I’ve decided that my “one little word” for 2025 is breathe. I write this thinking about my jam-packed January: a six-day school residency, seven PD sessions of varying lengths, and many writing deadlines. I love all of the individual tasks but when I look at my calendar as a whole, I wonder how I will get it all done. That’s when I remind myself to breathe. Each breath is an opportunity to find strength and resolve on the inhale before exhaling any anxiety within me. Breathe. It will get done. There’s power in my “one little word.”

This week, as you return to the classroom with your students, talk about the year ahead. Lead them through some brainstorming: What attitude(s) do they want to project in 2025? What goals do they have? What “one little word” might be a good reminder for them throughout the year?

Once they have their “one little word,” give them an opportunity to represent the word visually in some way: a drawing (on paper or digitally), a vision board, even a bracelet with letter beads spelling their word. Whatever form of representation they choose, encourage them to think about how the size, style, or font of their word might convey meaning. Invite them to consider images connected with this word. Perhaps you also ask students share their word, their visual representation, and the reason they chose this word with the class or a small group.

Words are powerful when carefully crafted one after another. But a single word can be powerful too. Breathe.