choice words...


...It is totally your choice!

I have been flipping through the pages, once again, of a book I think is one of the most powerful books written...one that has changed my entire teaching life...Choice Words by Peter Johnston. The power of words is compelling.  Words can build up, motivate, encourage, broaden perspectives, as well as provide the exact opposite.  I think almost everyone can remember a time when someone used specific words as weapons to break down the power that drives you.  Whether spoken intentionally or unintentionally, we still play those same words over in our minds and wonder why they said it that way. 

The book, Choice Words, helps me to keep my specific language with students, and well, everyone at the forefront of my thinking.  I am careful how I use my words. It takes careful planning, thoughtfulness, and reflection, but soon those choice words start to become habit. 

I am thrilled at the growth this book has provided me in the past few years.  Colleagues have commented on the ways that I positively phrase things with students or hold back language and allow for students own decision-making process to take over. 

I love keeping up with what is current professional reading in leadership and the reading world, but revisiting some powerful past reads is important as well.

until later~

b~