Choosing a “Word of the Year” can be a powerful and motivational practice for students, offering several benefits to enhance their academic performance and personal development.
Do you encourage your students to choose a word each year?
For years now, I have chosen a word each year to represent something that I want to work on or a reminder to myself that I can fall back upon throughout the year.
It’s been everything from “Gratitude” to “Make Time” to “Joy,” and each year, the word I choose makes an impact on how I view things.
My word for this year is “consistency,” and my daughter’s is “brave”.
The same can be true for your students.
A word of the year – either the school year or the calendar year – can give them focus and encourage them to do better.
Here’s how.
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The Difference a Word of the Year Can Make
Focus and Goal Setting
Selecting a word encourages students to reflect on their goals and aspirations.
It serves as a focal point for the academic or calendar year, helping them concentrate on specific areas of improvement.
Mindfulness and Intentionality
The process of choosing a word promotes mindfulness and intentionality.
Students become more conscious of their actions, decisions, and attitudes, aligning them with the chosen theme for the year.
I know that may sound too easy, but it really is how choosing a word works.
Personal Development
A word of the year often represents a quality or trait students want to cultivate.
This focus on personal development can positively impact their overall character and well-being.
Motivation and Resilience
The chosen word can serve as a source of motivation during challenging times.
It reminds students of their purpose, fostering resilience and determination to overcome obstacles.
Self-Reflection
Regular reflection on the chosen word encourages self-awareness.
Students can assess their progress, celebrate achievements, and identify areas for improvement throughout the academic year.
Time Management
A word of the year can help students prioritize their time and energy on activities that align with their goals.
This, in turn, contributes to effective time management and productivity.
Communication and Expression
Encouraging students to choose a word fosters communication skills.
They can articulate their thoughts, express their goals, and share their aspirations with teachers and peers.
Community Building
Some educational institutions adopt a collective “Word of the Year” theme, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose among students.
This can contribute to a positive and supportive learning environment.
As a side note…I would still let students select their own words, too.
A communal word is nice, but for individual growth and development, you really need to have a personal word of the year.
Creativity and Critical Thinking
Students can explore creative ways to embody their chosen words, fostering critical thinking skills.
This can extend beyond academics to various aspects of their lives.
Ownership of Learning
The process of selecting a word empowers students to take ownership of their learning journey.
It encourages a proactive approach to education and personal growth.
How to Keep a Word of the Year Front and Center
This section could also be called – “How not to forget your word of the year!” Ha!
Let’s face it, we all have a lot of information being thrown at us all day, every day and it’s easy to lose track of your word when you first pick it.
“Was it brave? Or, wait, maybe it was patience?”
The struggle is real!
Here are some things that I have done to help myself and my students when I was in the classroom, and homeschooling remember their words each year.
- Make friendship bracelets with their word of the year
- Put a sticky note on your laptop
- Create a binder cover with the word on it
- Get a journal with that word on it
- Make stickers with the word and put them around
- Post it on the fridge or bedroom mirror where you see it all the time.
Of course, if it’s your personal word of the year, you could also invest in an engraved bracelet or necklace.
I even have an engraved ring with one of my words on it!
Whatever you need to do to cement that word in your head, do it.
Word of the Year for the Win
Incorporating the concept of a word of the year into educational settings can contribute to a more holistic and intentional approach to student development.
It can also give students a chance to reflect on what they want out of their lives and who they want to become.
It’s more than just academic success that a word can bring; it’s personal growth and encouragement when things get tough.
What’s your word of the year going to be this year?