Family. Family can be defined as a group consisting of parents and children living together in a household. Yes, that is a very basic definition of family, but what characteristics do I see in a family? I see family as a group of people who care for each other; who want to see each other grow and be better each day; to learn from each other; support each other; to laugh with each other; to have fun; and most importantly, want to be with each other.
Now, why would I choose the word family as my One Word for 2018? Well, there are may reasons. First of all, I am blessed to be a part of a loving supportive family. My family has guided me throughout my entire life and I am so fortunate to have my mom, dad, and sister to be there for me everyday. I am also blessed to have a great brother-in-law and 3 nephews to make me a stronger person. They are so instrumental in me being who I am today!
Secondly, my life with be changing on July 7 when I begin my own family. I will be getting married on July 7 and I am beyond excited to begin my new life and family with my amazing fiancee! She is so supportive, loving, and caring that I don’t know where I’d be without her! My family life is going to change on July 7, but it also means it is going to be even stronger because of all the support I have and will continue to receive from my current family!
Thirdly, I want my students to feel as if we are a family. My classroom will be supportive, caring, wanting each other to grow better each day, having fun, laughing, and wanting to be there. Every student should want to come to school not because they have to, but because they want to be with their classmates. I want students to take risks together and challenge each other to be the best they possibly can be, both academically and spiritually.
I want my students to look at their faith with open eyes and hearts to find ways that they can guide others in their faith. I want students to take their strengthened and renewed faith and take it home with them to their families. I want my classroom to extend from the school building into their homes. I cannot let the opportunities to grow the faith of my students to slide by. I need to see my students and classroom as a family more. I need to guide and facilitate ways for my students to want to support each other even more.
While my classroom is not the definition of parents and children living together in a household, I feel we are and can be an even stronger “family” by the characteristics I feel a family has. I am excited for my future family, but I’m also excited to take the second half of the school year and 2018 to grow my classroom into more of a “family”.
Cottos Corner for Education 