Check In · Reflect & Reset
Today’s Headline
Write the local-paper headline that would run about your week.
Time3–5 minutes
Group size2+ people
FormatIndividual, Table groups, Whole group
MaterialsIndex cards, sticky notes, or chat
What this accomplishes
A specific, lightly humorous headline check-in: “Teacher Locates Missing Laminator, Loses Planning Period.”
- Give the facilitator a quick read of the room
- Let participants enter the agenda without a long round of updates
Before you begin
Materials
- Index cards, sticky notes, or 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
“Write the local-paper headline about your week. Keep it school-appropriate, protect names and details, and pass if you prefer.”
How to run it
- 1
Give everyone thirty seconds to write one headline.
- 2
Share at tables or post simultaneously in chat.
- 3
Do not ask for the full story behind a headline.
- 4
Notice patterns and begin the agenda.
Prompts to use
Local Educator…
Unexpected Development at…
After Long Search…
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 headline compresses the week into one memorable signal and gives participants control over how much context they reveal.
Watch out for
- Exclude student names, confidential events, and headlines aimed at real people.
- 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.