
“Reflective learning encourages children to take charge of their own learning and increases their success in all areas of development, including self-regulation, conflict resolution, planning, and even literacy.”
What You’ll Learn
What is reflective learning? How does reflective learning lead to successful learning? How do meaningful questions encourage reflection? What questions can I ask at home?
Today was your child’s first day of school. You’ve spent all day wondering what they have been up to, who they played with, what they learned, whether or not they’re having fun, and so on. It is finally time to pick your child up and you eagerly ask, “how was school?” Instead of the exciting play-by-play you were expecting, your child simply responds with, “good.”
First of all, congratulations for making it through your child’s first day of school; I am sending a virtual hug your way! Now, let’s talk about why the question, “how was school?” often leads to a surface-level response and what questions you can ask instead to guarantee an interesting response and an opportunity for reflective learning.
Reflective Learning
Reflection is the process of striving for a deeper understanding of learning through the analysis of events, activities, and experiences—this process is essential for successful learning, even for young children! Reflective learning encourages children to take charge of their own learning and increases their success in all areas of development, including self-regulation, conflict resolution, planning, and even literacy.
When young children reflect, they are also building the following critical thinking skills: Remembering Questioning Investigating Explaining Translating Sharing Revisiting
Meaningful Questions Encourage Reflective Learning
Children sometimes find it difficult to talk about school and feel pressure to sum up their entire day – a not so easy task, even for adults – when they hear the question, “how was school?” That surface-level response I mentioned earlier is often what we hear when we ask this question, simply because it’s easier! This does not mean we shouldn’t ask children how their day was; it means that we have to be more intentional about what questions we ask and how.
Asking meaningful questions about your child’s day will encourage your child to talk more and will help them reflect on their learning. Moreover, these types of questions show that you are interested in and value your child’s learning. While this interest will boost your child’s happiness and wellbeing, you are also gaining a better understanding of how your child learns.
10 Meaningful Questions to Ask at Home
The next time you talk to your child about school, try asking the following open-ended questions: What did you like the best about school today? What made you laugh today? Were there any moments today when you felt proud of yourself? What do you want to learn more about? What does your classroom look like at the moment? What happened today that made you feel excited to learn? Who did you play with today? What was the most interesting thing you learned today? Were there any moments today when you felt worried or scared? Do you have any questions about something you learned today?
When asking these questions, be sure to keep the conversation positive and powerful. You can do this by simply giving your child your full attention, taking seriously whatever your child tells you, and using respectful language when referring to their experiences. Lastly, be sure to thank your child for sharing with you, both the highlights and the challenges. This will promote a trusting relationship and encourage your child to tell you more.
Empowering Takeaways
Reflective learning is essential for academic and developmental success Simple, clear, and positive questions are the key to encouraging reflective responses Reflective learning can happen at home with parents/caregivers Be vibrant and keep thriving!
This article was last reviewed or updated on September 8, 2023.
About the author: Rebecca is the Head of Family Empowerment and Student Success at SolBe Learning. Rebecca has worked in the field of early education for six years, with a passion to support the optimal development of young children and families.
Related Articles
Explore our latest insights and resources.

Using Your Voice Effectively: Intentional & Positive Phrases to Use With Your Child

Work and Family: 7 Strategies to Find Balance as a Parent

Understanding and Supporting Early Childhood Mental Health

Understanding and Monitoring Developmental Milestones

The Value of Process-based Learning

The Truth about Parenting: Being a Thriving Parent

The Curious & Creative Classroom

Social-Emotional Learning: Five Competencies and How to Teach Them at Home

Social Emotional Learning Part Five: Teaching Growth Mindset to Inspire Change

Social-Emotional Learning Part Three: Teaching Friendship to Inspire Change

Social Emotional Learning Part Two: Teaching Acceptance to Inspire Change

Social Emotional Learning Part Six: Teaching Empathy to Inspire Change

SEL: Parent Social-Emotional Competence & Well-Being

Social Emotional Learning Part Four: Teaching Respect to Inspire Change

Reflective Learning: 10 Meaningful Questions to Replace “How Was School Today?”

Prosocial Behavior: Strategies to Model, Practice and Praise

Ranking Boston Area Private Schools: Finding The Best Programs For Your Children

Prosocial Behavior: Encouraging Your Child To Practice Gratitude

Play is Work and Work is Play

Preparing a Learning-rich Environment

Nurturing Brain Development During the Window of Opportunity

Exploring Spanish Language Learning Through Play-Based Activities

Early Intervention: Identifying Support for Children Birth to Age Three

Developmental Screening: Acting Early and Advocating for Your Child

Daily at Home Project: Red House – Fun For All Greatest Hits & More

Daily at Home Project: Rainbow Painting and Make Your Own Ice Cream

Daily at Home Project: Pots, Pans, Colors & Rainy Day Brownies!

Daily at Home Project: Lid Matching and Animal Washing Station

Daily at Home Project: Making Music with The Very Noisy Bear

Daily at Home Project: Fine Motor Activities and Let's See Where a Dot Can Take You!

Daily at Home Project: Crazy Art from Silvana Carpio

Daily at Home Project: Baby Treasure Basket and Rocks of Hope

Daily at Home Project: Colander Pipe Cleaner and Pipe Cleaner Bubble Wands

Daily At-Home Project: Mix and Match Faces

Daily At-Home Project: Homemade Binoculars for Little Explorers!

Daily At-Home Project: Gratitude Jar

Daily At Home Project: Veggie Paint Making From Marlo
Stay Updated with SolBe
Join our newsletter for the latest insights and exclusive content on early learning and childcare.