The Importance of Reflection: Finding a New Rhythm as the Seasons Change
As the vibrant colors of autumn fade and the crisp, cooler air settles in, there’s a natural shift that invites us to slow down and take stock. With winter approaching, the world seems to pause, giving us a moment to reflect and breathe. It’s a wonderful time to introduce a new rhythm into your homeschooling journey—one that has profoundly influenced my teaching: reflection. In my experience, taking time to pause and reflect can transform our approach to learning and deepen our connections as a family.
At the Coop, where I worked with a small team of two other teachers, we established a weekly ritual every Monday. We would gather for our planning meetings, but first, we took a moment to reflect on the previous week. We asked ourselves: What went well? What made us proud? What growth did we witness? What didn’t go as hoped? Who needs extra support? This practice grounded our planning and provided clear insights that shaped our vision for the week ahead.
I have strong memories of winter Mondays at the Coop, where the kids, laughing and chatting, bundled up to explore the snow at recess with a parent volunteer while the teachers heated up our lunches and savored cups of hot tea around our meeting table. In those moments of reflection, we felt a sense of warmth and connection, celebrating small victories and learning from our experiences before diving into our planning.
This habit has remained a cornerstone of my teaching philosophy in all areas of my life. After my partner and I teach swing dance to a group of adults, we always take time to debrief during our drive home. We reflect on the joys of the evening, celebrate our successes, and identify any challenges that might need a new approach next time. This practice not only helps us grow as educators but also strengthens our partnership.
As we enter this reflective season, I encourage homeschooling parents to embrace the power of reflection. By setting aside time each week to consider what brought you joy, what you learned, and how you can support your child’s growth, you create a nurturing environment for both you and your child.
Why Reflection Matters in Homeschooling
In the fast pace of everyday life, it’s easy to keep moving forward without pausing to consider where we’ve been or how things are going. Homeschooling can be especially dynamic, filled with plans, projects, lessons, and family life. But reflection isn’t just about looking back; it’s about appreciating what’s working, identifying areas that might need tweaking, and setting a course for the future.
Reflection allows us to reconnect with the “why” behind our choices, remind ourselves of our goals, and celebrate both small and big victories. It’s an opportunity to notice what brings joy to our children, what lights them up, and how we can nurture that even more. It’s also a time to acknowledge challenges without judgment, using them as tools for growth rather than obstacles to be avoided.
Introducing a New Weekly Reflection Practice
To help you get started, I’ve created a free PDF with prompts to guide your reflections over the next 12 weeks. Each week features two questions—one that encourages you to celebrate joys and another that helps you look deeper, consider challenges, and explore possibilities. The goal is to create a simple, meaningful practice that helps you find insight and inspiration, even amid the busyness of daily life.
Reflection doesn’t need to be time-consuming or elaborate. It can be as simple as jotting down a few thoughts or discussing the prompts with your partner, children, or a friend. The key is consistency—creating a rhythm of looking back, taking stock, and moving forward with intention.
Make Reflection a Family Practice
Reflection isn’t just for parents; it’s also a powerful tool to introduce to your children. Encouraging them to think about their week—their joys and struggles—can help them build self-awareness and confidence. It teaches them that it’s okay to have ups and downs, that learning is a process, and that there’s value in every part of the journey.
As the days grow shorter and the world outside quiets down, consider embracing this season of reflection. Let it be a time for you to slow down, reconnect, and rediscover the joy and purpose in your homeschooling. I hope this new weekly rhythm brings warmth, clarity, and inspiration to you and your family as you navigate your unique learning path together.
Feel free to download my Weekly Reflection PDF to help you get started. Let’s take this time to pause, appreciate, and grow together, one week at a time.