A School Staff Exercise: Start, Stop, Continue
A start, stop, continue template that invites big conversations.
15 min
The 4 L's Retro
A simple reflection activity to celebrate wins, spot gaps, and plan what comes next.
Alissa Christensen
A guided reflection activity where staff sort their thoughts into four categories: Liked, Learned, Lacked, and Longed For. It works well after a semester, a big event, or a new program rollout, giving your team a structured way to look back before moving forward.
Why try it
Give staff a structured way to process a shared experience instead of letting it pass without discussion. The four categories pull out more than a simple pros-and-cons list: successes worth repeating, discoveries worth naming, gaps worth closing, and ideas worth trying next.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Instructions
1
Set up the four categories
Label four sections Liked, Learned, Lacked, and Longed For on a board, or use the included prompt printables.
2
Give staff time to reflect
Share the topic or event you want their thoughts on, then have staff write their responses on sticky notes, or fill out the worksheet directly, placing each response under the category it fits best.
3
Review the responses together
Read through the notes as a group and discuss the themes that come up in each category.
4
Pick what to carry forward
Choose one or two ideas from the Longed For or Lacked categories that the team wants to try next.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Written reflection
Skip the group discussion and have each staff member complete the worksheet individually, then collect and review the responses on your own.
Small group version
Break staff into small groups to complete each category together before sharing one highlight from each group with the full team.
Built by Educators, for School Leaders
This resource was created in collaboration with passionate educators and school leaders who believe in the power of intentional connection.
Alissa Christensen
Head of Customer Success
Alpaca Pulse Check-In
Turn insights into action
With just three simple questions, Alpaca's Pulse Check-In helps school leaders listen to their teams and act where support is needed most.
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