There was a note on Brandon’s homework file regarding vocabulary. I wasn’t sure what it meant, if we needed to work more with him or not, so I emailed the teacher to find out.
She responded, “Ms. Mah,
Regarding the vocabulary words: We practice them in class, define them, write them in sentences and read them at least two or three times a week in context, as part of our reading texts, in science, social studies or as part of morning reading lessons. So, students do get sufficient exposure to the words. Brandon is very good at using the retaining the usage of academic vocabulary in his daily work. Here is an example: after the Dairy council presentation last week, he came asking for help to spell the word ‘regurgitate’. Other students were just satisfied with ‘spitting it out and chew again’ phrase. I see him practice his words or memorizing them all the time.”
Reassuring, but I’m still confused why it seemed that he should be working more on vocab at home. This morning, I asked Brandon what it means when cows chew their food and then spit it out. He said, “Regurgitate.” I asked him why they do that. He said so they can make their food softer. I think it’s pretty cool they had two real live cows at the school last week.
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