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Vocabulary. Children cringe. But do they really have to? Learning about vocabulary should be fun – words are essentially what make the world go round. Without a good vocabulary, it can be tough to succeed. Looking back on my childhood and teenage years, I can remember filling out those vocab workbooks and taking tests. I was one of those kids who enjoy the practice – but I also review books and love it, so really, what could you expect? But for the rest of the learners out there, those projects can be mundane, boring and complicated.  Which is why I wanted to briefly talk about "Bringing Words to Life," by Isabel Beck, Margaret McKeown and Linda Kucan.This book is a little different than the kiddie-themed stories I usually talk about, but as you need words to write said tales, I felt it was necessary to introduce this manual, of sorts. In the preface, the three authors offer their first memories of learning vocab: Beck talks about the word "earnest"; McKeown talks about "infatuate"; and Kucan talks about liturgical words. Their stories were great introductions to the larger theme of this book, which is essentially to make learning vocab matter to students – and to make it interactive and engaging. Beck (right), who was recently featured during an event in Costa Mesa, stressed the "Three Cs and V of  comprehension instruction": Strive for coherence; focus on content; and make connections. The V? Vocabulary. She also discussed the tactics and research behind the book. "Bringing Words to Life" offers strategies and ways to implement "robust" vocabulary instruction in the classroom, and breaks down different modes for age and learning groups, among other categories. The examples in the book really get educators engaged in the learning process – and I love the activities (I did some of them, and I'm surprised to find out I'm not as good with vocab as I once thought). But the book stresses the need for repetition in a number of different platforms. Otherwise, kids will forget. Why do you think I forgot some of the vocabulary lessons I learned? They weren't repeated, placed in context and analyzed. So, check this book out – whether you're an educator or a parent, I think it's got some good tips for everyone.  Kristen Schott is OC Family's children's book editor. Be sure to check out "Storytime," my video book reviews, for more fun facts about stories you and your kiddies must read. 'What reading can do for your kiddies' A look back Book with no words 'Pickle Things' Book vs. Kindle A world of magic awaits Hearts and hugs? 'Rita and Whatsit' Colds and books More 'Twilight'? 'Princess and the Frog' Where do you read? Are they really 'Indestructible'? Book journals 'Weezer Changes the World' 'All Kinds of Families' |
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