Resolution

The New Years Resolution.  For some it's the dreaded New Years Resolution.  "I'm starting my diet on January 1st."  "I'm definitely quitting.  That's it."  "I'm moving on!"

I like to think of it as an onset of a new beginning.  A chance for change.  A reason to begin.

In recent years, my students and I started writing our own resolutions, but we called them, "Our Next Chapter." And let me tell you, although their chapters are not exactly page-turners, my students are quite precocious.  Here's what they had to say:

"I'm gonna exercise more.  Usually all I do in the winter is ice skate a lot, but I want to do more."

"I'm really wimpy with the piano, so, I'm gonna practice more."

"I need to study my fractions.  I don't know my 1/6s.  And I'm going to listen to my classmates when they're talking."

"I want to stop keeping secrets from my friends."

"Mine is  to study harder...try to do better on tests.  Mostly I want to take the road of opportunity and make the right turn."

Yes. Out of the mouth of a fifth grader comes the truth.

This year, my students and I are asking ourselves this question:  What did I do today that will make the world a better place and me a better me?  The answers are getting stronger and more meaningful as each day passes.   And while it is such a powerful question for anyone really, my fifth graders are oddly taken by it as well.

XXXX:  "Today I helped someone in math."
Me:  You made the world a better place.
XXXX:  (big smile)

YYYY:  "Today I worked hard on my draft on the Founding Figures. I really made good use of my time and focused."
Me:  "You made you a better you!"
YYYY: (looked like he surprised himself)

So on this evening in NYC, I ask me, What did you do today to make the world a better place and you a better you?

I laughed.

I prayed.  

I loved.