Throw Back Thursday-Success or Power Words

This is a post that reflects how I view teaching. I feel that it is important for children to value themselves and know that they are special. Last summer I came up with this project. It was a great success. I included a picture of my wall at the end of this post. I hope to create a new one next year.

One thing I like to do when the new year starts in help my students focus on their positive talents and character traits. We focus on "success" words or "power" words. I talk to them about how they are unique and special.

Usually we do power words and decorate them, but this year I am going to make these picture boards for the bulletin board.

Because I am still in Korea, I don't have access to some of my materials, so I used some of the left over pieces to make test samples. They are not exactly square, but they will give you the idea.

To start with, you will need some sort of board to create the base. I used a foam board and my son cut out 20cm squares. (approx. 8 In.)
You will also need some ribbon and some thumbtacks. I bought some smiley face ones.

Next, each student needs to think of a word that describes them or that is important to them. Here are some of the words that we chose. I used a clipart alphabet instead of a font to make them more interesting. This clipart was from Graphics From the Pond.

The picture on the right is the one I will be using for school. For the samples, I was able to do 4 on a page. For the actual blocks, I will be printing one picture per page. If you want to make yours smaller, that is an option too. I will also be laminating the actual pictures before putting them on the blocks.

Cut out the picture so that it fits the base. The lines on the box will be covered by the ribbons. Make sure you have them where you want the ribbons to be. Attach the ribbons with the thumbtacks. You can glue them down on the back. I used a glue gun.
Finally make a ribbon loop and attach it at the top with another thumbtack so you can hang it up.

        There you have it. This will be my "wall of power" for the start of the year.

Wall of Success and Power Words for Sept. 2013