Reflecting on Our Behavior: How Self-Reflection Helps Us Grow
We all have days when things don’t go exactly as planned—especially when there’s a substitute teacher. Maybe the class was louder than usual, the work didn’t get finished, or some people had trouble staying on task. No matter how it went, taking time to reflect helps us understand why things happened that way and what we can do differently next time.
Why Reflection Matters
Reflection isn’t about blame—it’s about growth. When you take a moment to think about your own behavior—how you handled challenges, worked with others, and followed directions—you start to see patterns. You notice what helps you stay focused and what causes distractions. That’s how real improvement begins.
Honest reflection also shows maturity. It means you’re taking responsibility for your choices and effort. It shows that you care about learning and want to be someone who helps the class run smoothly, even when your regular teacher isn’t there.
How to Reflect Effectively
- Be honest. Reflection only works when you tell the truth—even to yourself.
- Think about cause and effect. What choices led to your success or struggles?
- Make a plan. Write down one or two things you’ll do next time to improve.
Reflection turns mistakes into lessons. It helps you focus your attention, control your reactions, and build better habits. You can’t change yesterday, but you can absolutely shape tomorrow.
Take the Reflection Survey
Now it’s your turn to think about how you did today. Rate your noise level, effort, and overall behavior honestly. Then write about what went well and how you can make the next sub day even better. Your reflection will help you—and your classmates—create a more positive and productive environment.
FILL OUT THE FORM
When you’re finished, check out the rest of our blog for more tips, ideas, and activities to help you learn and grow. Be sure to follow our classroom Instagram page for behind-the-scenes moments, project highlights, and fun updates. Let’s work together to make learning fun, exciting, and something you look forward to every day!
3 Responses
So, I would say I behaved, I did the math work, I did the science work, and I had worked with other people. Why you ask? Because teamwork is always the best work, especially if you need help doing the work that might be easy to some, but harder to others. I felt I had listened beause I had kept a contained behavior with the substitute but I had asked to move seats to help and I had also asked to move else where because she allowed us to move. Mrs. Pam was trying to be reasonable but there would be other classmates ( not saying names. ) who were interrupting the sub when she was trying to help us with the lesson on math even though she really didn’t know what she was doing; She was trying to be the best she could but I had decided that I needed help from my peers elsewhere then from the sub because she was trying but she wasn’t really explaining it too well. I felt I had a smooth day with the sub and that I had listened because I had still done the assignments I was supposed to even if I was talking with the people at my table, I really felt I had a nice day with the sub because she didn’t have to talk to me much.
I was being a good student yes I’d be off task sometimes but I got all my work done. Maybe it was asking to use the bathroom, or maybe it was the fact that Amirah kept pushing me off my chair but I moved to help Daniella. We did get off task at some point but we got our work done and when we think were done the sub just gives us more to do that’s not on the sub paper. So I don’t know why I was being annoying to her but I’m just at least thankful I got my work done.
I think I did bad because my noise level was a 2 and I kept getting distracted and not doing my work.
but the thing that went well was that I was being quiet and I wasn’t bothering the teacher. and I think the way I could have done better is by doing my work and not getting distracted.