As the new school year approaches, it’s important to find ways to motivate and inspire your students from the very beginning. This back-to-school One Word writing and art project is the perfect way to kick off the year with enthusiasm and purpose. Ideal for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders and beyond, this activity encourages students to stay motivated and set positive goals.
Why This Project Is Special
This beginning-of-year writing activity is more than just a classroom task. It's an inspirational journey that helps students focus on a single, meaningful word throughout the year. By choosing one word, students gain clarity, focus, and ambition, guiding their actions and decisions.
The project also includes a fun chalk art and video component, adding a creative and engaging element to the learning process. I love seeing what the students come up with each year!
Recommended Materials:
One Word for Kids by Jon Gordon
Pencils (I recommend students write in pencil first)
Flair Pens (for tracing over the pencil writing)
How It Works
I recommend starting this project with a read aloud of the picture book One Word for Kids by Jon Gordon. You can find that HERE. This will ignite thought-provoking conversations about the meaning behind this project, as well as some ideas for words.
2. Students start with a brainstorming outline to gather their thoughts and ideas. I have a template for this, or you can use your own.
3. Next, they create a reflective writing piece, expressing their chosen word's significance and their goals for the year.
I like to allow the students to be creative with the way they write their one word. I show them different decorative writing styles, and how they can add color and embellishments to their letters.
4. In addition to the writing piece, there is also a chalk art component. I created a step-by-step guide for drawing a lightbulb, and using the chalk to give it a glowing effect.
5. A final optional step is to have the students record a short video explaining why they chose their one word, and the significance it has to them. These are fun to share with each other, as well as family and friends. You could use a green screen, so students can make the background interactive using a video creation platform such as WE Video.
Save time and Use My Templates!
As I’ve done this project throughout the years, I’ve put together many templates and resources to make this project as smooth and enjoyable as possible for both teachers and students.
I put all of these together in a Complete One Word Project resource that will save you a lot of time and energy! Here’s what’s included:
Printable One Word Templates 2024-2033 (School Year Versions)
Printable One Word Templates 2024-2033 (New Year Versions)
Blank Templates to Edit/Customize
Digital Teaching Slides
Photo Examples
Product Recommendations
Brainstorm Pages
Blank One Word Template
Light Bulb Directed Drawing
Chalk Art Steps
Video Planning Checklist
Video Planning Outline
These resources are designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing you to start this project at the beginning of the school year or the calendar year in January. With printable and digital versions available, you can choose the format that works best for your classroom.
Get Ready to Inspire
Starting the school year with this One Word project will not only inspire your students but also set a positive tone for the months ahead. They’ll love the opportunity to express themselves creatively through writing, art, and video, all while focusing on a meaningful goal.
Don't miss out on this comprehensive and engaging project that includes everything you need to make the start of the school year a success. Let’s make this year the best one yet with the One Word writing and art project!
Feel free to email me at Janis@LodgesLearning.com if you have any questions, or to share how you used this project with your students!
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