It’s that time of the year again when things are wrapping up and you want to give your children
some time to reflect upon this school year. Asking them some through a writing activity (as
well as verbally ((be sure to allow them to decide whether they want this videoed)) and it does
not need to be in one setting…they need to feel relaxed so their reflections will be
sort of spontaneous and not ‘bookish’)).
WHY DO THIS???…
1. They will gain some understanding of themselves.
2. They will have time to think about lessons for review questions to informally evaluate
student’s progress (so will their parents)!
3. They will use these responses as a ‘growth mindset’.
QUESTIONS:
1. What activity or event from the school year would you like to repeat at the end of the
school year and why?
2 . Which class rewards did you respond to best? Why?
3. Reflecting on the school year, write about your favorite memory. What made it so
memorable?
4 . What is one moment you’re proud of?
5. Of all the books you read this year, which one impacted you the most and why?
6. What was your favorite field trip? Why?
7. If you knew then what you know now, what would you go back and tell yourself on the first
day of school?
8. What does it mean when the teacher says that reading is thinking?
9. On a scale of 1 to 10 (1= the worst), how would you rate how well you performed your
classroom job this year?
10. Which school event did you enjoy the most? Explain.
11. Do you enjoy fiction((imaginary)) or nonfiction ((based on facts; real life info)) books
better? Share reasons why.
12 .What is an event or activity from this school year that you will remember for the rest of
your life?
13. Which area ((playground/gym/lunchroom/library/classroom}} of the school is your
favorite? Why?
14. Now that you have become a better reader, what are some things that you know good
readers always do as they are read?
15. Which subject did you enjoy the most? Why?
16 .In what ways could this school year have been better?
17. Which science and/or social studies topics inspired you to do more research?
18. What qualities or characteristics make you a good friend?
19. What type of teacher feedback was most helpful to you?
20. Who at the school has been the greatest influence in reaching your achievements?
21. What are some talents that you discovered you had?
22. If you could go back to the first day of school, what would tell yourself about what to
expect this new in-coming year?
23. In five years, where do you plan to be in regard to your academic (learning) performance?
24. How did the teacher make learning exciting or engaging?
25. When is the moment that you realized that you are capable of doing more? Describe that
moment.
26. Would you rather take a test or write an essay? Explain.
27. What could have been a better way to resolve (fix) a conflict (explain what conflict means)
that you went through this year?
28. Why is it important for children and adults to have an education?
29. What motives (challenges) you to work harder?
30. Under what conditions do you learn best?
31. Who is the person in your life that you want to be most proud of you? Explain.
32. What is the nicest thing someone did for you this year?
33. What is the nicest thing you did for someone this year?
34. What is one regret you have?
35. Reflecting on the past year, what advice would you give to yourself at the beginning of this
new school year coming up?
36 .Which subject are you still itching to learn more about?
37. Out of five stars (5=fantastic), how many stars would you give yourself for your behavior
and conduct this school year and why?
38. What’s the biggest lesson you learned this year?
NOTE: It may help to use/substitute certain terms/phrases in the questions above to your
child’s age/vocabulary. For example: # 20. “the person who helped you reach your goals/wants
Mrs. Juanita Wilson on Pioneer Street is saying, “ALEXA”!!!!!!
Stay tuned for July article dealing with essential questions to ask your child’s teacher and for
August’s article, dealing with questions to ask your child’s teacher that aren’t about grades!
NOTE: Just think, this information can be repeated after each grade level! I feel it is another
‘family historical document” and wish I had my parent’s / siblings’ reflections (lol)
Brenda M. Jelks~Hutchinson, a retired city school teacher
who remains in the field without pay of course !!!HAVE A GREAT SUMMER VACATION and
READ, THINK TEACH for Learning should not STOP just because of Summer vacation!!!