Lessons From Last Year: What Worked, What Didn’t, and What to Do Differently

Before we dive into back-to-school prep, there’s something powerful about taking a moment to pause and reflect. Whether your last school year was full of wins or felt like one long game of catch-up, now is the perfect time to ask: What can we learn from it?

Why Reflection Matters

Reflection builds metacognition, a fancy word for thinking about your thinking. When students reflect, they grow. They start to identify their strengths, recognize patterns, and make smarter choices next time around. It’s how good students become great ones.

A Simple Look-Back Exercise

Sit down with a journal, a notes app, or a trusted adult and ask yourself:

• What helped you stay on top of things last year?Maybe it was using a planner, setting phone reminders, or doing homework at the same time each day.

• What got in your way?Was it procrastinating? Getting distracted? Staying up too late? Be honest — this isn’t about shame, just awareness.

• When were you most proud of yourself?Celebrate those moments! They tell you what matters to you and what you're capable of.

• What’s one change you want to make this year?Choose one thing to try differently. It could be waking up 15 minutes earlier, using a new to-do list app, or asking for help sooner.

From Reflection to Action

Once you’ve done your reflection, make a short list of things you want to keep, tweak, or toss. This creates a blueprint for building better habits this year — habits that actually work for you.

Pro tip: Set a calendar reminder for mid-September to check in on your changes. Growth doesn’t happen all at once — it’s a process.