#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.

Celebrating: Change in Plans

My plans have been changed this morning.  I was heading out for a fun morning of relaxation and then finish my holiday shopping. We woke to an ice storm with beautiful crystal trees and a driveway that reminds me of an ice rink. Our pond would be glistening if there was a hint of sun; however in Ohio a hint of sun is rarely seen these days.

I celebrate it's Saturday and now my plans have shifted.  What a blessing that with icy conditions cam on a Saturday when not as many people are on the roads.  Plans can be changed to this afternoon when it is suppose to warm up.  I celebrate being flexible with my day and realizing that staying home gives me a chance to post probably my last celebration blog post of 2016.

I am so thankful for my celebration community.  Throughout the school year, when I was lost, needed an extra supportive comment along with a chance to celebrate the learners in my classroom, I knew I had my colleagues to turn to every Saturday.  I hope everyone has a blessed holiday season, time to rejuvenate and most of all time to write and read an amazing book.

compliments of Twitter

Slice of Life: OLW final thoughts on my quest

Last Saturday, I wrote a celebration post about choosing to find JOY in little moments of everyday.  "As I was thinking about this post, I was wavering from a Slice of Life and celebration.  Slicing helps me think about the whole picture which isn't always easy, and celebrations help me look inside the whole picture to find the joy."  This thought received several comments, and I have been reflecting about the contrast between celebrating and slicking. Slicing is a much more difficult post for me to write.  Thinking deeply is not a choice that I always want to make, and a slice requires difficult reflection and often I'm hesitant to publish it.

Is it possible to fight with your OLW word? I would say my OLW (quest) and I had several battles throughout 2016.. I was constantly asking why is this my word? I was uncomfortable with my word.  In August when I invited 27 learners into their classroom, I realized quickly that this school year was going to be unique. There have been several challenges that I have encouraged my learners through this year. To be honest I started to list the challenges, and I decided that their quests is their story to share. I deleted those statements. We’ve been on a quest for almost four months, and the path has been crooked with road bumps along the way; however, I celebrate all their learning as we continue to grow on our quest to become better and stronger learners as well as stronger citizens within our classroom and outside in the community. 

2016 is creeping to a close. Christmas vacation is right around the corner reminding me that there is a chance to take a break and rejuvenate. I always anticipate the time with our children as we continue to build more holiday memories in Charleston, South Carolina. I hope everyone has a special holiday season with their family. As the years roll on, I realize the true gift of the season is time spent with my family and a chance to breathe deeply. Thank you for slicing along with me. 

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