search aussie childcare network

Early childhood education is a dynamic and deeply relational field. Educators are constantly navigating children’s diverse needs, family expectations, and systemic requirements. To sustain quality practice, reflection is essential. Reflection allows educators to pause, analyze experiences, and adapt their approaches to better support children’s learning and well-being.

One powerful framework for reflection is Gibbs Reflective Cycle (1988). Widely used in education, healthcare, and professional development, it provides a structured way to think critically about experiences and plan for improvement. In early childhood, Gibbs Cycle helps educators move beyond surface-level observations to deeper insights about pedagogy, relationships, and environments.

Reflections are powerful tools for growth, learning, and connection. Whether used in education, professional practice, or personal journaling, a strong reflection goes beyond recounting events—it captures authentic experiences, explores emotions, and identifies lessons that shape future actions. This checklist is designed to help writers and evaluators ensure that reflections are meaningful, structured, and impactful. It can be used by students, educators, colleagues, or anyone seeking to deepen their reflective practice.

Weekly Check In

Category Reflections

This template is for educators to use as a weekly reflection tool.

Reflective Compass

Category Reflections

This template is used as a reflection for educators.

A Day In Our World

Category Reflections

This template can be used to reflect on the day's experiences. 

This template is designed to help educators meaningfully capture and communicate the richness of children’s learning.

Insight To Action

Category Reflections

 

This template is designed to support educators in making sense of everyday practice, complex decisions, and emotionally charged moments.

Weekly Reflection

Category Reflections

This template is used to reflect on your week.

Here’s a streamlined set of weekly reflection questions designed for educators to use quickly—whether during team check-ins, solo journaling, or embedded in documentation cycles. They’re emotionally intelligent, trauma-informed, and adaptable across age groups and settings.

This template is used as a reflection template.

Child Care Documentation App

© 2009-2025 Aussie Childcare Network Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved.