wall,” or even voice recordings for students who prefer speaking over writing. The format matters less than the message—what’s most important is giving students a consistent space to share their feelings, set goals, and know their teacher is truly listening.
Small Changes. Big Impact. Julie’s dashboard activity is a reminder that highly effective teaching doesn’t always require new programs or big initiatives. Sometimes, it’s the small routines that build the deepest trust and make the greatest difference.
