2016 is off to a great start! Upon returning from vacation, I challenged each student to find their #oneword. Instead of making new year's resolutions or goals, students dug deep to find just one word to guide them through 2016. A word to finish up sixth grade and lead them into junior high. Self-reflection, collaboration, decision making, and creativity converged to start off our first week of 2016.
#LessonCycle
We started the challenge by watching the "One Word That Will Change Your Life" video. (To view, scroll down to #oneword . . . for365days blog post.) It was a powerful experience as students saw that most people do not succeed in goal setting or resolution making. Then, students were introduced to the One Word cycle of "Look In, Look Up, and Look Out." After this, students took time to self reflect using the One Word Action Plan, followed by contributing possible words to a collaborative Google doc. For homework, students wrote on index cards three possible words to ponder. The next day, students chose their one word and started creating a one word reminder. For the next two days, students painted, decorated, and created boxes, paintings, slides, jars, and puzzles to use as reminders of their one word. For a writing component, I shared Twitter blogs of contributor's one word. Students then wrote their own blog posts. As a teacher, I was very happy with the progression of student thinking and understanding from abstract to concrete.
#BlogPosts
Student blog posts were full of insights. (To read entire blogs, go to our homepage.) Take a look at some of their thoughts.
*My one word for 2016 is Confident. The reason that I chose this word is because I want to feel good about myself and be confident no matter what changes I may go through this year.
*My one word is something that we do a lot at school . . . learn. I chose it because I know that if I learn, I will earn in the future.
*The word I chose for the one word challenge was “Motivate”. I need to motivate people by helping them accomplish their goals.
*I fear what others think of me, even though I never wanted to. So, this year, I plan on having more faith in myself in many ways such as spiritually, physically, educationally, with friends, and family.
*This year, I chose one word to complete my 2016 challenge, and that word was courage. I need to not be afraid to speak my mind and ask questions. I need a growth mindset and to never give up.
I have to say, our Sunsational Sixth Graders are ready for 2016. They're off to a great start finishing up this school year and mentally preparing for the start of seventh grade. With their word in hand, they're surely to find success. Have you found your word? Time to take the #oneword challenge.
My one word . . . Intentional.
Ready to be intentional in all that I do in 2016,
Mrs. McAlister
#LessonCycle
We started the challenge by watching the "One Word That Will Change Your Life" video. (To view, scroll down to #oneword . . . for365days blog post.) It was a powerful experience as students saw that most people do not succeed in goal setting or resolution making. Then, students were introduced to the One Word cycle of "Look In, Look Up, and Look Out." After this, students took time to self reflect using the One Word Action Plan, followed by contributing possible words to a collaborative Google doc. For homework, students wrote on index cards three possible words to ponder. The next day, students chose their one word and started creating a one word reminder. For the next two days, students painted, decorated, and created boxes, paintings, slides, jars, and puzzles to use as reminders of their one word. For a writing component, I shared Twitter blogs of contributor's one word. Students then wrote their own blog posts. As a teacher, I was very happy with the progression of student thinking and understanding from abstract to concrete.
#BlogPosts
Student blog posts were full of insights. (To read entire blogs, go to our homepage.) Take a look at some of their thoughts.
*My one word for 2016 is Confident. The reason that I chose this word is because I want to feel good about myself and be confident no matter what changes I may go through this year.
*My one word is something that we do a lot at school . . . learn. I chose it because I know that if I learn, I will earn in the future.
*The word I chose for the one word challenge was “Motivate”. I need to motivate people by helping them accomplish their goals.
*I fear what others think of me, even though I never wanted to. So, this year, I plan on having more faith in myself in many ways such as spiritually, physically, educationally, with friends, and family.
*This year, I chose one word to complete my 2016 challenge, and that word was courage. I need to not be afraid to speak my mind and ask questions. I need a growth mindset and to never give up.
I have to say, our Sunsational Sixth Graders are ready for 2016. They're off to a great start finishing up this school year and mentally preparing for the start of seventh grade. With their word in hand, they're surely to find success. Have you found your word? Time to take the #oneword challenge.
My one word . . . Intentional.
Ready to be intentional in all that I do in 2016,
Mrs. McAlister
** For 2017, my friend @SusieWhipple106 and I created this hyperdoc. Feel free to make a copy and remix it to work with your class.
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