The Tall Lady had been quite ill, but I decided to help her out and write a post while she is recovering. Tonight she looks the best she has in about a eight days. She has a hop in her step and a certain gleam in her eye. It's a good thing, since for a few days I thought she looked a little like something the cat dragged in... heh heh... (see I can make a joke too.) I predict she will be full strength within a day or so. That medicine she took was some pretty strong stuff! It knocked those germs right out of her. I heard her talking about walking pneumonia to the other humans . . . But enough about HER.
Since I am Bingo, the Mighty Adventurer, I wanted to propose a topic for debate.
It has come to my attention that I may write "too big" for some kids in my book Bingo's Big Adventure. There have not been many humans complaining, but I still wanted to talk about this subject since it is on the top of my feline mind. The Tall Lady has mentioned to me that a very small number of reviews wrote about this fact.
Just for the record, I am a smart cat! I like words. And if you want your kids to learn new words, let them hang out with me. There is an excellent study you could also read about how important new words are to kids HERE.
While I appear casual and relaxed for my daily grooming, I am really thinking of new words that should be introduced to children. I want kids to have a BIG vocabulary. It makes their minds grow!
As I lay between the corn rows contemplating what new words I could use, I reflect upon the new growth on these plants as they rocket to the sky. It was not long ago that I was taller than the corn . . . but I digress.
I was thinking about the fact that the famous children's book writer, Bill Peet used HUGE words in his books, and I have not heard criticism of his work. Heck there are many, many, many other authors who include vocabulary enriching text in their works.
So what's the big deal about ME using some good words mixed with those kids already know?
I think kids get bored after a while with the same "ole" word set. For most kids my book will seamlessly merge into the family library. For other kids who are not quite ready for my word empowerment, then the adult humans should wait until those kids are a little bigger before letting them to dig into my thoughts!
It's possible that a 3 year old may not be able to sit through my book, but I know MANY who already do! So as a human parent, your job is to gauge when the time is appropriate to introduce the bigger worded books to your little humans. On the other end of the spectrum, I have watched some 7 and 8 year old medium sized humans tear through my book and absorb the new words with fervor!
So with all things, parents are crucial in implementing a reading program that broadens children's exposure to new words. The sooner the better is what the Tall Lady always says.
I guess my parting thought is if you want your kids to grow their minds, read books like Bingo's Big Adventure to them. If you like the comfort zone, my book may not be right for you. But I still hold the hope that you change your mind . . .
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15 comments:
A very intelligent cat indeed! Glad to hear the tall lady is getting well too ;D
Bingo, you hit the nail on the head, or the cat paw on the mouse tail! Some words were "too big" for my kids, but they asked what they meant and it gave momma a chance to teach them new words and meanings. I love books that don't poopoo kids intelligence and you, Bingo, are right on track with your stories. LOVE them.
Big words are what make our minds stretch...keep up the good words! Also, I'm glad the tall lady is doing better.
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
Good for you, Bingo.
Some parents don't know the meaning of the big words so they are scared that when their children ask them the meaning they will look stupid. Which they are....
I am glad your lady is feeling better.
Bingo, you are one smart feline! I agree with you whole heartedly and if the children don't understand a word, the parents can explain it or read it to them and sooner or later, they will understand it. You have to set the bar high if you want your children to stretch their learning muscles! That's what I say and I'm sticking to my story - and yours, Bingo! I love your book!
Bingo, darling kitty, you are very young yourself. So, you have not had a chance to learn much about history, and specifically the history of education. When your g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g x 10 grandmother kitty was young, children were taught Latin, logic, and rhetoric in "grammar school." Yes, and those generations turned out literate, well-educated, and with large vocabularies. But today, teachers and others with an axe to grind have dumbed-down what children are taught, while busily introducing very are-inappropriate subjects to further their [evil] social agenda.
God Bless You, Bingo, for swimming against the tide (and you know how cats hate swimming) and penning a thoughtful, intelligent books with plenty of "big words" in it.
"age-inappropriate" I meant to say -- must be reverting to the lousy "no bit words" education I received.
Thank you Bingo. I agree we don't need to "dumb down" our kids. Teach them big words and big ideas.
Big words are a wonderful challenge in only the best of ways! What a wonderful way to learn new "big" words but from Bingo! I am so happy the Tall Lady is feeling better.
Bingo- Please keep using those big words. Kids used to have to come "up" to read books. Now all the books go "down" and make language too simple.
Bill Peet rocks! So do you and the Tall Lady, Bingo! I have always used big words around my kids and I have read them a variety of age level books from the very start. They use big words in daily conversation...and in the correct context. I think the books we read have a lot to do with this. I think you've got it right! ;) Keep it up!
You are so right, Bingo. I've always wanted my children to have a big vocabulary and would have loved a book like yours to read them when they were little.
I'm glad the Tall Lady is feeling better!
Bring on the big words! My kids loved Bill Peet, and other intelligently written books, from a very early age.
Well said, Bingo. We human parents (grandparents too) need to expose the kids to new words, bigger words and stretch their minds. Young minds need stretching every single day.
I hope the tall lady is fully well now! Be sure and tell her I have been twittering away about your book!
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