The day that we honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. we not forget all that he fought for. We must not forget all that he endured. We must not forget the truth of his story. We must continue to learn, teach it to our kids, and teach it to our students.
That he—Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. fought for the human rights for Black folks, victims of injustice and impoverished people. That he was a father and husband to Coretta Scott King all while doing this great work in community with others.
He prayed. He locked arms. He held hands. He marched. He preached. He spoke. His legacy lives through us. We must continue this work.
As educators, we have a responsibility to not only teach reading effectively but to also cultivate a love for reading in students. I believe these are essential steps in combating the reading decline and ensure students are motivated to continue reading throughout their lives.
We must teach effective strategies and skills to ensure that students develop strong reading skills, which includes making sure our students are recognizing words, reading fluently, comprehending text, while incorporating diverse reading materials, fostering a reading-friendly environment, and engaging students’ interests.
Through collaboration, ongoing learning and teaching up, we can help our reading crisis one book, one lesson, at a time. We can help to cultivate lifelong readers.
Every year since 2020 I have chosen a word to lean into for that year. My word for 2020 was PURPOSE. 2020 for me was the year of change. My word for 2021 was PRESENT. 2021 was the year of restoration. My word for 2022 was EMBRACE. That was my year of possibilities. My word for 2023 was CREATIVE. That was my year of embracing change and growth. My word for 2024 was ROOTED. That was my year of grounding and tending to myself and what I know to be true. These words that I lean into each year have helped me in being intentional in my wellness, attuned to self, and to be better for those around me who love and care for me.
For 2025, after deep reflection, I decided to land on a word that truly encompasses a release and embrace of who, what and where I want to be. My word for 2025 is WILDFLOWER. Wildflower is a powerful, yet unconventional word to choose for my word of the year. However, when I think of wildflowers I think of simple flowers blooming ever-so quietly in unexpected places. I think of the vibrant beauty that springs up—those little peaks of joy. When I notice wildflowers, I notice their growth, beauty and joy with intention and care. That is what I want to embrace in 2025. I want to embrace wildflower-like growth with intention. Wildflower-like growth that is quiet yet vibrant— springing up, even in unexpected places. I want to embrace the simple joys and happiness the wildflower-like energy brings.
To be a wildflower in 2025 is to be wholly and free, in any place I land. Wildflower-me is a testament of what it means to be authentically who I am while springing up and embracing my own joy. In many cultures, wildflowers are seen as symbols of hope, wishes, and new beginnings while encompassing the simple joys in life. Each day I want to lean into that joy, hope, freedom, growth, and courage.
The presence of wildflowers in open fields is evidence of God’s provision of life and beauty. I want to be aware and focused to clearly see the beauty and simplicity of life in my day-to-day walk. In 2025, as I hug my wildflower-like energy, I want to be captivated by His love, joy, strength and provision for my life. In 2025, as I run freely in my field of wildflowers, I want to pause, breathe in, celebrate my growth, my joy, and the beauty of life in unconventional ways.
What are your 2025 intentions, words or thoughts to lean into this year? How do you want to remember 2025? Take time to write or draw the possibilities first yourself, your family and friends. 2025 is a year of what can be possible. Take time to reflect for yourself.
Love. Teach. Bless. 