Submitted by: Rachel Brainin and Michelle Sussmann, Third Grade Teachers
Can one word make a difference? Third Graders think it can! They have chosen one word to prove it.
We started the school year by reading, “One Word for Kids,” by Jon Gordon. The book follows a student named Stevie whose teacher asks everyone to come up with one word that will make them have the best year ever. After lots of thinking, Stevie comes up with his word, and he soon discovers that it works! One word can make a difference.
After reading the book, we discussed the power of words and the power of positive thinking. After some brainstorming, third graders chose a word that would inspire them throughout the year and help them to have an amazing school year. Next, they made beaded bracelets with their words on them. This way they could wear their words and have them as a regular reminder.
Finally, they made an additional bracelet with a new word - this time a word they gifted to a classmate to inspire their year. Students chose a bracelet from a grab bag, and now have 2 words to carry them through the year.
As a lead-in to our special Third Graders Making a Difference curriculum (a service learning curriculum where students learn about issues and help others every month throughout the year), third graders spread the love of our “one word” lesson by making bracelets for faculty who also wanted to be inspired this year with one word. So if you see a 3rd grader - or faculty member - wearing a beaded word bracelet, ask them to tell you about their word and the magic that can come from setting your mind to something.
What word would you choose?
