Check In · Reflect & Reset
Song of the Week
Name one song title that describes the week—no explanation unless you choose.
Time2–5 minutes
Group size2+ people
FormatIndividual, Table groups, Whole group
MaterialsNone, Optional projected prompt
What this accomplishes
A low-exposure check-in that can grow into a yearlong team playlist for work time or informal gatherings.
- Give the facilitator a quick read of the room
- Let participants enter the agenda without a long round of updates
Before you begin
Materials
- None
- Optional projected prompt
Preparation
- Display the prompt
- Decide whether responses will be silent, written, or spoken
- Plan to answer first and model an honest pass early in the year
What to say
“Name one song title that describes your week. No explanation unless you volunteer one, and passing is fine.”
How to run it
- 1
Give ten seconds to choose a title.
- 2
Share at tables or post titles in chat.
- 3
Keep explanations optional and brief.
- 4
Add songs to a shared playlist only with permission.
Prompts to use
My song of the week is…
Adapt it to the room
Small group
Use one fast round. The facilitator answers first, and everyone may pass without explanation.
Large group
Run it simultaneously at tables or collect a silent room-wide signal; do not hear every response from the microphone.
Virtual
Use chat, a shared board, or a tightly timed verbal round. Private messages and passing remain available.
Accessibility & inclusion
- Display and read the prompt aloud.
- Allow speaking, writing, pointing, chat, or passing with equal status.
- Never require eye contact, an explanation, or a public follow-up.
Why it works—and what can go wrong
Why it works
A cultural reference provides expressive shorthand and can create a warm running record of the team's year.
Watch out for
- Do not play or publish a song without checking school appropriateness and participant consent.
- Follow up privately after the meeting; the check-in identifies where support may be needed but is not the support itself.
- Do not reward upbeat answers or treat a difficult answer as a public discussion prompt.