What a Wonderful Word
not part of a series
What’s inside...
Did you know there is a word for friends who are like family? And for searching for something in the water using only your feet? This collection of untranslatable words from all over the world celebrates the magic of language, with gorgeous original artwork and fascinating facts about each word and the culture it comes from.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What new word did you find most interesting, and why do you think that word is important?
Can you think of a situation where you could use one of the new words we learned?
How do you feel when you learn new words from other cultures?
Why do you think some feelings or experiences have special words in other languages but not in ours?
If you could create a word for a feeling or idea that doesn't have a word in our language, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own favorite word from the book and explain why it stands out to you. This encourages your child to express their thoughts and feelings. After discussing each word, relate it to personal experiences or family stories where possible to make the new vocabulary more memorable. Reinforce the learning by revisiting the words after reading, perhaps by incorporating them into everyday conversations or creating a family 'word of the week'. Encourage creativity by having your child come up with their own unique words for their experiences or feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of diverse cultures
Explanation: The book introduces a variety of unique words from different languages that are untranslatable in English, showcasing the richness of diverse linguistic heritages.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and embrace cultural diversity by showing interest in learning words from other languages and understanding the unique perspectives they offer.
Example Lesson: Emotional intelligence
Explanation: The book highlights words that describe very specific emotions and situations which are not commonly articulated in English, helping children recognize and acknowledge complex feelings.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to express their own emotions more clearly and develop empathy by understanding that others might experience feelings that they have not personally encountered.
Example Lesson: Enrichment of vocabulary
Explanation: By introducing linguistically unique words, the book aids in broadening a child’s vocabulary and linguistic understanding beyond their native language.
Real-World Application: This can enhance children’s communication skills and their ability to express themselves more precisely in various situations.
Example Lesson: Joy of learning
Explanation: The book presents learning about language in a fun and engaging way by exploring the quirkiness and idiosyncrasies of different languages through specific words.
Real-World Application: Children might develop a lifelong passion for learning new languages or exploring new subjects with enthusiasm and an open mind.
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: Through its exploration of unique words, the book demonstrates how language can connect deeply to personal experiences and cultural identities.
Real-World Application: This might inspire children to seek understanding and foster connections with people from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing the role of effective communication in building relationships.