The Secret to Supporting Your Students? Check-Ins!
A few weeks ago the Shhhh It's Time to Listen: Teacher Tips for Centering Student Voice post It's NEVER too late to use Student Voice, we talked about the importance of even at the tail end of the year, student voice and student centered practices. In that post I spoke to the fact that one-on-one check-in is a powerful tool to strengthen relationships with students and in turn amplify student voice.
At this point in the year. I know what you're thinking, "Why should I do that? I see my students every day in class." Well, let me tell you, there's a lot more going on in your students' lives than what meets the eye.
Young people are going through a lot. They're overwhelmed with schoolwork, home life, relationships with friends and romantic partners, high school drama, and internal conflicts about how they look, dress, and show up in the world. It's a lot to handle, and they need someone to talk to.
That's where you come in. By doing 1-on-1 check-ins, you give your students the opportunity to see you in a new light and understand you on a deeper level. You also get to know them on a more personal level, check in on their mental health, and understand what support looks like for them as the end of the school year approaches.
Now, I know what you're thinking. "What kind of questions should I ask my students?" Don't worry, I've got you covered. Here are some questions to get you started:
How are you feeling about the end of the school year approaching?
What's been your favorite part of the school year so far?
What are your plans for the summer?
Are you feeling overwhelmed with any particular class or project? How can I help?
Are there any outside factors that are impacting your schoolwork or mental health that you'd like to talk about?
What does support look like for you to have the most successful end of the school year?
These are just a few examples, but the possibilities are endless. The important thing is to create a safe space for your students to open up and feel heard. Still not convinced, set a timer for 10 minutes and complete the following:
Take a deep breath
Think back to your high school experience: Were you on top of all your assignments all the time, did you feel seen and heard by all your teachers, did you ever have a teacher pull you aside to check-in when you were struggling?
Write it down: Would high school you benefit from a one-on-one check-in from a trusted and caring teacher?
If after that exercise you still think check-ins are a waste of time, it is what it is but I will never stop advocating for them because they are powerful.
So, whether your students are using class time to write essays, complete their final projects, or do independent work time in the coming weeks, make sure to create a check-in schedule and ask them a few questions. You never know what kind of impact you can make by simply taking the time to listen.
And remember, as much as it's important to take our work seriously, it's also important to laugh and have fun! So, take a moment to appreciate the ridiculousness of high school drama and remind your students that life goes on after graduation. Who knows, maybe you'll even get a good laugh out of it!
Until next time, stay curious, stay engaged, and stay positive.
