Words have been on my mind lately. I selected a word for #oneword2014, CONNECT, which is one important reason I began this blog. I have been a word lover ever since I first learned to read using the Dick and Jane books - yes, I am that old! I loved the sound of the words and the way the sounds we spoke when reading changed according to the letter combinations. Later, I learned to love words found in literature. When my teacher would grab the chapter book she was currently reading to us, I would get a shiver of anticipation, wondering where the words would carry us to that day. As an adult reader, I still find myself tuned in to the words and combinations used to describe or explain something. I often make note of these orally when reading aloud to my own students. In our elementary writing program we call it "word choice," and it is exciting to see the intriguing words various authors choose. This year I have challenged myself to start taking time to write them down when I find them, but I'll save that for a later blogpost. The power of words to carry us away or make us laugh or cry is phenomenal, as anyone who has ever cried when reading cards at the store knows. Words are obviously important in any classroom, and ours is no exception. Every morning in my classroom, we listen to a special song to get our day started strong. For the past month or so, it has been a wonderful song about using words to build up others - the song "Speak Life" by TobyMac. Its powerful message and lively beat make it the perfect song to set the tone for our day. If I get rushed or sidetracked with morning duties like attendance, lunch count, or office notes, my students are quick to remind me - or to remind our student technology coordinator. It seems they need this bump in energy at the beginning of the day just as much as I do! It speaks highly of the power of TobyMac's words that they can make such a difference in our day. Every year in our classroom we do a magical {secret} Valentine project involving parent-made Valentine cards that we secretly deliver. A magic hush fills our room when the students discover homemade parent Valentines in their boxes. What a fun and inspirational way for parents to use words to show their love! Finally, loving words as I do, it will come as no surprise that this quote is a favorite of mine: “Watch your thoughts, they become words; watch your words, they become actions; watch your actions, they become habits; watch your habits, they become character; watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” ~ FRANK OUTLAW On this day, I have the distinct joy of hearing two very special words - "I DO" - at a family friend's wedding. This particular family "does" words very well, and they happen to be the owners of the framed chalkboard in the photo at the top of my page. They share words so well that this chalkboard is always my first stop when I enter their home. May you find joy in the power of words in your life today - and may you find a way to CONNECT with others to share these words with someone to make a difference in their lives, too.
1 Comment
2/9/2014 02:07:28 am
Thank you for this beautiful post and for causing me to reflect on the power of words. Your post made me think of the power of words and storytelling in my own classroom to engage the learner as well as the power of a common language to teach students to act and think like a scientist-so many layers!
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