Encouragement for Running the Race: The Story of Matt Woodrum

Click Here For Race Video
To discuss with your student leaders:
How does Matt Woodrum focus on his circle of control instead of his struggles?
Matt chooses to run the hardest race.  What is the value of choosing to do hard things and deciding that you won't give up?
Matt heads for the finish line and knows where it is.  How is he beginning with the end in mind, and how can we make "finish lines" for our goals?
Sometimes Matt slows down.  How do the other students synergize to keep him going?
By encouraging Matt, the students create a win-win situation.
How does everyone involved end up a winner in this race?

The Power of One

click here for video and watch number 5
There are lots of great ideas of how to use this concept and video in the classroom!
Try making a banner that says, "The Power of One," then have these categories displayed beneath it:
1.  The video starts with phrases such as...
    "One song can spark a moment."
    "One tree can start a forest."
    "One smile begins a friendship."
    Have your leaders write their own "One" phrases.  For those who do best with a scaffold, let them
    try this:  One _____________ can ______________ a ________________.
2.  Another section of the video has phrases that start with the word "Be."  For example...
    "Be bold."
    "Be proud."
    "Be yourself."
    What a great way to start a school year.  Instead of writing a list of "Don'ts" for students, have
    them create a list of how they want to be.
3.  The last section of the video gives verbs...
    "Share."
    "Explore."
    "Inspire."
    Have students find the verbs that they think are the most important for living life.  It is a great way
    to get them paying attention to parts of speech in the dictionary and at the same time, helps them
    think of how to take action in this world.

What do you do to teach the power of one?