Double Entry Journal #11: Chapter 4

Chapter 4:Simulations and Bodies

1. What does the author mean when he says, "Learning doesn't work well when learners are forced to check their bodies at the school room door like guns in the old West." 

The author is referring to the idea that children need to be good, quiet little learners all seated in their seats. This mindset also believes that the child should leave their cultural experiences and their home context outside of the school. The reality is, the children need to be encouraged to share their wealth of knowledge through movement while sharing their cultural experiences. Each student's context should be brought into the classroom and celebrated. 

2. According to the author, what is the best way to acquire a large vocabulary?

To experience the "worlds" to which the words in their vocabulary refer. Students mustn't just hear the written definition of a word but they must see, feel, touch, what that word is. Experiences help shape minds and deepen understandings. 

3. What gives a word a specific meaning? 

Words have different and specific meanings in different situations where they are used and in different specialist domains that recruit them. A word can have a different meaning based on the context in which it is used. 

4. What does the term "off the hook" mean in each of these sentences?

a. My sister broke up with her fiance, so I'm off the hook for buying her a wedding present.
she doesn't have to buy a wedding present. 

b. Them shoes are off the hook dog.
really cool 

c. Man that cat was fighting 6 people and he beat them all. Yo, it was "off the hook", you should have seen it!!

so crazy 

4. According to the author what is the"work" of childhood? Do you agree?

The author makes the point that "work" for students is role-play. 

5.Why is NOT reading the instruction for how to play a game before playing a game a wise decision?

It gives the opportunity for creativity and learn from mistakes. It teaches that sometimes it's ok to not have strict step-by-step rules. Self discovery is important for learning and it fosters creativity and thinking for yourself.

6. Does knowing the general or literal meaning of a word lead to strong reading skills?

7. What does the author mean by the terms "identity" and "game". Give an example of 3 "identities" or "games" you play?

8. According to the author what is good learning?

9. How does understanding that being able to build a mental model and simulations of a real-word experience is closely tied  to comprehending written and oral language support of change the way you think children should learn in school?

10. Why is peer to peer interaction so important for the language development of young children? How does knowing this support or change the way you think children should learn in school?

Children interact differently with a peer, they are more likely to adopt new experiences and cultual perspective if they are interacting and learning from their peers.