What? So What? Now What? Stretch Reflection
Students reflect on the lesson using Rolfe's three-question model, holding a different stretch while thinking about each question before discussing it with a partner. It pairs muscle recovery with analyzing the experience and applying it next time.
How to play
- Each student grabs a yoga mat and sets up next to their partner, about 3 feet apart (1 minute).
- Question one, "What happened?": in a seated hamstring stretch, each student silently thinks for 1 minute about one specific moment from class, then tells their partner in 1 minute.
- Question two, "So what?": in butterfly pose for the inner thighs, think for 1 minute about why it happened and what you learned, then share for 1 minute.
- Question three, "Now what?": lying down with knees hugged to the chest, think for 1 minute about what you will do differently next time, then share for 1 minute.
- The teacher asks three volunteers to share their answer to the third question (1 minute).
- Finish with three slow breaths lying down before putting the mats away.
Rules
- Hold stretches without bouncing and never to the point of pain.
- Total silence while thinking; talk only during the partner minute.
- Every answer must refer to something specific from today's class.
- Partners listen without correcting or judging.
Variations
Easier
Post sentence starters on the whiteboard, such as "What happened was..." or "Next time I will..."
Standard
Think about each question in silence and share with a partner for one minute.
Harder
At the end, each student writes down their "Now what?" answer with a deadline and a way to check it.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: replace floor stretches with seated chair versions and keep the same question sequence.
- Hearing impairment: display the three questions on large signs and have partners face each other for lip reading.
- Low flexibility: use a towel or strap around the feet for the hamstring stretch.
Learning goals
- Describe accurately what happened during their own practice.
- Analyze why things went well or poorly in class.
- Plan one specific change for the next practice.
Equipment for a class of 25
- yoga mats: 25
Teacher tip
The typical pitfall is stopping at "it was good"; always push for a specific moment on the first question. Use a soft clap to signal each stretch change and keep the pace moving.
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