Thursday, July 19, 2018

The Power of One Word


Words are powerful... 



Remember this saying growing up:


Wasn't this saying the old "defense" to any negative things that kids would say to us?
Are negative words the only words that have power in our lives?


Is there really power in 

??



As educators, we know there is power in words.  Not only the words but the frequency, the emotion, and the intent behind those words. We would not be educators if we did not believe that words have power. However, do you believe that One Word, just One, can have a life-changing impact on your life? 

If so, how much impact can One Word really have on your life? Jon Gordon talks about these 6 dimensions specifically:

Spiritual


Physical

Emotional

Relational


Mental


Financial
As we prepare for the year, think about how your word can impact each day. How much does how we look at things impact what we do? How many times do we have to refocus in order to be the best "us" every day? It is not easy, but One word can truly make a difference.

Assignment:  

Post ideas that can bring the process of choosing One Word to life for the students at Brock Intermediate.  There are tons of ways we can use this for kids as well as ourselves...think outside the box....go!! 




35 comments:

  1. I have been so inspired by this book. I have even asked my family to choose words! I ordered t-shirts for us too! I could see this really taking off - we could purchase a staff shirt with our campus words:) perhaps grade level teams could choose words, even individual classes as well. At home, we all know eachother’s words And we are helping one another be accountable when we start to give up. My word at home is “live” - I need to live and apprecIate the time with my family and not worry about what might happen. Hayden has “focus” - focus on his schooling and let’s get through college! Gracie- “breathe” she is my worried. She is heading off to college, so many new things heading her way... we often remind her to breathe and everything is going to be ok... Larry - “relax” he is the hardest worker I know. He needs to sit down and enjoy a little:)
    I can see “one word” inspire us as a campus to work together for a common goal. I love this idea! ❤️

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    1. I'm incorporating One Word at home too! I think in doing so (for my little ones) it has already eliminated worry, frustration, and anxiety!!!! Right now in our lives...we are in need of that!!! I'm hoping their words stay with them throughout the rest of the year! I'm planning on posting their words on their bathroom mirrors and our refrigerator as DAILY reminders!!!!

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    2. I chose my word and I immediately was impacted!!! It keeps you focused on ONE thing. I was able to actually zipline...YES...zipline!!!! I am afraid of heights, and I completed 10 ziplines. The feeling of accomplishment was amazing!!!

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  2. I can see incorporating "One Word" into our Capturing Kids' Hearts social contract process. I would love to have a class word and then maybe have each child choose a more specific word that could relate to our class word in some way. Making a display of the students' words would help us encourage each other.

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    1. This is exactly what I was thinking as well!!!

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  3. To play off what Lori mentioned, we have the kids make hand and name art for our social contract walls. Rather than making both of those, we could have kiddos make word art out of their One Word. This book spoke to me in that, by the end of the school year, I feel like an exhausted jack of all trades, master of none. While some of that is normal, I’d like to be able to be more “present” in relationships and responsibilities rather than running like a headless chicken from one thing to the next. My word for the year is Now, as in be present in my current state of being and be present with those I am with. ��

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    1. Sorry, I am signed in, I thought. Christine Lewis

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    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    3. I like this! Rather than a list of things to accomplish through the year...we will all feel more successful at the end of the year, knowing we tried our best to "LIVE OUT" our individual words.
      Instead of goals for our students...we could simply have them choose ONE Word

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  4. Oh how I love this book! I think for students, it can be the beginning of teaching that everyone needs a focal point! If students brainstormed their "one word"...they will eventually take ownership in it, and how it applies to their lives. Being aware of their "one word" will keep them intact with their life purpose and build relationships.
    I think sharing our words with students would be fantastic. It could possible spark many conversations and reveal to students our hearts!
    Idea: Bulletin board with our words posted in different fonts, letters, etc. (Web of ONE WORDS)

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  5. Love all of these ideas!! I also love the focus of using "One Word" with our staff and students. I am excited about the opportunity that starting Brock Intermediate holds for us all.

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  6. I really enjoyed this book and believe that our “one words” can impact our students and staff in great ways. I think we should share our words with our students so they can help us be accountable and we should ask our students to choose a word also. These can be posted in our classrooms, hallways, etc. I am excited for this school year at BIS!

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    1. It shows I am signed in but then posts as unknown.
      Tami Waller

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  7. I love the idea of having one word as a campus. Each week we could spotlight one class to hear their ideas and how they are using it. AND we could get those rubber bracelets with our WORD on it!

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  8. Love the ideas that our students could pick one word! They could also have a journal dedicated to their one word. We could dedicate a few minutes each day to allow them time to reflect on their word and how it might have helped them get through something that day, etc.

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  9. These are all great ideas! I like the thought of having a class word we can use to hold classes accountable for behavior in the halls etc. It would be fun to have the rubber bracelets made as well. I think these ideas would build a real feel of family & community. This book is amazing! Discovering the word God has chosen for me kept showing up in different over a 2 day period -- I couldn't shake that it must be my word -- DELIBERATE -- I think it's another way of saying "stay focused" on my goals and what is really important in every day life & what can be let go for another time. Let's Go BIS! Our campus is going to be the most amazing place to be in Brock!

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    1. I have loved this book so much! It is exactly what I needed to read this summer. I have even talked my husband into joining me. So far I have told several people about it and they seem to love the idea of “One Word” as well. I love the social contracts at the beginning of the school year and will definitely keep those things posted but I would also like to create a classroom “One Word” as well as individual words for each student. I think keeping our words out in the open will help us hold each other accountable as well as creating a comfortable environment! My word is “stillness.” Learning to be still and be in the moment and let the Lord handle things.

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  10. I can see building "teaching moments" by leading the kids in classroom discussions about how they applied their word to dealing with tough situations. I think that would help them develop ways to feel comfortable sharing their problems and develop awareness and empathy for others. -J Bouyer

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  11. I love the idea of having students select one word, having them journal about the importance their one word, and giving them the opportunity to refect about the situations within that day where whey were empowered or inspired by their one word.

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  12. Love all these ideas and this book. Such a simple word can have so much meaning. Would love the T-shirt and will have the kids make word art the first couple of days. Having a word for the classroom would be great also. That will take some time for the students to decide on that perfect word. Ready for an amazing year!

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  13. I Love this book too! I love the journal and t-shirt ideas! I am going to start those myself! Everyone in my family is getting this book for Christmas!
    I have been thinking that somehow we could incorporate the students words into our daily announcements. Have students explain what their word means to them. I know my daughter will not take part in events if she thinks no one else is doing it. I feel the students may be more vocal about their words if they hear their friends talking about their personal word to everyone.

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  14. Keeping it simple seems to be the key to success! Helping students realize there's a word meant just for them (not copied from a neighbor or their friend) will inspire the students to look within. As a class, students can decide a creative way to display their word to share with others.

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  15. I enjoy the seeming simplicity of this book. The concept has a great deal of potential in regards to unlocking student academic and social achievement and growth.
    Using the Restorative Discipline Practices model of classroom management, I believe that students will be able to apply their word in a more meaningful way during a "Circle Time". This opportunity would provide additional meaning to students as they articulate the meaning that their word has for the year to their peers.

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  16. I am loving all the ideas and the "energy" this book is producing. I think a campus word would be a great idea along with having a shirt (super soft material) made, thank you Faith for that amaing idea. After my students come up with a classroom word or even their own word I would provide them with a sheet of paper that has a T-shirt pattern on it. Here they would write their word and then design the T-shirt. I would take a pic of each kid and then attach their 4x6 head shot to the individual's T-shit design and hang them in the hall/classroom as a visual reminder.

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  17. Outstanding book! So glad we're all on this journey together! I'll also have students choose a whole group "word" as well as individual "words" to focus on this year. One project I look forward to is inspiring students to create their own "word art" for the front of their writer's notebook. I'm so excited to incorporate the idea of reflecting on their personal "word" journey as they write. And, since I'm an ELA Nerd, I can't wait to tie into literature and discuss what "word" would best fit a particular character or what "word" would have helped create a different outcome. Can't wait to brainstorm ideas with students!

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  18. I like the idea of having class words or a school word that help to focus the kids on something that is simple and realistic. I like the "One Word" idea because sometimes we throw so many things at the kids and they get overwhelmed. I think it would be great for our kids to have their own individual word for the year as well. I think I will be implementing this in my classes.

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  19. I love The way that having one word as a class can bring stability and accountability for everyone. I think That having a word as a class will not only foster the “family” atmosphere but it will give an opportunity for each student to be a part of something big! When they feel important and as if their opinions and actions make a difference they are more apt to go the extra mile. I know That for my my “word” has held me accountable as a mom, spouse, and a teacher here soon! I cant Wait to bring my word to my class and watch how it will make me a better teacher! My goal is to not only have a class word but for each of my kids to come up with a personal word as well. I feel Like this will give me a way to connect with my new kiddos quickly as well! :) Lynden Watson

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  20. Sharing our “word” with our students and guiding them in choosing a word will have many benefits.

    Students will see that we are continually working on ourselves and setting goals to achieve or focus on our “one word”. I can see this as a great set up for a lesson on setting personal goals. I
    think another strong lesson would be about encouraging those around us - we are a community striving to be, and do, better.

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  21. Students will love the One Word principle!

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  22. I love this book! Having students pick one word is great idea! You never know just how one word can change their life.

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  23. I love that sharing my word with students lets them know that I am not perfect. Just like them I have bad days or days when I not exactly the person I want to be. I like that it lets them know even teachers need to strive to be better and I think that will make them want to as well!

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  24. I love the book. My one word would be health. That word could make all the difference.

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