Vocabulary

This journal entry is an excellent example of how the journal can facilitate vocabulary development. 

We took a day trip into New York City to meet up with my dear friend from college who comes to New York once a year to see a show or two on Broadway. She made some time for us during the day to meet us at the Intrepid because we thought the boys would love it.

When I was teaching Elementary School, we used to try to use museums and exhibits like this to make things more real for the kids.  Reading about an aircraft carrier doesn’t give you a clear sense of the size and scope of these massive vessels.

The boys had a blast, but learned a lot too.  There was even a special exhibit of the space shuttle there when we went.  What a cool experience for young boys who loved space?  To see the space shuttle in person: just the best!

How many vocabulary words were in this entry?  By writing in his journal, Mikey and I were looking back through the pictures from the day, finding the words on his ipad, copying them into the journal.  We were building communication skills, reading skills, and sharing these fun experiences with Mikey’s classmates.  Win, win, win.