Using a reflection model helps you think deeply, stay focused, and make sense of what happened- it gives structure so you don’t miss important insights or next steps.
When writing a Reflection document with Coach Sue, she will consider the documentation you have on the child or group and guide you through on of the following ways of documenting a reflection:
Rolfe’s Model: What? So What? Now What?
Use for: Quick, focused reflections on daily practice.
Example: After trying a new routine.
What? Alice struggled with group time.So What? She needed more reassurance.
Now What? I’ll provide one-on-one support next time.
Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle: Description, Feelings, Evaluation, Analysis, Conclusion, Action Plan
Use for: Deep reflection, especially when emotions or outcomes are complex.
Example: After a situation where Alice was upset at drop-off.
Description: Alice cried during separation.
Feelings: I felt unsure how best to help.
Evaluation: Comfort toy helped her.
Analysis: She needs slow, gentle transitions.
Conclusion: Familiar rituals support her wellbeing.
Action plan: Add special morning story time at drop-off.
Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle: Concrete Experience, Reflective Observation, Abstract Conceptualization, Active Experimentation
Use for: Learning from a specific teaching experience and planning for next time.
Example: After a new block-building activity.
Concrete Experience: Alice builds with a friend.
Reflective Observation: She hesitates to negotiate turns.
Abstract Conceptualisation: She learns by watching peers.
Active Experimentation: Next time, I’ll model turn-taking.
Brookfield’s Four Lenses: Self, Children’s Eyes, Colleagues, Theory
Use for: Examining practice through different viewpoints.
Example: When unsure about the success of a new group mat time.
Self: Did I make clear expectations?
Children’s Eyes: Were they engaged or distracted?
Colleagues: What did peers notice about group dynamics?
Theory: What does guidance from EYLF/Te Whāriki recommend?
Smyth’s Model: Describe, Inform, Confront, Reconstruct
Use for: Challenging your assumptions and considering changes.
Example: When realising old strategies aren’t working.
Describe: I manage transitions this way.
Inform: I notice some children still struggle.
Confront: Do my routines support every child’s needs?
Reconstruct: I’ll try a more flexible approach tomorrow.
If you'd like to write your critical reflection in a particular way, just tell Coach Sue and she will adjust her questions to guide you accordingly.