Day 23

We do not learn from experience, we learn from reflecting on experience ~ John Dewey.  I love this quote and was reminded of its importance tonight as I was scrolling through my Twitter feed.

As we race towards the finish line of this school year, the list of “must dos” never seems to get any shorter. Writing report cards, orchestrating graduations, facilitating class placement meetings, planning end of the year trips, creating supervision schedules, interviewing potential new staff members are just of the activities that we find ourselves involved with.  And it’s not like the rest of the world comes to a standstill so that we can complete those tasks.

One of the unique challenges in education is that even before the buds begin to make an appearance on the trees, we find ourselves in the midst of planning for days when the buds will be colourful leaves about to be dislodged by an autumn breeze.  We have one foot in next year and the other one is trying to balance everything that needs to get completed in the next 30 days.

So, in knowing how busy we are as we come to the end of another school year, where do we find the time to actually reflect on what the last year has taught us?

As teachers, what are some of the ways that you’ve involved your students in reflection?

As administrators, how do you acknowledge both the learning that your staff has been involved in throughout the year, as well as your own learning?

Do you share your reflections with your broader school community?

Come write with me….