Mentor Chat Protocol Teacher Guide
Mentor Chat Protocol
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Tier 3 Support
Time
6 minutes daily (3 min morning / 3 min afternoon)
Audience
8th Grade Students (Individual)
Approach
Structured CICO (Check-In / Check-Out)
Why This Works
Consistent, brief mentor chats boost self-awareness, engagement, and on-task behavior. Quick goal-setting and reflection support students with Tier 3 needs in staying on track by providing immediate feedback and a predictable support structure.
Teacher Preparation
- Review the full Mentor Chat Protocol daily.
- Familiarize yourself with the Script.
- Print the Quick Support Checklist.
- Identify a quiet, private space for chats.
Materials Needed
Opening & Closing Script
Provided as a separate material
Quick Support Checklist
Daily worksheet for student work
Instructional Steps
Follow this structured routine for every session to build predictability and trust.
1
Morning Check-In
3 Minutes
-
Greet: Use opening lines from the Script. Maintain a welcoming and non-judgmental tone.
-
Self-Rate: Have the student complete the top section of the Checklist by self-rating their readiness (1-5) and identifying one specific behavior goal.
-
Focus: Discuss today’s target behavior or academic focus. Note it clearly on the worksheet.
-
Problem Solve: Offer a brief motivational prompt and ask if any concerns need quick problem-solving before they enter the classroom environment.
2
Afternoon Check-Out
3 Minutes
-
Welcome Back: Greet the student using the closing lines from the Script. Re-establish rapport.
-
Review: Review the student's end-of-day self-ratings on the Checklist. Compare their perspective with your observations.
-
Reinforce: Provide positive reinforcement for successes, no matter how small. Suggest one concrete strategy for any challenges faced.
-
Plan: Set a brief next-step plan or goal for tomorrow. End with an encouraging closing remark to send them home on a high note.
Mentor Chat Script
Mentor Chat Scripts
Daily Opening & Closing Facilitation
Tier 3 Support 60 Seconds Each
Morning Check-In Greeting
START OF CLASS
Speaker
Teacher
“Good morning, [Student Name]! It’s great to see you today. Let’s take a quick minute to check in. How are you feeling right now, on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 is ‘I’m not ready’ and 5 is ‘I’m totally ready’?”
Action
Pause for student response
Teacher
“Awesome—thank you for sharing. Today our focus is on [Target Behavior/Academic Skill]. What’s one goal you’d like to set for yourself today around that?”
Action
Listen and acknowledge
Teacher
“That sounds like a solid goal. Remember, if you need a quick strategy or a reminder, just let me know. You’ve got this! Anything you’re worried about before we head into class?”
If student shares a concern (1-2 sentences):
“Thanks for letting me know. Try taking three deep breaths and refocusing on your goal if you feel stuck. You’re ready to have a great day!”
“Alright, let’s go show today what you can do. I believe in you!”
Afternoon Check-Out Closing
END OF CLASS
Speaker
Teacher
“Hi again, [Student Name]! Let’s wrap up our day with a quick check-out. How would you rate your effort today on that goal from 1 to 5?”
Action
Pause for rating
Teacher
“Great. Tell me one thing you did well today.”
Action
Celebrate success
Teacher
“That’s excellent. Now, what was one challenge you faced?”
Action
Listen compassionately
Teacher
“Thank you for sharing. Next time, try [One Simple Strategy] when that happens. You’re making real progress!”
“Tomorrow, let’s aim to [Next-Day Goal]. Have a restful afternoon, and I’m proud of your effort today. See you then!”
Quick Support Checklist Worksheet
Quick Support Checklist
Daily Log Minute Mentor Protocol
Student Name
Date
Morning Check-In
1. How ready am I to learn today?
1
Not Ready
2
3
Getting There
4
5
Totally Ready
2. My target behavior or skill for today:
3. My goal for today:
Teacher Initials
Afternoon Check-Out
4. How would I rate my effort today?
1
2
3
4
5
5. One thing I did well today:
6. A challenge I faced today:
7. Strategy I will try next time:
8. My goal for tomorrow:
Teacher Comments & Encouragement: