The Power of a Word

Thank you to Two Writing Teachers for creating a place to share our Slice of Life. Read more slices or add you own here.

Last year I had my 4th graders chose one little word, and they were excited about doing this project.  Since I moved to middle school this year, I wasn't sure if 6th graders would have the same enthusiasm.  But they did.  It helped that last week we had a speaker, Call Me Jim, on bullying and the power of our words.  Yes, words can hurt, but they can also be powerful when used in positive ways, such as the one little word.

We have been back to school for two weeks and yes, it took us that long to get our one little words chosen, decorated, and displayed.  But here they are!

I introduced the one little word to my homeroom upon our return to school.  I explained the concept and how sometimes the OLW actually finds them.  I challenged my homeroom to take a couple of days and think about what word they would like to guide them through this year.  

Due to weather delays and another schedule conflict, we finally finished Monday.  I had a few of the students explain why they chose the word and how they think it will guide them.

Her are some of their comments.

"I chose survive, because I just want to survive my first year of middle school."

"I chose unique because I don't want to be like anyone else.  I want to be my own person."

"I think I am a positive role model so I want to inspire little kids to be their best."

"I want to have faith in myself."

"My mom always picks the oldest to do things and I want her to know that I am dependable."

I emailed our school counselor the picture and she replied to ask if she could borrow the idea.  So, today on our Morning Show, which is produced by students and seen in all homerooms, she is having every homeroom choose a word and decorate and display them.

I can't wait to see what everyone chooses and see all of the words displayed on lockers and in classrooms.  

One little word is all it takes to make a difference.