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#IMWAYR - The Power of Language

5/31/2015

13 Comments

 
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I have been thinking a lot lately about the power of language. What we choose to say and when can profoundly affect how children see us and, most importantly, see themselves. While I was always aware of this, it has really been highlighted for me in a few ways lately. Professionally, Kristi attended a conference and came back very excited about the work of Peter H.  Johnston. I immediately downloaded one of his books to my Kindle and have been engrossed ever since. Personally, my oldest daughter has been struggling with some anxiety and I am learning (slowly, ever so slowly) to use the right words to both hear her and help her navigate life. I am very lucky to have some amazing people on my team to help me walk in her shoes and give me the words I know she needs to hear when they just won't come to me. This post is dedicated to those people who help us find the words; thank you.
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Choice Words: How Our Language Affects Children's Learning - Peter H. Johnston. Wow. This book is fantastic. Reading it is one long series of aha! moments, moments that feel at once so incredibly obvious and so profound as to initiate a major shift in one's practice. This book is set up in such a way as to be easily accessible to all - brand new practicum teacher and seasoned veteran alike. Specific, precise wording is coupled with detailed examples, allowing you to borrow exact phrases ("I see you know how to spell the beginning of that word") or use the examples to build upon your own existing practice. This book is a must read for all, parents and teachers alike.

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A Sound Like Someone Trying Not to Make a Sound - John Irving. The power of language is infinitely evident in this book, originally published (unillustrated) as part of Irving's novel A Widow for One Year. The title itself hints at the language play within the book, full of similes and metaphors that would be excellent when teaching writing. If you are looking for a fun, slightly creepy book for the gr. 4-8 crowd, look no further, this is the one.

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I Saw an Ant on the Railroad Track - Joshua Prince. This book had 3 generations of family members giggling when we read it. Why? Because the rhythm and rhyme are tons of fun. This book is representative of the large category of books that I think too few kids are reading these days - books that play with phonological awareness, books that make playing with language, manipulating the sounds in words, so much fun. The power of fun books like these to help young kids develop their pre-reading skills is immeasurable.

There you have it - three very different takes on the power of language (4 if you count the language I am learning to use with my darling, heart-forward daughter). Language is one of the most important pieces of any culture - how we use it can profoundly affect our children. How do you use language to help your children grow?
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13 Comments
Kathy Martin link
6/1/2015 12:11:54 am

Very thought provoking list of books. I'll be adding Choice Words to my professional reading. Come see my week <a href="http://msmartin-media.blogspot.com/2015/06/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-june-1.html">here</a>. Happy reading!

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Bryn
6/1/2015 03:23:05 pm

I think Choice Words is a must read for all teachers! Loved your blog, thanks for sharing!

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Ms. Yingling link
6/1/2015 12:51:41 am

I never used "small" words with my daughters; one of my favorite moments was when, as a 4-year-old, my younger daughter said her sister was in the beathroom "ostensibly washing her hands, but she's really playing in the water"! Still use the same principle with my students; maybe they'll get a better SAT score someday because of how I spoke to them!

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Bryn
6/1/2015 03:24:42 pm

Ostensibly - love it! I also try to not to use "small" words...so much power in teaching kids all aspects of language right from the get go. Keep it up!

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Cheriee Weichel link
6/1/2015 03:48:10 am

Your post reminded me of this quote by Haim Ginott:
“I’ve come to a frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It’s my personal approach that creates the climate. It’s my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child’s life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a child humanized or dehumanized.”
I used to have it on a poster on my classroom wall when I was in a classroom. I probably need to post it in my library as well.

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Bryn
6/1/2015 03:25:56 pm

Oh my. That is a wonderful quote. I feel like I could read it every day and find new meaning each time. Thank you so much for sharing. It just might need to be up on my wall too!

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Virginia Pratt link
6/2/2015 01:17:00 pm

Cheriee, that quote by Haim Ginott is one of the most powerful ones I've ever encountered. I love it. Thank you so much for reminding me of it. I need to have that created into some kind of plaque or poster or sign for my classroom, too! :)

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Robyn
6/1/2015 05:49:45 am

What a profound gift to share. Thank you.

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Bryn
6/1/2015 03:27:23 pm

You, of course, are part of the inspiration behind this post. Keep sharing your profound gift my friend, the words come to you in the way that kids need to hear them.

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Tammy and Clare link
6/1/2015 08:52:45 am

Love the way you wrote this post and thought about language in three different ways. Your post has us thinking about some new ideas to blog about - Thank you

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Bryn
6/1/2015 03:28:20 pm

Thanks for reading! This post has me thinking about a variety of topics to blog about too...would love to read what you decide to write!

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Virginia Pratt link
6/2/2015 01:25:04 pm

Bryn, you are so right about Peter Johnston's book. I read it about three summers ago, and thought, "How simple, yet profound." It all makes so much sense, and yet I know there are plenty of educators who have never thought about the ideas he shares. I'm also empathizing with you about your son and his anxiety. My 19 year-old son has suffered with generalized anxiety since he was 15. It's not easy....

I'm definitely looking into both of your other books! Thanks for sharing, and have a great week!

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Virginia link
6/2/2015 01:26:17 pm

OOPS-- your daughter (MY son!) ;)

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    I'm Bryn, teacher, mom, book lover, athlete. I am passionate about living life with my family, teaching and learning something new all the time. I hope you find something that speaks to you here on my blog and would love to hear from you too!

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  • Welcome
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  • Book Reviews