How does Morning Check-In address this crisis?
Morning Check-In allows a student to select a feeling and a reason on a student-specific page, using predefined choices rather than a typed message. One choice states, “I want to ask my teacher a question.” When the teacher reviews the dashboard, that particular request is displayed at the top with the chosen emotion for appropriate educator follow-up.
Students are identified with teacher-assigned numbers rather than names, but the teacher can link student numbers to individual children. Information is available only to users authorized by the school. The application is not a clinical detection tool or an emergency reporting or response system.
Introspection
Students take a breath and think about how they feel. The choices listed for each emotion help the student consider the reason for their feelings in more detail. The choice "I want to ask my teacher a question" lets them ask for validation or assistance.
Choosing a reason also gives kids an opportunity to let off steam when they're upset.
Detection
Teachers can immediately see which students need some extra TLC.
Time savings
The check-in takes students less than a minute each morning and educators can view the results immediately with a click. Students get in the habit of thinking about their emotional health without taking valuable time away from instruction.
Counselors, specialists, administrators, and other school personnel may access or receive student response information when the school or district has authorized their access and disclosure. School personnel are responsible for safeguarding downloaded reports and limiting further sharing to authorized educational purposes.
As a specialist, I definitely saw the benefits of tracking situations and emotions that I may not have been privy to otherwise.
- Innovation Specialist in Middleton MA Grades 3-6
Using Topical Storm as a daily check-in activity has proven to be highly beneficial for my students as well as myself because it provides a platform for students to express their feelings and emotions in a safe and supportive environment. This daily check-in activity helps students develop self-awareness and recognize the impact of their emotions on their learning and overall well-being.
- 6th grade teacher in Arlington MA
NEXT: What is the check-in like for students?
