The end of the school year is here, and it's time to reflect on your accomplishments. What did you enjoy about this year? Did you meet your goals? Can you recognize growth in your students' Hebrew skills? What would you do differently?
In a recent blog post in School Matters, author Tsivya Fox addressed the importance of end of the year reflection.
"Taking time to really assess how your school year went can make all the difference for next year's satisfaction and success," Fox states.
Recognizing your successes from the school year can not only increase your satisfaction, but also highlight successful lessons and activities that can't be measured by a test score.
Did you help a shy student feel comfortable chanting out loud? Did your students practice using the Online Learning Center at home? Did you find ways to help students treat each other with greater caring and respect?
"Ideally, one can structure the classroom environment from the beginning of the school year for the teacher and student alike to record special moments," Fox said, "It's a long year and much can be forgotten."
Including your students in gathering their favorite lessons throughout the year helps to compare with your own notes about what works and what they liked for the future.
At Behrman House, we regularly employ the practice of 'plus-delta' to help us reflect on a recent project, event, or process. It's simple and can work for stimulating reflection about the school year as well. Draw a line down the middle of a piece of paper. On one side, write out all the things you would want to do AGAIN next year. On the other side, list things you want to do DIFFERENTLY.
Tips for plus-delta: focus on the future and what actions you want to take, use active verbs, and whenever possible, involve others on your team to get a full perspective.
To read the Fox's full article on reflection, and for more ideas click here.
We want to know - What made your school year successful? Join the conversation here.
