If you know me at all, then you know that I am not a fan of icebreakers. While I realize their value and am aware of the research on their use, they still can make me feel uncomfortable. That’s why I was not really excited when I discovered the Daresay Check-In Generator. But then I started using it and my attitude quickly changed.
What Is the Daresay Check-In Generator?
The group that created this free online tool use the check-ins to “start meetings and workshops. This gives us room to remind ourselves that we’re all human” and focus on what they are doing as a team. But coming up with a new icebreaker or thought question every time can get tiring. So they invented “filter cards” that anyone can use. Check out their blog on why.
Once you go to the website, you can simply swipe left or right and you’re given a random question to answer and share with someone else or the whole team. Questions might be “If you could rename yourself, what name would you pick?” or “Name something you learned last week.” You can filter the many, man questions depending on the atmosphere that you want to set for the meeting: caring (checking in to see how people are feeling), daring (somewhat harder to answer; takes more thinking), laid back (easy to answer), or work focused.
Ways to Use This Check-In Generator
This is a great tool that can work for you in so many ways with both adults and students.
- Regular team meetings
- Start of school check in
- After a stressful or traumatic event
- After a vacation or holiday
- Starting a new project or unit
- Anytime you want to see how everyone is feeling or thinking
Take a minute to try this simple but effective tool that will save you time, change up your check ins, and help you better see how everyone is doing.