#OLW2017 Still On My Quest

I have thought and thought about what my new One Little Word would be for 2017. I am not sure if I am breaking the rules, but I have decided to keep my same OLW from 2016. I feel like I have more lessons to learn from quest, and I am still on a journey searching for answers both personally and professionally. 

Personally, I've been lost with my writing. Often feeling like I had nothing new to say, or if I would share what I was thinking would it be too negative? I've written several pieces in my head, placed a few in my writer's notebook, but then made the decision not to post. I often wonder if I am running away or choosing to keep my thoughts to myself because it is more comfortable. There seems to be a fine line right now for me. I often lean towards the statement, "If you don't have anything nice (positive) to say, then don't say anything at all."  But then I know that choosing be a writer is hard work and putting the pen to paper is often the most difficult part for me. 2017's quest will help me to continue to define what my writing life will look like. 

Professionally, I am still on a quest to understand my 26 learners sharing Room 234 with me. Several of my students need me for organizational skills as well as helping them remember to make positive behavior choices. Several students need to build their confidence when choosing books and helping them maintain stamina. My small group of mathematicians still need to have
support with counters for basic facts, manipulative for place value, and a constant smile of encouragement. I am anxious to return to school Wednesday and continue my quest with these learners in 2017.