TIP #53: The One Word Project for Kids
The One Word project for kids originated from the book, “One Word That Will Change Your Life” by Jon Gordon, Jimmy Page, and Dan Britton, first published a decade ago. Since that time, this concept has inspired countless people of all ages around the world.
What is the One Word project?
The One Word project involves choosing a single word to simplify and focus your life for a given period of time. This could be over a school year, a calendar year, or any length of time you choose.
The One Word project is similar to a goal or resolution, only simpler and more broad in its application. It could relate to a change you’d like to make or a quality you want to emphasize.
Because it’s just a single word, it’s easy to apply “One Word” to a variety of situations. You can also create clever ways to remind yourself of your word with signs, notes, jewelry, and more.
The One Word project for kids
The success of the authors’ first book inspired them to write a similar book just for kids. “One Word for Kids: A Great Way to Have Your Best Year Ever”, is written with a school-age audience in mind.
The One Word project for kids encourages them to become self-aware and helps them develop a growth mindset.
Well-meaning New Year’s resolutions are popular but often quickly abandoned. Goals can also be easily forgotten. Yet, without a specific intention to improve or grow, it’s easy to just maintain the status quo.
By focusing on a word that has special meaning for them, kids can affect changes in their attitude or behavior that may not have occurred otherwise.
How do you do the One Word project for kids?
Step 1. Read the book!
Reading “One Word for Kids” will introduce this project in a way young kids can relate to. For older kids, you might read excerpts from the original “One Word that Will Change Your Life” book.
Step 2. Brainstorm together
Have kids think about the kind of person they want to become and the words that might help them be their best. Have them make a list of as many words as possible. Some students may have some of the same words, but everyone’s complete list will look different.
Step 3. Have kids choose their “One Word”
There’s no specific formula for choosing a word. Most likely one word will stand out and just feel more meaningful than the others. Some people say that your word chooses YOU!
Step 4. Create some “One Word” reminders
This can be anything from a word written on a simple post-it note, to bookmarks, posters, placemats, and more. Kids will enjoy creating an art project with their word using Kaleidoscope Lettering, or other fun lettering styles.
Step 5. Live your “One Word”
Encourage students to keep their “One Word” in the back of their minds as they go throughout their day. They can be on the look-out for ways to live out their “One Word” in everything they do. Their “One Word” can motivate and inspire them to be their best!
an inspiring quote:
“What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?”
~ Vincent Van Gogh
Vincent Van Gogh had plenty of experience with attempting new things. He failed at multiple jobs (art dealer, school teacher, lay preacher, bookseller, missionary worker) before becoming an artist.
It had to take great courage for Van Gogh to keep trying new things after failing so many times. He seemed to recognize that getting back up after failing was an important key to success in life.
If Van Gogh had chosen one word to motivate and inspire him, what word do you think he might have picked?