This activity involves group brainstorming and individual selection of the most meaningful word or words to serve as a paperweight. This rock paperweight will remind each participant of their commitment to support all learners.
Make sure this question is prominently displayed in the room.
“What word or words (no more than two) serve as a call to arms, a strong stimulus, a reminder to yourself of the importance of creating a climate of shared ownership for all students? What word reminds you to promote and protect equity, belonging, and high expectations for every single student in your school or classroom?”
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Time Allotted
25-30 Minutes
Materials/Equipment
- Smooth river rocks
- Permanent markers in a variety of colors
- The question on a large poster
- A Word Wall – project boards, colored paper, butcher block paper, etc., large enough to serve your purpose
- Word Wall sign
Directions
- Introduce the activity. Here is the question for the session: Using only one word or two at the most, think of a word or words that serve as a reminder to you of the importance of creating a climate of shared responsibility for all students.
- Provide these directions to the groups. How many of you know what a Word Wall is or actually use a Word Wall? Who can tell us what it is and how it can be used in instruction?
- A word wall is an organized collection of words prominently displayed in a classroom. This display is used as an interactive tool for teaching reading, spelling, word or concept connections, etc. There are many different types of word walls including high frequency words, word families, names, synonyms, etc.
- We have our own word wall today with a question you are to answer. The question is this: What word or words (no more than two) serve as a call to arms, a strong stimulus, a reminder to yourself of the importance of creating a climate of shared ownership for all students? What word reminds you to promote and protect equity, belonging, and high expectations for every single student in your school or classroom?
- Provide 10 minutes for the entire group to place their nominees or their own choices on the Word Wall.
- Then, provide time for the group to study the entire wall and to select the word/words that has the most meaning for them.
- Distribute smooth river rocks (available at craft stores and plant nurseries), one to each participant with permanent markers.
- Tell the group that they can now create their own paperweight for their desks with their selected word. Provide time for the participants to accomplish this.
- Then provide time for small groups to gather and introduce their rocks and the reason(s) for their word choice and how they intend to use this throughout the school year.