My One Little Word for 2017 is
Have I stretched myself? At first glance, I think not. I feel as though I’ve just been rolling along. But with deeper reflection, I can say I have:
- I’ve pressed myself as a teacher of writing, trying new moves
- I’ve tried out some new organizational strategies to be sure I conference with everyone
- I finally joined a book group
- I am trying to keep a writer’s notebook (still a work in progress)
There are a few other smaller ways I’ve stretched myself, but these are the most significant. The is still more than half a year to go. I can keep working on these and, maybe even stretch myself in other ways I haven’t thought of yet.
My OLW hasn’t made me a new person – that wasn’t my goal. But I feel like I have stretched enough to grow.
booksandbassets 
I like that you are reflecting on your word for the year. I also recently joined a book club too, and I have enjoyed the conversations I have had with the other women in the group. Conferencing is a struggle for me too. What kinds of strategies have you tried this year?
We had a TCRWP trainer come this year. She gave us strategies for deciding what to conference/ small group about. (Sort flashdrafts and samples based on need- organization, etc) As a team we came up with a form to help sign kids up.
Nice that you keep checking back with your OLW. It’s such a great word! I love doing this every year. It really helps me put a new focus to my year.
Not all stretches have to be big. As you say, every stretch, no matter how small, leads to growth.
It certainly sounds like you have made progress. Don’t stop stretching now!
In praise of the small stretch! As with the physical equivalents, these stretches encourage your limberness; they’re useful in themselves, and preparing you for bigger moves when you’re ready — or when you’re not 🙂
Thats an awesome reflection – i think its more stretching than we really ever think!