My daughter Molly loves words — she always has. Her latest “game” (which is driving Anna crazy) is so much like the procedure for development recommended in Bringing Words to Life that I wonder if she hasn’t read the book herself!

I walked into the kitchen last night to hear this conversation between Molly and Anna:

Molly: Your jump rope is on the sidewalk. Is that awkward?
Anna: No, I don’t think so. Um….yes? (sounding unsure)
Molly: Your teacher has toilet paper stuck to her shoe. Is that awkward?
Anna: Gross, Molly! I don’t know….yes?
Molly: Yes! That would be awkward because you would feel weird telling her. Right?

And so it goes. They covered awkward, mist, and glisten(spurred by “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas”).

Vocabulary is fun. Really fun! And helping kids become lovers of words is great too. Although I haven’t read Miss Alaineus yet, I plan too. The author and illustrator has a terrific web page that includes fun ideas for teachers: vocabulary parade, word games, and art projects.

I know there are tons of other books for kids that encourage discussions about words…care to share your favorites?

About the Author

Joanne Meier has more than 20 years of experience in the field of education, including serving on the faculty at the University of Virginia for six years where she trained reading specialists and future classroom teachers. Dr. Meier was Reading Rockets’ research-to-practice consultant from 2002 to 2014, where she wrote the Page by Page blog — sharing best practices in supporting young readers at home and in the classroom.

Publication Date
December 13, 2007

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