10 Questions to Help you Reflect on the School Fall Term & Get Excited for January

Blog takeover by Allison Herrick

“December has the clarity, the simplicity, and the silence you need for the best fresh start of your life.” - Vivian Swift 

December is here. < exhale > 

The first semester is coming to an end and winter break is on the horizon. December offers us a great opportunity to reflect. In December we're given the time and space to step away from the activity of the fall and look back. So, let's use this time well.

First, let’s talk about the power of reflection. Yes, it’s a mighty tool for looking back, and figuring out what worked or didn’t work; what was memorable, challenging, game changing, or meh. The power lies in moving in a different direction because of reflection. Which leads us to the real power of reflection - it sets us up well for a future that’s new and fresh, exciting and hope-filled. 

When we reflect on what’s happened, we can pivot, reposition, and build a better future. 

As teachers, we thrive when we can set things up well from the get-go. That preparation provides us the epic combination of consistency and routine with freedom and space.

As teachers, we also know that nothing is permanent; routines and rituals don’t have to stay all year. Kids are flexible enough to change mid way - and January is the perfect time for that. 

We want to give you reflection questions to consider as you wrap up the first part of the school year and head into the new calendar year. We encourage you to take just five minutes with each question; print these out, and bring the physical copy into the classroom with you. Don’t overthink your responses; respond with your gut reaction. 

Bring them to your grade level meeting to reflect together. Or consider inviting your students in on your reflection thought process, too. Ask them some of these questions to get their input.

PRO TIP: I would encourage you not to open this conversation all the way up to any and everything with your students because you know you’ll get an answer like: “Math isn’t working for me let’s get rid of it.” Ask about specific procedures in the classroom. Keep it focused. It’s their community, too - invite them to be a part of the process. And, if you do decide to change a process (like a line-up routine), tell them why. 

10 Reflection Questions for you, Rockstar Teacher

How are you caring for yourself? 

Which current practices are working really well? Why are they working well? 

What’s been bugging you all year that you haven’t changed? Can you change it now? 

Is the classroom community functioning for you? For students? 

Do you have adequate time built into your schedule for independent reading and writing and a daily read aloud? If not, can you make adjustments? 

How is your morning routine? What is working? What could change? 

How are you keeping track of the things you learn about your students, and how will you respond to what you learned from that information and/or insight?

How are you staying in touch with parents/caregivers? 

What are you learning this year? How’s it going? 

What are you most looking forward to in the second semester? 

5 Reflection Questions to Discuss with your Students

What routines are working well in our classroom? Why do you think they are working?

Are there routines or processes in our classroom that aren't working? What isn’t working?

What have you learned about yourself as a learner so far this year? 

What do you think you need to work on in the second semester? 

What has been your favorite thing about our classroom in the first semester? What are you looking forward to in the next semester? 

5 Reflection Questions for Parents and/or Caregivers

What positive growth have you seen in your student so far this school year? 

What is working well for you with communication from me? How can I make communication more helpful in 2023?

What is one goal you have for your student before they wrap up this school year?

If the school were to host a parent workshop, what are three topics you would like to have support in? 

Where have you seen your student using their learning from school in their everyday life? (For example, they have started seeing their science concepts around the house.)

Time to Reflect

To accompany this blog, we are leaving you with a reflection tool. Here is a printable to bring with you into your teaching space. You will find ten reflection questions for your practice. 

When we reflect for and with each other, we kick reflection up a couple of notches to be inclusive, collaborative, and more fun - three things we all need more of in the new year.