First Days of School and BEYOND...Relationships MATTER

One of the most valuable things I discovered as a first year teacher was that relationships are key to learning.  I am extremely thankful for the opportunity that I had for Google to capture this in a short video to demonstrate how Google Forms helped me to build relationships with students.  While what students shared with me was in Google Forms was helpful, it was the fact that it opened up a line of communication with students that was most important.  Students felt comfortable talking to me and giving me feedback in person as a result.  Some of the information that they provided me also became excellent conversation starters in class.  The questions listed below were questions that I have asked students in the past.  I did not have trouble with students leaving their names.  Ultimately, all of this helped to reinforce that I care as a teacher which was a game changer in terms of engagement.


Beginning of the Year
What is your name?
Which class period are you in? [drop down of choices]
I am looking forward to (class name) this year?  Agree/Disagree
What is/are your goals for (class name)?  What do you want to get out of this course?
What are your questions or concerns about this class?
What are your strengths?
What are your weaknesses?
Do you work?
If you answered yes, how many hours do you work per week?
What is something you would like to tell me about yourself?  Is there anything you feel that is important that I know about you?
Which extracurricular activities do you participate in at (school name)?
What are your plans for after high school?
What can I do to help you succeed in this course?
What would you like to see/learn in this course?

End of the Year Checkpoint
What is your name?  FIRST AND LAST PLEASE
What went well for you this year in (teacher’s name) class?
What could have gone better for you in this class?
What is one of your favorite memories/activities from class?
How are things going for you in other classes?
What are some suggestions you have for your teacher for next year?
What did you learn this year that you can take with you in other areas of life?  (It doesn't have to be school)
What is something you would like to tell students who are taking this class next year?
What are your summer plans?

End of Term Checkpoint
What is your name?  FIRST AND LAST PLEASE
Which class period are you in? [drop down of choices]
What went well for you this term in (teacher’s name) class?
What could have gone better for you in this class?
What would you like to see MORE of?
What would you like to see LESS of?
Do you think we should continue to collect homework the day of the test?  Explain.
What are some suggestions you have for your teacher for next term?
Do you take advantage of reassessment opportunities?  Why or why not?
How are things going for you in other classes?
What did you learn this year that you can take with you in other areas of life?  (Doesn't have to be school)
What is something you would like to tell students who are taking this class next year?

Benchmark Checkpoint
What is your name?  First and last please.
How do you think you did on the "Celebration of Learning"?
What did you do to prepare yourself?
What else could you have done to prepare?  Are you putting in a maximum amount of effort?  What could you do to improve that?
What can I do to help you be more successful?
It's the start of a new term!  How are things going in other classes outside of (class name)?
What are you passionate about?
Which (class name) topics are you passionate about/interested in?
What are your goals for term 2?
How can I help you achieve them?
Were you eligible to reassess on your first benchmark?
Did you take advantage of the opportunity to reassess?

Checkpoint
What is your name?  FIRST AND LAST PLEASE!
Which class Period are you in?
Do you ENJOY coming to chemistry class?  EXPLAIN.
What do you enjoy about chemistry class?  EXPLAIN.
What do you dislike about chemistry class?  EXPLAIN.
Are you happy with your grade?  Explain.
What could you do to improve your grade in the future?
Are you putting in your maximum amount of effort?  What could you do differently to make sure that you are successful?
Is there anything that I can do to help you or do differently to make sure that you are successful?
How are things going in other classes?
What are your plans for winter break?
What is going well for you in (class name)?
What could be going better for you in (class name)?
What do you like/dislike about the course?  What can I do to make the course better?
Is there anything I can do to help you?
How are things going outside of our class (ie other classes, sports, after school activities)?
What is one thing that you’re looking forward to within the next few weeks?

Mid-Year Checkpoint
What is your name?  FIRST AND LAST PLEASE
Which class Period are you in?
How are things going for you in THIS class?
What would you like to see changed/different in this class?
How are things going for your other classes?  In Life?
What was the most exciting thing you did during winter break?
What are your goals for the remainder of the school year?
This could be science related or related to your everyday life, or other classes.
What can I do to help you meet these goals?
What motivates you to do well?
How can I motivate you to do well?
What are you looking forward to in the next few weeks?

Motivation Checkpoint
What is your name?  FIRST AND LAST PLEASE!
What motivates you to do well in life?
What motivates you to do well in school?
What motivates you to do well in my class?
How do your teachers motivate you to do well?
What do you need to succeed in my class?
What does a successful learner do?
How often do you study/ revisit concepts/view targets outside of class?
How many times per week?  Never?
What are your goals for the remainder of the year?
What can I do to help you succeed?  What would you like to see changed in class?
How are things going in other classes?  In life?
What is something that you are looking forward to?


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