OneWord 2022

For the seventh year, I am participating in the #OneWord challenge. However, I am most excited about what my students will do with the activities I have planned for them in another updated version of a lesson that has been a hit for six years. (See below).

For those unfamiliar, #OneWord is a social media movement in which individuals are encouraged to abandon the idea of New Year's Resolutions in favour of a single word -- One Word -- that centers of their character and helps them focus on a vision for the next 365 days. 

In the past, I have selected Revitalize, Mindfulness, Cultivate, Persist, Discomfort & Ameliorate. I have had mixed success with my focus on each. Some years, the word is front-of-mind and I reflect on it often. Other years, it fades and has little impact on my day-to-day. Last year's word Ameliorate is a good example. I think I overthought that selection.

This year, I have chosen the word APPRECIATE. This word reflects the challenges I've experienced lately. I am genuinely missing things that brought pleasure and purpose to my life. We are in the 4th wave of the Covid-19 pandemic – The Omicron Wave. I am, again, feeling a little isolated from friends and my classroom. As an extrovert, I am energized by social gatherings.

Additionally, I had a foot surgery that, although necessary and important, has taken away my mobility. Consequently, I am unable to exercise. I can accept that I have to wait six weeks to play hockey – arenas are shut down anyway – but, I can’t walk very far, do my daily push-ups or even commit to a good stretch. 

Snapped this just after I woke up from anaesthesia

I could continue to complain, but that is what I want to change. I want to appreciate the things that I have. 

• I am safe and so are my loved ones. I am currently listening to music and can hear my wife in the other room feeding our cats--all of whom love me unconditionally.

• I am still employed, despite the pandemic and the surgery.

• I have an terrific class of creative, kind, smart learners and we are going to make the most of this situation.

• I am healthy otherwise. Until my surgery, I was still a 56-year-old playing hockey and doing 28 push-ups a day.

• I can use this time for other pursuits. I can play guitar, continue learning the piano and take up my Spanish course...again.

This is only scratching the surface. There is so much to appreciate about this world I was lucky to be born into and that I have worked hard to create. This year, I am going to recognize this more often.

Appreciate is my #OneWord2022.

Thank you, I also appreciate you reading my post.

EDUCATION CONNECTION

I have curated a series of lesson for my students at this link (bit.ly/onewordhyperdoc22)

Educators are welcome to copy it and edit for their own needs. By next week, each of my students will have their own #OneWord that they will share in a banner made in the program Canva (similar to the ones I have made above). They will also create a Shapegram Snow Globe and share their thinking. (see below).

Alright, Fair Enough

Recently, I was visiting a friend when a noise erupted from the basement. His children, two young boys, had obviously reached a tipping-point in their play, and a screaming match ensued. Frustrated, he did what I have seen many adults do. He interceded, a little angrily, and the argument stopped.

I’m no stranger to this tactic. I’ve done it many times at school. Two students are in a conflict at recess and, immediately, I default to a well rehearsed proclamation - like a code in a program, randomly selecting a line of script.

“Enough!”

“Stop it!”

“Just try to get along.”

“Find someone else to play with”

“You go that way … and you go that way.”

However, I have been thinking about a line from this classic Monty Python sketch

“An argument is an intellectual process”.

Recently, I heard comedian Bill Burr discuss the topic of arguments between friends. He highlighted the power of three words that can bring two sides to a quick and amicable resolution when the exhaustion point in a quarrel is reached.

“Alright. Fair Enough.”

The intersection of these events got me thinking about curriculum and teaching - which might be the mantra of every teacher.

If it is important to learn how to argue, or debate, how can I teach my students (Grade 5 - 8) to do it?

Can I do this in an effective, fun, cross-curricular, & collaborative way?

I’ve decided to call this activity “Fair Enough”.

• Perhaps, the Monty Python argument sketch could be used as a “Minds On”.
• Start with a discussion about arguments. Present them as valuable. Make the connection to science, essay writing, political opinion, sports, laws, etc.
• Allow for Student Voice. Have them Think-Pair-Share stories about arguments they have had, won and/or lost.
• Talk about the idea of a debate as a formal, respectful exchange of ideas in front of a crowd.
• Students find partners and choose a pair of opposing topics. I have started a list here, but students can determine their own.
• Collaboratively (or independently), they prepare their arguments. Depending on age and ability, this could be done as simple point form notes, or as a Ignite or Lightning Talk with a Google Slideshow.
• Practice time can be provided depending on the desired complexity.
• Students go head-to-head in front of the class.
• When ideas have been exhausted, the students look at each other, shrug their shoulders and say “Alright, fair enough.”
• I’ve included a Google Slide that you can edit for your purposes.

Curriculum & Learning Skill Connections

• The connections to Oral Language, Literacy and Drama are obvious.
• I like the idea that we are embracing the importance of an argument as a foundation for progress in our society.
• I think it connects well to curriculum expectations for writing structure (The five paragraph answer sandwich model).
• I like that students who are about to argue are encouraged to collaborate to help each other solidify their points and counterpoints.
• I like that this activity could be unplugged (scrap paper and a pencil) or plugged (Google Slides).
• I like that there is a safe conclusion for both parties: “Alright, Fair Enough”. This is also a useful social strategy for future arguments.

Hopefully, I can share this lesson with a class next year. I’ll write about the results. If it doesn’t go well...Alright, fair enough.