11/20/06

Tis the Season to Talk Turkey

Oops! I guess it's too late for that. Thanksgiving will be stuffed away in everyone's minds by the time you get this Word. Well, no - it's not too late to use that phrase.

If you're using Volume III, then you've already done some activities and held some discussions on how one talks turkey. If you're using another volume, however, you can still seize the moment and talk turkey to your class. Your students will love the subject!

If you're using Volume II, you're all ready familiar with the political jargon that is filling today's newspapers. There are many lame ducks, struggling along for a couple more months. And we're all wondering who the dark horses will be in 2008. We know that a lot of grass root organizations are organizing so that they canvass for their favorite projects. In fact, all of this information is fodder for newspaper writers.

Today's political news provides us with a hat full of great vocabulary words. You and your students should be able to glean quite a few of these from newspaper headlines. Glean is a lovely autumn word. While the public may glean fruits and vegetables left behind on orchards and fields, everyone - from fifth graders to high schoolers - can glean information about the current state of politics.

This is also the season when rime appears on many windows, especially above the Mason-Dixon line. Have students take photos of rime they see on their home's or car's windows.

And, finally, don't some of us wish we could hibernate until spring, just to escape the woes of winter? Perhaps you have students who enjoy hibernating in the library.

As you ruminate on these ideas, please enjoy your upcoming break from school affairs! Tis the season for reflection on the last few months and contemplation of those ahead in the New Year. I'll be back with more in 2007.

And please keep in mind that the main difference between Word Web Vocabulary and all other programs is that students become immersed, not just exposed to, word study.

That's my word for this time. Ellie

Word Web Vocabulary - recommended on Heidi Hayes-Jacobs' website - Moving vocabulary from the edge of language arts to its center