Jago Chapter 2- All About Words

I have three things to say in reference to Jago’s Chapter 2, “All About Words.”

#1—Poor Danny! I hope she used a pseudo name for him. Even if she did, I hope he never decides to become an English teacher and buy this book! However, it did make for a nice introduction into a chapter about words.

#2—I learned that the method that all of my teachers used is not the best method if the goal is getting students to know the vocabulary words. My teachers would give us a list of words and point us towards the large stack of dictionaries. Then, we would sit and define them. Viola! Then we knew the words! Just kidding. As Jago states, “learning language doesn’t work that way” (Jago 22).

#3 —Jago also states: “What teachers can do is help students develop habits for mind for approaching unfamiliar vocabulary” (Jago 22). I liked that Jago had her students use the “Personal Vocabulary List.” Using this is an inquiry skill that students can use later in life to make reading challenging tasks more methodical and easier. My favorite exercise was on page 37, when Jago had students chose words and write about someone they know who possesses the characteristic of the word. Developing a personal meaning is probably the best way to learn anything. Sharing with a partner and rating themselves using these words are also great parts of this exercise.