Students Need a OLW Too!

Happy new year!

As we return to school this coming week, it is the perfect time to plan for and set goals for the new year.

Many of us do this in the form of a resolution, but I prefer to choose a word that will serve as my mantra and guiding light for the year. It's just easier to remember than a bunch of things that I will or will not do that come in the form of a resolution. (Even the word 'resolution' sounds harsh, doesn't it?)

By now, you may have chosen your One Little Word (OLW) for 2017. But have you considered having your students choose an OLW as a part of their goal-setting for the new year?

I have put together some resources for you to use to make this easy and fun.

This video can get things started:

This graphic organizer will help students choose a word. You can find it here.

Once students have chosen their word, they can reflect on how they will use it to meet their goals. This graphic organizer will get them thinking and help organize the writing process. You can find it here.

Looking for other ways to bring your students' OLW to life?

* Work with the art teacher to have students create a graphic representation or collage of their OLW.

* Give students a mailing label. Have their write their OLW on the label as a sort of name tag to wear.

* Students include their OLW after they write their name on their papers.

* Students write in their reflection journal at the end of every day of how they called on their OLW for guidance in decision making and action.

* Change name tags on desks (or add another one) to include students' OLW. This will help keep the word front and center during work times.

* Create a class book of OLW's. (Thanks Beth Foraker @inclusionchick for the suggestion!)


Best of luck to you as you begin 2017! I wish both you and your students much success in meeting your goals this new year!