Compass Exit Tickets
Compass Check-In
Weekly Mind Journal
Name:
Date:
Monday
Competency 1: Self-Awareness
Focus: My Mood & Mind
1
Emotion Weather Map
How does your mind feel right now? Circle the weather icon that best matches your mood, then explain why in the space below.
Sunny & Bright
Calm & Cloudy
Rainy & Slow
Windy & Busy
2
Inside My Center
What thought, feeling, or memory is taking up the most space in your head today? Write or sketch it inside the compass ring below.
N
S
W
E
3
Strength Spotlight
Name one strength or positive quality (like kindness, curiosity, persistence, or humor) you showed today. How did it help you?
"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom." Page 1 of 5
Compass Check-In
Weekly Mind Journal
Name:
Date:
Tuesday
Competency 2: Self-Management
Focus: My Focus & Calm
1
Energy & Focus Battery
Where is your energy level right now? Check the box that represents your focus, and write what you need to balance yourself.
1. Drained
2. Low Energy
3. Calm & Ready
4. Focused
5. Hyperactive
2
My Anchor Strategy
When you feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or tired, which self-regulation technique is most helpful to anchor you? Check one and write a sentence about how it works.
Deep Breathing
Quiet Walk/Stretch
Positive Self-Talk
3
My Mini-Compass Goal
What is one specific action you can take today or tomorrow to keep yourself moving in the right direction? (e.g., clearing your desk, turning in homework, drinking water, getting to sleep early).
"You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength." Page 2 of 5
Compass Check-In
Weekly Mind Journal
Name:
Date:
Wednesday
Competency 3: Social Awareness
Focus: My Connection & Care
1
Walking in Their Boots
Think of a teammate, class classmate, or teacher who did something unexpected today. What might they have been feeling or experiencing? Write down a scenario from their point of view.
2
Empathy & Action
Think about how kindness travels in our school. Fill out the connection chart below:
A kindness I gave or witnessed today:
A kindness I received today:
3
Class Climate Reflection
What is something our class community is doing well to make everyone feel included? What is one area where we can be more respectful or appreciative of our differences?
"Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another." Page 3 of 5
Compass Check-In
Weekly Mind Journal
Name:
Date:
Thursday
Competency 4: Relationship Skills
Focus: My Team & Talk
1
Communication Radar
How would you describe your communication in group work or conversations today? Circle one level on the radar and explain why.
Active Speaker I spoke up, shared ideas, and guided the team.
Active Listener I focused on other people's ideas and valued them.
Cooperative Builder I combined ideas, worked collaboratively, and compromise.
2
Navigating Collaboration
Did you face any moments of disagreement or tension with a classmate today? How did you respond, or how could you handle it constructively next time?
3
The Gratitude Signal
Write a quick, heartfelt note or shout-out thanking someone in this class who made your day better or helped you out today.
To: From:
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." Page 4 of 5
Compass Check-In
Weekly Mind Journal
Name:
Date:
Friday
Competency 5: Responsible Decision-Making
Focus: My Choices & Growth
1
Choice Evaluation
Reflect on a decision you made today (such as what to do during free time, how to handle a distraction, or choosing to help someone). What were the results of that choice?
The Decision I Made:
The Consequence (Outcome):
2
Problem Solving
Describe an obstacle or challenge you faced this week. How did you handle it, and what did you learn from how you solved it?
3
My Weekend Compass
What is one healthy, positive, or responsible choice you will make this weekend to recharge your battery and take care of your body or mind?
"We are our choices." Page 5 of 5
Compass Slide Deck
DAILY CLASSROOM ROUTINE
CASEL SEL CURRICULUM
The Daily Compass Check-In
A 5-minute daily space to navigate your feelings, connect with teammates, and steer your week in the right direction.
Monday - Friday 5 Minutes Daily Ready to Print & Project
Ready to Begin? Next Slide →
How We Navigate Our Week
Weekly Structure
Monday
Self-Awareness
Checking in with your weather mood, recognizing what's on your mind, and finding your inner strengths.
Mood & Mind
Tuesday
Self-Management
Measuring focus levels, checking in on energy, using calm strategies, and setting targets.
Focus & Calm
Wednesday
Social Awareness
Stepping into other boots, practicing deep empathy, tracking kindness, and supporting class safety.
Connection & Care
Thursday
Relationship Skills
Reflecting on team communication, solving active conflicts, and sending gratitude shout-outs.
Team & Talk
Friday
Responsible Choices
Evaluating your outcomes, breaking down problem-solving, and establishing solid weekend goals.
Choices & Growth
Get your Daily Compass Journals ready! Slide 2 of 8
Monday
Self-Awareness Check-In
Focus: Mood & Mind
1 What's your emotion weather?
Take a moment to close your eyes. Are you feeling Sunny (calm, energetic), Cloudy (neutral, peaceful), Rainy (tired, down), or Windy (busy, restless)? Write your explanation on page 1.
2 Inside Your Center & Strengths
What is the single biggest topic occupying your mind today? Write it down, and highlight one positive quality you are bringing to class today to navigate it.
Navigating Monday
Understanding how you feel at the start of the week is like looking at your map before starting a hike. There are no "good" or "bad" moods—every emotion gives us useful information.
Journal focus: Page 1
Compass Routine © 2026 Slide 3 of 8
Tuesday
Self-Management Check-In
Focus: Focus & Calm
Steering Tuesday
Knowing your energy level helps you pick the right tools to navigate. If your energy is super high, maybe you need deep breathing. If it is low, maybe you need an organizing step or hydration.
Compass Teacher Guide
Teacher Resource
Compass Check-In Facilitation Guide
Daily Routine Plan
The Compass Check-In Philosophy
The Compass Check-In is a daily 5-minute routine mapping directly to the five CASEL competencies. By establishing a predictable cadence, students build an emotional vocabulary and core self-reflection habits. For teachers, these journals serve as a critical diagnostic tool to monitor emotional health in real time.
Weekly Cadence & Pacing
| Day | CASEL Competency | Focus Area | Daily Facilitation Question |
|---|
| Monday | Self-Awareness | Mood & Mindset | "What weather represents your mind's state?" |
| Tuesday | Self-Management | Focus & Calming | "What tools are you using to balance energy today?" |
| Wednesday | Social Awareness | Connection & Empathy | "How can we view today from another perspective?" |
| Thursday | Relationship Skills | Teamwork & Gratitude | "How did you cooperate, and who gets a shout-out?" |
| Friday | Responsible Choices | Evaluation & Growth | "What consequences came from your choices today?" |
Daily 3-Step Facilitation Plan
1. Project Slide
Project the matching day's slide from the Compass Slide Deck. Give students 1 minute of silence to read the prompt.
2. Quiet Reflection
Students spend 3 minutes completing the three prompts on their printed sheet. Play soft background music.
3. Pair/Share
Provide 1 minute to share their Thursday gratitude notes or Friday goals with a partner if they choose to.
Creating an Emotionally Safe Space
- The Right to Pass: Never force a student to read their journal aloud. Safety relies on personal control.
- Non-Judgmental Response: Validate all mental weather (e.g., "Rainy"). Do not immediately press them to "be happy."
- Model Vulnerability: Share your own mental weather occasionally (e.g., "I am feeling a little Cloudy today").
Compass Teacher Guide • Facilitation & Standards Page 1 of 2
Teacher Resource
Compass Diagnostic & Rubric
Assessment Plan
