There’s something special about summer break. The days slow down (at least a little), the to-do list shortens, and we finally get the breathing room to think clearly. It’s the perfect time to hit pause, reflect on the year behind you, and get intentional about the one ahead.
And while we’ll never advocate for working all summer long (you’ve earned that rest!), spending a little time reflecting can be incredibly powerful. Just asking yourself a few simple questions can help you make small shifts that create a big impact in your classroom.
So grab your favorite drink, find a shady spot, and take some time to reflect with these three questions!
1. What worked really well this year?
Let’s start with the wins. It’s easy to rush into “what needs fixing,” but first, think about what actually worked.
- Was it your morning routine that helped start the day calmly?
- A sentence-writing strategy your students finally mastered?
- The way you built relationships through book talks or turn-and-talks?
Celebrate those things! Name them. Write them down. The systems, strategies, and lessons that worked are worth repeating next year—and even sharing with your team.
It is important to take moments to reflect on the parts of teaching that are successes! When you find tools that work for you and your students, lean in and use them with confidence.
2. What felt hard, and why?
This question isn’t about being negative—it’s about being honest.
- Was writing instruction a constant struggle?
- Did small groups feel chaotic?
- Were you never quite sure if students were really getting the main idea?
Try to go deeper and name the why. Sometimes it’s about a lack of time, unclear routines, or materials that didn’t support your students the way they needed. Other times, it’s just a season—it happens!
The good news? There are always ways to adjust. For example, if writing instruction was overwhelming, maybe next year is the year you start with a strong sentence-writing routine. (If you’re a member of the Stellar Literacy Collective, you’ve got dozens of resources to make this feel doable—even fun!)
3. What do I want to keep, tweak, and let go of?
This is one of our favorite reflection frameworks at The Stellar Teacher Company. It’s simple and practical, and it helps you make intentional decisions.
- Keep: What systems, routines, or resources will you use again?
- Tweak: What could use a small adjustment?
- Let Go: What isn’t serving you or your students anymore?
Maybe you want to keep your Friday fluency routines, tweak how you launch book clubs, and finally let go of spelling tests that don’t reflect real learning. You don’t have to overhaul everything—just refine the parts that need a little refresh.
Let This Be the Year You Teach with Intention
Whether last year was your best year ever or one that left you feeling a little worn out, this summer is your opportunity to reset, reflect, and realign with what matters most.
And remember—you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Inside The Stellar Literacy Collective, you’ll find everything you need to make next year your best yet: clear routines, scripted lessons, time-saving tools, and a supportive community of educators who get it.
So, take what you’ve learned this year, give yourself credit for all the ways you’ve shown up, and walk into the next school year with clarity and confidence.
You’re already doing amazing things—and we’re here to help you see even more growth in your students.
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