Since the calendar turned to 2026, I’ve been thinking about my one little word for the year. I have chosen love. Why love?
I want to do what I love and love what I do. I want my work to reveal my love for the world and inspire others. I want to show love to the people around me. Whenever possible, I want to stop doing things I don’t love and choose the things I do. I also want to counter some of the hate I see in the world. I am choosing love.
This week, carve out time for your students to choose one little word to guide them through 2026. This word can act as a personal mission statement, an intention, or a focus for the year. Brainstorm possible choices together. Revisit The Word Collector or The Gift of Words by Peter H. Reynolds. Then, ask each student to choose something that speaks to them in their current situation. Remind them that there is no right or wrong choice. Some of my previous words have been breathe, balance, gratitude, write, joy, becoming, and persistence. Although they were right for the years I chose them, this year, love is the best fit for me.
Give students the opportunity to showcase their word artistically in some way. Let them choose the materials and style to best represent their intention. Also be sure to revisit the words periodically as a way to ensure they continue to hold meaning for students.
Samuel Beckett once said, “Words are the clothes thoughts wear.” What thought do your students want to guide them through the year?