Handout

Start with Yourself: Reflection Prompts and Action Steps

As you prepare to welcome students back to school, use these reflection questions and action items to consider how your beliefs, values, biases, and politics influence your interactions with your students.

Last Updated: June 30, 2021

Handout

Language

English — US

Subject

English & Language Arts
History
Social Studies

Culture & Identity
Equity & Inclusion

This handout prompts educators to engage in self-reflection as preparation for the start of a school year. Reflect on your identity and how it impacts your lived experience so that you can be thoughtful about how your identity shapes your interactions with your students.

The handout is part of our Back to School Toolkit, which also features a variety of back-to-school activity ideas and suggestions for establishing classroom routines.

Activity

This mood meter activity develops students’ vocabulary for describing their feelings and their empathy muscles.

Activity

Students practice gratitude by naming and recording three good things that have happened that day.

Two students look to the front of the classroom with smiles on their faces.

Activity

Students use poetry as a spark for reflection and discussion about what’s happening in their lives and the world.

Four students in conversation with each other in a classroom.

Activity

Students practice debate and perspective taking by taking a stand on a controversial statement.

Students move around the classroom in conversation with each other. One student looks directly into the camera with a smile on their face.

Activity

Students reflect on the day by asking them to share an appreciation, an apology, and an “aha” moment.

Activity

Students identify one personal or academic goal that they would like to commit to in the week ahead.

A Facing History journal sits on top of a student guide for Choices in Little Rock.

Activity

Students reflect on the past year and generate ideas for the kind of learning community and learning experiences they are hoping for this year.

Activity

Students consider what parts of our identities we choose for ourselves and what parts are chosen for us, as well as the impact our names can have on our identities.