Whether it is the first day of school or the first day back after a holiday break, student reflection is essential. I am sure you have considered that the routine will be disrupted, but that your students will also be eager to share everything they did while apart. Read on to see how to help your students reflect. Plus, scroll to the bottom to find a free activity to add to your reteach of routine for student reflection.
Why Reflect?
So here's the thing. Student reflection, whether verbal or written, is always important. Taking time to help students consider the choices they have, the choices they want to make, and what they choose to leave behind is important. In the past few years, the desire to choose one word to bring a person into a new year has grown tremendously. However, many people choose a word and then do not reflect on it. What is the purpose of choosing a word if there is no intent?
This is where you must begin with your class. You can choose one word together, or have students choose words independently. You can also choose to dismiss the idea of choosing a word, but either way, you need to consider the concept of student reflection.
With simple questions like What do you want to leave behind? Or what do you look forward to? Your students can begin to develop a connection to deeper thinking that helps them feel less overwhelmed and more emotionally attuned to what they want, need, have, or would like to do moving forward.
What Questions Can You Use?
Here are a couple of questions to get you started with student reflection as you begin a new year.
- What are some things I did not enjoy that I can put behind me?
- What are some things I achieved that I am proud of?
- What are at least two things I can do this year to make me feel good about myself?
- What is something I can do to feel successful this school year?
- Have I accomplished what I hoped to achieve?
Reflection is Key!
Ultimately, it is crucial to reflect with your students, even if it isn't a new year. Providing your students with voice and choice can help develop them into critical thinkers and better members of society. It is time to move on from the old and welcome the new! Grab these FREE Out With the Old and In With the New posters, which include student reflection sheets and bookmarks. I hope you enjoy!
Want to add more New Year fun in the classroom?
How to Simplify Classroom Goals in the New Year
5 Ways to Set Exciting Goals in the Upper Elementary Classroom This Year
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