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This will be the fourth year that I have chosen one little word to be my guide for the year. I have lived with present, kindness, and acknowledge. What is so is that each word has lingered in my life well beyond its designated year. Together, these words serve as anchors to me, especially when life feels stressful and overwhelming.
I have made several lists of possible words for 2016, and I have debated some wordly finalists. I loved Beth Moore's choice of play, and I admired her post and passion about play in education. I will, in fact, sign up for a crusade to have play an integral part of education. I also related to Dana Murphy's choice of joy. I do have great joy in my life, and sometimes, I forget to celebrate all of it. Other serious contenders for 2016 were balance, nurture, remember, and moment, and the winner is wonder.
I have been working hard to bring wonder and curiosity into classrooms, and I want to make sure that I bring wonder to the forefront of my own thinking. I want to linger in the what if's and the possibilities. I want to push a little past what is comfortable and what I know. I'm trusting that wonder will remind me to ask questions and linger with the challenge and enjoyment of growing within the answers.
Happy 2016 to all of you.
I love wonder -- such a great word. Notice and wonder are two words we use in coaching, teaching and assessing. Wonder propels us to take an action with purpose -- can't wait to hear about it this year!
ReplyDeleteClare
It's a wonder-full word, Melanie. There's nothing better than thinking about something, wondering more about it, asking questions, being excited about the learning. Best wishes for this year with your OLW!
ReplyDeleteWonder, curiosity, possibilities...Wow! Have a great 2016! Jennifer Sniadecki
ReplyDeleteWonder is a great word . . . without wonderment we would be empty!
ReplyDeleteWonder!! Such a great word with so much potential! Happy New Year!!!
ReplyDeleteA worthy word for a year, indeed! I have just been thinking about how to communicate that habit of mind to my challenged readers. I love to look at a picture or a text and say, "I wonder..." I hope I can inspire them to wonder.
ReplyDeleteI have noticed that so many one little words seem to be very reflective and relaxed this year. It is nice to see this. Wonder is great word. And I love your graphic-so simple.
ReplyDeleteOoooh, Melanie, that's a great word! I wonder where it will lead you this year??
ReplyDeleteYes! A word that promises much. Happy New Year, Melanie!
ReplyDeleteYes! A word that promises much. Happy New Year, Melanie!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful word!
ReplyDeleteA wonderful word -- there is so much to wonder about as well! It's never ending and always giving. Happy New Year, Melanie!
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