The CharacterStrong Podcast

The Temperature Check: Three Questions That Help You Know How Students Are Really Doing - John Norlin

July 17, 2026·4 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Today, host John Norlin shares a practical classroom check-in strategy called the Temperature Check. Using three simple questions at the start of class, educators can get a quick read on how students are actually doing before instruction begins, and act on what they learn. He also explains why that information matters beyond academic readiness. Knowing where students are emotionally on any given day gives educators the opportunity to respond, connect, and support students in ways that going straight into content never allows. In this conversation, John offers important reminders for educators and leaders: Three questions at the start of class, a name, a one-to-five rating, and an optional reason, take almost no time and give educators information they would not otherwise have. A student who checks in low on a day they are normally high is information worth acting on, even without knowing the reason why. How many days did we not know what a student was carrying because we never asked? That question is worth sitting with. Learn More About CharacterStrong:  Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website

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