New Year, New Focus
With the new year, or a new course, comes the excitement of a fresh start and the enthusiasm to conquer new challenges. Yet, let’s face it, resolutions can sometimes feel like a distant dream, too abstract to resonate with our students. That’s where the One Word Project comes in, offering a creative and manageable alternative to the boring list of resolutions that end up forgotten and unfinished.
As educators, we all relish the energy that a new year or a fresh course brings – the promise of a clean slate and the eagerness to navigate a new course or new group of students. The One Word Project is the must-have project that will transform your classroom. It’s not just an alternative to resolutions; it’s a transformative experience that teaches the importance of commitment and goal setting. Jump into the world of social-emotional learning, self-discovery, and continuous improvement with the One Word Project.
Origins of the One Word Project
The One Word Project began with the book, One Word That Will Change Your Life , by Jon Gordon, Jimmy Page and Dan Britton. There is also a kid’s book, One Word for Kids . With inspiration from the books as well as this academic-based One Word Project done in an English class, I recreated the project for my Special Education and Social Studies students. It applies to all subject areas for students in middle and high school. The One Word Project is a versatile interactive project that teachers can easily adapt. Plus, it’s the perfect social-emotional learning transition activity for students as they ease back into school mode after a holiday break or summer break.
The One Word Project is not your typical goal-setting exercise. It’s a dynamic and creative opportunity for students to set an intention that will guide them throughout the year, term, month, or course. Rather than drowning in a sea of To-Do items, students embark on a journey of self-discovery and improvement through a single, powerful word.
Inspirational Teaching: The One-Word Project Approach
Students begin with a brainstorming sheet where they consider and reflect on their aspirations and consider the goals they want to achieve. This process includes specific, scaffolded questions that encourage students to consider past failures and successes. It lays the foundation for their One Word, a word that will become their compass for navigating challenges and embracing opportunities. After going through the explicit process of narrowing down goals and potential words, students choose one that most resonates and inspires them.
After their word is chosen, the creative process begins. Either in printable format or Google Slides digital format, students go through the process of visually displaying their chosen word. Using a One Pager format, students include synonyms, a definition of the word, and a written explanation to identify why their One Word resonates with them. This artistic endeavor makes their intention tangible and serves as a daily reminder of the path they’ve set for themselves.
The One Word Project as a Classroom Culture Builder
The One Word isn’t just a word; it’s a lens through which students view their academic and personal challenges. Whether tackling difficult tasks, engaging in group work, or embarking on individual projects, their chosen word becomes a guiding force. It holds them accountable, nudging them toward behaviors and attitudes aligned with their vision of personal growth. When students embark on this type of shared journey, they bond with one another. As students present their One Word Project to each other, they nod in approval and cheer each other on, supporting their peer’s goals for the future.
For maximum impact, consider integrating the One Word Project as a yearlong or semester-long endeavor. This reflective project encourages students to evaluate specific actions and tasks aligned with their chosen words. It’s not just a project; it’s a step into the world of social-emotional learning, a toe dip into the pool of self-awareness and personal growth.
The Power of Transformation with the One Word Project
One of the best parts of the One Word Project is that it is an automatic built in classroom decor piece! For additional ideas on how to display your students’ One Words, this is an awesome blog post with additional ideas.
As educators, witnessing the transformation is priceless. The One Word Project isn’t just an assignment; it’s a catalyst for intellectual and emotional investment. Students become active participants in their own growth, taking ownership of their intentions and actions. So, why stick to traditional, boring resolution-making when the One Word Project exists?! Make this year about a singular, impactful word that shapes our students’ paths and fosters a sense of continuous improvement.
Thank you so much for being here. Make it a great day and change someone’s life today! — 💕 Dani
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