Check In · Reflect & Reset
Star Rating + One-Line Review
Rate the week one to five stars and give it a one-line review.
Time3–5 minutes
Group size2+ people
FormatIndividual, Table groups, Whole group
MaterialsNone, Optional index cards or shared chat
What this accomplishes
Participants borrow the language of product reviews to describe the week: “Two stars, would not recommend.”
- 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 index cards or shared chat
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
“Give this week one to five stars and one short review. Keep it general, not about a person. Passing is always fine.”
How to run it
- 1
Give ten seconds to choose a rating and write one sentence.
- 2
Share at tables or post all responses at once in chat.
- 3
Keep each review under ten seconds if spoken.
- 4
Enjoy the language, do not rank reviews, and begin the agenda.
Prompts to use
__ out of 5 stars
One-line review: …
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
Share the visual and invite a number, color, icon, or private chat response. Cameras and explanations stay optional.
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 familiar review frame gives difficult weeks a little distance and makes concise honesty feel safer.
Watch out for
- Keep reviews about the week, not a colleague, student, family, or identifiable event.
- 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.