Welcome to the Journey – What Am I Really Feeling?

I would like to start by welcoming past and present readers to a different version of 12 steps written by Christina Kicki Petersson

This is Your Reflective Teaching Space

Monthly

This month, we’re starting with a theme that’s close to my heart: Feedback & Reflection. At it’s core, reflection is about giving ourselves the space to pause and ask, What am I really feeling? Whether it’s pride, frustration, joy, or exhaustion, naming our feelings is the first step toward clarity and growth.

Weekly

Each week, we will dive into simple and powerful questions to reflect on. We will explore coaching-inspired strategies, and celebrate the work we do as educators.

Unexpected Feedback

I’ll never forget the time I received unexpected feedback from my students. We had just finished a project that I thought had gone really well. When I asked for their feedback, one student said, “It felt rushed. We didn’t have enough time to really get into it.”

While reflecting I felt defensive at first, after all, I had carefully planned every detail! But as I kept pondering, I realized they were right. The schedule had been too tight. They only had 40 minutes each week, and by the time they settled in, there were often just 25 minutes left for actual work.

In my eagerness to stick to the agenda, I had overlooked their need for more time to think and be involved in the process.

That moment shifted how I approach feedback, not as a critique, but as an opportunity to refine and grow. It also reminded me to ask myself regularly, What am I feeling in these moments? and to use that awareness as a tool for better communication and connection with my students and fellow peers.

Asking for Feedback & Reflective Practice

Feedback isn’t just something we give; it’s something we can seek out to help us improve. When paired with self-reflection, it becomes a powerful tool for growth. By modelling this practice, we show students that learning is a lifelong process, a tool that includes us as much as it includes them.

Reflection Exercise: Feedback Journal

This week, take a moment at the end of each day to write down one thing you did well and one area where you would like to improve. Consider asking your students for their input on a recent lesson or activity. Reflect on how their feedback could deepen your teaching practices.

Invitation

What is one piece of feedback, positive or constructive, that has stayed with you? How has it shaped your teaching? I’d love to hear your story—reply and let’s start a conversation about growth and reflection.

Kindly

Kicki

Thank you for being part of this journey.?

I’m so excited to grow alongside you in the coming weeks and months.