If you’ve just returned from Christmas break, then the Word of the Year exercise is a perfect way to ease back into school this week. That winter break was just so welcomed but now no one wants to come back. And the best gift you can give yourself and your students is the chance to slowly get back into the routine of school. Instead of jumping right back into the deep lessons, let students take some time to promote a growth mindset in the classroom. Plus starting the new year with goal setting is such a valuable habit to teach your students as well. So if you are desperate for an activity for the return from break, then keep reading to learn how to teach the word of the year exercise.
Hey friend, maybe you don’t have time to set this how activity up on your own. If that’s the case, then I got you! You can grab my Word of the Year Worksheet which has everything you need for this lesson. It includes both print and digital resources so you can just download and be ready to go! So if you want your New Year’s lesson planned, grab this resource now!
Ready to take your literary analysis writer’s workshop to the next level?
Teaching how to write a literary analysis essay can be tough. If you want to simplify the writing process for your students while making sure you don’t forget any steps, then this toolkit is made for you!
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Why We Need a Growth Mindset in the Classroom
A growth mindset is such a game-changer in the classroom, especially for high school students. Let’s face it—they’re under so much pressure. Between grades, sports, extracurriculars, and social expectations, they feel like they have to be perfect all the time. Many of them are terrified of making mistakes because they think it means they’ve failed. But that’s where a growth mindset comes in. It helps them see that mistakes aren’t the end of the road—they’re actually a valuable part of learning and growing.
When we show students that it’s okay to mess up, we give them the tools to handle stress and challenges in a healthier way. They start to understand that failure doesn’t define them, and that every misstep is just another chance to improve. I’ve seen how powerful this shift can be—it takes so much of the weight off their shoulders and helps them feel more confident in tackling hard things.
That’s why I love starting the year with something like the Word of the Year exercise. It’s a chance for students to reflect, focus on what matters to them, and set goals in a way that feels personal and manageable. It’s such a great way to build that growth mindset right from the start and remind them that it’s okay not to have it all figured out yet.
Word of the Year Exercise Lesson Plan
Step 1: Explain the Purpose of a Word of the Year
Start by introducing your students to the idea of a Word of the Year. Talk about how it’s a single word that acts as a guiding focus for the year ahead—a way to set intentions rather than resolutions. Share a few examples, like “growth,” “courage,” or “focus,” and explain how this word can help them make decisions or stay motivated. This step is all about planting the idea and getting them excited to find their own word.
Looking for a way to structure this conversation? The Word of the Year Worksheet makes it easy to guide your students through this process.
Step 2: Brainstorm Together as a Class
Give your students some time to brainstorm words that resonate with them. You could start with a class discussion where students share general ideas like “kindness” or “perseverance.” Then, encourage them to think about what they want to improve or achieve this year. Journaling or small group discussions can also work really well for this step.
Need help getting students started? The Word of the Year Worksheet includes prompts that inspire thoughtful brainstorming and help students focus their ideas.
Step 3: Reflect on Their Choices
Once they have a few potential words, ask them to dig deeper. Why does this word stand out to them? How could it guide them through the year? Reflection is key here—it’s what transforms this from a quick activity into something truly meaningful.
Not sure how to help students reflect? The worksheet walks them through the process step-by-step, making it simple for you and impactful for them.
Step 4: Create Visual Reminders
After your students have chosen their word, have them create a visual reminder to keep them focused. This could be a small poster, a digital design, or even a simple sticky note for their binder. The idea is to make the word visible, so it stays top of mind all year long.
Want templates for visual projects? The Word of the Year Worksheet includes spaces for creativity and personalization.
Step 5: Share and Discuss Their Words
Finally, give your students the opportunity to share their Word of the Year with the class. Whether it’s through a short presentation or a class display, this step builds a sense of community and accountability. Plus, students often find inspiration in each other’s words!
Looking for a way to bring this all together? This resource provides everything you need to help your students reflect, create, and share their Word of the Year.
More Ideas for New Year Activities for Students
One of My Favorite New Year Activities for Students
5 New Year Reflection Questions for Students: A Guide For Student Growth
12 Exciting Ideas For a Book Project For High School Students
Top Three Novel Unit Activities That Will Make Your Unit Exciting
Encourage your students to take a moment to reflect—you might be surprised at how much they enjoy setting a focus for the year and thinking about what really matters to them. With a little guidance and the right activity, you can turn this into a meaningful experience that sets a positive tone for the rest of the semester. If you’re looking for something easy to implement, my Word of the Year Worksheet is a great way to get started and helps students reflect in a way that feels personal and impactful.
If you enjoyed this post, come hang out with me at www.theteacherrewrite.com or follow me on Instagram @theteacherrewrite. I’m always sharing tips, tricks, and resources to make teaching a little easier and a lot more fun. Let me handle the prep so you can focus on inspiring your students! Start the year off right with the meaningful and fun word of the year exercise.
Ready to take your literary analysis writer’s workshop to the next level?
Teaching how to write a literary analysis essay can be tough. If you want to simplify the writing process for your students while making sure you don’t forget any steps, then this toolkit is made for you!
Click HERE to learn more!