2020 brought on the fifth #onelittleword I've chosen. My previous words were HAPPY (2016), AUDACIOUS (2017), DO (2018), and TIME (2019). My word for 2020 was PURPOSE. I wrote about my reasons for this word here. 

2020 has been a wild right, hasn't it? I've been fortunate this year to have stayed healthy and to have my loved ones also remain healthy. I know that hasn't been the case for so  many throughout the world with the COVID-19 global pandemic. March brought the closing of schools and the shutdown of pretty much everything where I live in Long Island, NY. Did I stay true to my PURPOSE?

I didn't think about my word that much this year. I didn't make it part of my every day thinking and intentions. My focus in the spring was keeping my students connected. I did strive to provide literacy opportunities for them with virtual classroom libraries, blogging and using Padlet to share with each other. I read to my students each day, creating videos for them for different read alouds. Though I wasn't consciously thinking of my PURPOSE, I was living it. 

This year, I have continued to do my best to lift up those around me- to help make sure they know the gifts I see in them and to be a friend that can be counted on. I have also continued to share my resources and ideas with my colleagues at work and through my efforts atTwo Writing Teachers. Sharing my ideas and great resources I find makes me happy. 

I think PURPOSE was a good choice for last year. Though I didn't refer back to it as much as I should have, the 3 ideas I set out last year still resonate with me today. They are the core of who I am and what I try to do as an educator. I have selected my next #OLW and I will share it next week! I am excited to read about all the words that others select to guide their year. 

Here he is.... Mr. Teddy Graham.

Apologies for my weeks of not slicing and this late slice. Life with a puppy is a little more hectic than I anticipated.

I mean, I knew it would be a lot of work. But knowing something intellectually and living it physically are kind of different things. Getting a puppy in December at holiday time during a global pandemic.... Well, it comes with its challenges. But also so much joy. 

Teddy Graham is a velcro dog- he follows his humans around the house. He cuddles up next to my son while he's playing on his iPad. He sits next to my daughter's feet. He snuggles in my husband's arms. His tail wags furiously when my mom comes each morning. And he licks my face when I take him out of his crate in the middle of the night. 

There are more stories to tell. But for tonight- just this. Allow me to introduce you to my newest love.