open · Icebreaker, Team Building, Check-in · 5–60 min · 2-40 people · low energy

Rollercoaster Check-In

The Rollercoaster Check-In is a visual and playful method to quickly gauge the emotional temperature of a group. By mapping feelings onto a rollercoaster, participants can share their current state in a non-threatening and engaging way.

When to use Rollercoaster Check-In

Use this method at the beginning of a meeting or workshop to create a shared understanding of how participants are feeling and to uncover any underlying concerns or needs.

What it solves

Difficulty expressing emotions directly, reluctance to share vulnerabilities, lack of awareness of group's emotional state.

How to run Rollercoaster Check-In, step by step

  1. (5 mins) Gather the group and explain the purpose of a check-in: to understand the group's emotional state and address any concerns.
  2. (2 mins) Draw a rollercoaster with varying heights, loops, and sections on a whiteboard or flip chart.
  3. (3-5 mins per person) Invite each participant to place themselves on the rollercoaster, representing their current feeling, and briefly explain their choice.
  4. (5-10 mins) If time allows, facilitate a group discussion about the overall rollercoaster picture and any emerging themes.

Materials needed

  • Whiteboard or flip chart
  • Markers
  • Online whiteboard tool (for remote sessions)

Facilitator tips

  • Allow participants to pass if they are uncomfortable sharing, but check in with them individually later.
  • Encourage participants to be brief and focus on their dominant feeling.

Common pitfalls

  • Participants may struggle to connect their feelings to the rollercoaster metaphor. Provide examples or prompts to help them.
  • The discussion can become too lengthy. Set a time limit and gently redirect if needed.

Variations

  • Use a different metaphor, such as a weather map or a road trip.
  • Ask participants to share a specific event or situation that is contributing to their feeling.

Running it online or hybrid

Use an online whiteboard tool with a zoomable canvas. Participants can add themselves as drawn notes or images. Utilize non-verbal cues for turn-taking during discussion.

What it produces

A visual representation of the group's feelings mapped onto a rollercoaster diagram.

Origin

Adapted from Hyper Island — source

Build a session around Rollercoaster Check-In

METODIC places Rollercoaster Check-In inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

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