#OLW: Reflect

Thanks to Fran McVeigh for the inspiration for today’s slice!  Read her #OLW post here.

Reflect.

It seems like such a simple word, yet it is fraught with hidden meanings and implications. The dictionary definition says, “to think deeply or carefully about.”  My own personal definition is a little bit different: “to think back so that I can move forward.”

For the first time, my students and I each chose a #OneLittleWord in January.  As they were contemplating the best word for 2017, one student asked me with a quizzical look, “Miss Hansen, what’s your One Little Word?”  Honestly, I hadn’t settled on one at that point; I was too busy helping students think about their words.  But as they filed up to the carpet to share their words and symbols, it came to me: reflect.

In order to grow, we have to constantly look back, think about what went well and what could be better so we can set goals moving forward.  This has been such an integral theme in our classroom, and I want to truly own this way of thinking and living this year.

Have I remembered to live by my OLW each day?  Probably not.  Am I getting better?  I hope so.  The learners in my classroom provide an extra layer of accountability as well as they call out, “Miss Hansen, that’s like your OLW!”

Reflect.  Slow down.  Look back.  Move forward.  Repeat.

I am participating in the Slice of Life challenge to write and publish a post each day in March.   Thanks to Two Writing Teachers for creating a place for writers to share their work all month long and hosting the March Slice of Life Story Challenge!