How the Power of Word Choice Started
The words we use with students and the words that students use in their educational experience, social worlds, and internal monologue matter. Teaching them the power of word choice is key.
Last year, Miss Krzyzanowski had an exit ticket early in the year that asked “What is something you need to hear when you’re having a rough day?” Students came up with a variety of answers. The simple: “You can do it.” The unique: “You rock the world.” And everything in between. Miss Krzyzanowski wrote all of the phrases onto index cards and hung them up on the door. Students could see everyone’s words of support and multiple shared that it helped to see them on the door as they walked in as a reminder.
Where it’s Going
This year, Miss Krzyzanowski is passing the creation power onto her students and adding a bit more to make it a full lesson.
First, she will lead a discussion asking students things that they have heard or thought that was untrue, but hard not to believe. Then, she will watch this video. After the video, they will do a quick write responding to this question: “Why does this word change matter?” This leads to a discussion on the power of the words we choose to use in life. It will be a good reference point throughout the school year.
Next, Miss Krzyzanowski will ask students to write down a phrase that they would like to see on a rough day.
Once students have their phrases, they will be given the opportunity to design an index card-sized piece of paper. Miss Krzyzanowski likes the 3in x 5in size best. Students will design either hand-drawn cards or use Canva. This is a simple activity to get students into the process of using a new program which will allow her to encourage using it later with bigger projects later in the year.
The final step is to hang up the cards in the classroom somewhere they will be seen each day. Miss Krzyzanowski hung them on the door so that as students entered and left, they would see them.
