I can't believe that another school year is almost over! Are you looking for super quick and easy reflective prompts to wrap up the end of the year? Here is a list of TEN songs along with prompts to inspire reflective writing.
1. "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield
Prompts:
What is still "unwritten" about this school year? What is something you wished you had done differently?
What is still "unwritten" about your education? What do you hope to accomplish next year?
2. "School's out for Summer" by Alice Cooper
Prompts:
What are your plans for the summer?
What do you want to accomplish this summer?
What is one thing you definitely do NOT WANT to do this summer?
What is one thing you definitely WANT to do this summer?
3. "In my Life" by The Beatles
Prompts:
What are you best memories of the school year?
What will stick with you from this school year?
How have you changed this year? How are you different?
4. "Firework" by Katy Perry
Prompts:
What is your "firework" moment from the school year? What accomplishment(s) will you celebrate?
What have you learned about yourself this year?
What new strengths did you gain or discover about yourself this school year?
5. "Same Love" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Prompts:
What did you learn, realize, or experience about stereotypes, diversity, and tolerance this school year?
How did you come to this realization?
6. "Shake it Off" by Taylor Swift
Prompts:
What is a memory you want to "shake off" at the end of the school year?
What is something from this school year that you are not going to let get to you or bring you down?
7. "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party)" by Beastie Boys
Prompts:
What have you done this year to earn your "right to party"?
What are your plans for the summer?
8. "You're Gonna Miss This" by Trace Adkins
Prompts:
What are you going to miss about this school year?
What are you going to miss about this class?
What will stay with you?
9. "Sorry" by Justin Bieber
Prompts:
Is there anyone you would like to apologize to at the end of the school year?
What would you say to this person?
What have you learned from this situation?
10. "Brave" by Sara Bareilles
Prompts:
What did you do that was "brave" this year?
How did you step out of your comfort zone, or how can you step out of your comfort zone next year?
What other songs do suggest for the end of the school year to inspire reflection? Leave a comment below!
About the Author
Meredith is the founder and creator of TeachWriting.org and Bespoke ELA. She has taught high school English for 10+ years in Dallas, Chicago, and New York City and holds a M.A. in Literature from Northwestern University. She has always had a connection to the written word-- through songwriting, screenplay writing, and essay writing-- and she enjoys the process of teaching students how to express their ideas. An avid tea drinker and anglophile, Meredith enjoys life with her husband, daughter, and sweet pups.