Begin School with Intention-Plan for Reflection

How Intention and Reflection Determine Learning

What was the most memorable and significant year of school for you?

The first year you attended school?

The year you starred in the class play?

The year you won an award?

The year you graduated?

Research has shown that an important part of learning in any environment is reflecting on our experience, the information we learned and the essential life lessons we incorporated. However sometimes we are so quick to move through an academic year that we barely scratch the surface of being in the present, never mind take the time to reflect on and apply the lessons learned. Regular and planned reflection however results in ownership of new knowledge and practical application of those skills, strategies or facts.

Here are some ways to help your student have some planned reflection time throughout the year:

Intention and Reflection

1. Begin the year by having students set an intention for the year.  What do they want the theme of the year to be for them?  Where will their focus be?  What will need to happen for them to be happy with the school year and feel that they have been successful?
2. Next set up a regular time during the year to reflect.  You can do this as frequently as you wish but I recommend at least three; the beginning of the year, half way through the year and at the end of the year.
3. At each point have the student write a letter to themselves about their current experience, what they have learned and what they might expect for the future.
4. Have the student keep the letters to reflect on in the future/or
5. Have the student meet with a partner or small group of students and share what they have learned.
6. Celebrate the learning and insight that has taken place!  Have a party, write a letter of advice and reflection to next year’s students or to themselves, give awards for lessons learned and goals met. Help students recognize and feel pride in their achievements.

It’s back to school for lots of kiddos.  Here’s a great book for those kids just starting kindergarten…

Wyatt Goes to Kindergarten

Do you know a child who is worried about starting kindergarten?

Going to school for the first time can be exciting and a little scary all at once.

Wyatt has never liked change, at least not at first. Once he tries something new, he usually finds he really likes it. Now that he is about to begin kindergarten, Wyatt is worried. Will he make friends? Will he get lost in the new school? Will he miss his mom? Will she miss him?

Join Wyatt as he learns how much fun the first day of kindergarten can be through an engaging story and whimsical illustrations that help prepare children for the big day.

Wyatt the Wonder Dog: Goes to Kindergarten