Bear with me today, guys. Logan started back to school last week and I started subbing again this week. Getting back into the swing of the school year is something I look forward to, but also dread. I miss the staying up late and waking up after the dawn. I'm currently working on some posts that are very vulnerable and open, and I'm trying to figure out where I want to go with my life and my blog. Today's post is about a few silly words, but to me they are more important than random words. I see so many hurting and broken people around me--just this morning, I found out some terrible news about a co-worker. For me, learning opens a vast amount of non-terrible news that makes me feel both insignificant and part of a bigger picture. There's so much to learn and teach. Knowing that I will never consume the vast pool of knowledge gives me comfort because I know that I will never be bored or run out of learning material. Knowing that God is infinite and that I can never truly wrap my head around Him doesn't' make me give up trying. If anything, it leaves me more thirsty for knowledge about Him and His wondrous deeds. 
       I hope you enjoy my thoughts on these silly words, but more importantly I hope you enjoy those around you. Surround them in love and appreciate the good and wonderful things in life. ​

​​       I love English, but I feel terrible for those who are learning it as a second language because it is confusing. English is  a mix of Romantic (mostly French) and Germanic languages, but not only in words -- we also share the rules from multiple languages. Before I get in too over my head, linguistically speaking, let me explain what brought on today's outcry for the love of my native language. We have a word for everything. I mean really, almost everything. To a point of sheer fabulous ridiculousness. Today, I have two Wonder Words for you, but I highly doubt you'll use either one. 
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Today's Words: Spanghew and Defenstration

Spanghew - Two syllables. Pronounced [span-g-huw] Defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as "to throw violently into the air; especially : to throw (a frog) into the air from the end of a stick." Why is there a word that refers to throwing a frog in the air, specifically from end of a stick? How many times has this happened that we needed to create a word for it? Apparently, it is an archaic word because to spanghew frogs and toads once entertained many upper class young people in England. Let's NOT bring this practice back.

Defenestration - Five syllables. Pronounced [dee-fen-uh-strey-shuh n] Defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as a throwing of a person or thing out of a window. I've seen the defenestration of plenty of people and things on television shows and movies, but have never witnessed this is real life. Next time someone is driving me crazy maybe I should threaten defenestration. 

I foresee myself using these words rarely if not at all, but that doesn't mean learning about them is a waste. Odd bits of information give me something to talk about instead of gossip and negativity. Sure, sharing that there's a word for frog tossing or being thrown out of a window makes me a bit socially awkward, but in light of so much that surrounds us, I'll gladly accept being socially awkward. 

       Back in May, I posted that my mom read great stories to me. One of my favorites was Mr. Gumpy's Outing. I'll do a quick summary just in case you are unfamiliar with the story. Mr. Gumpy was a farmer who just wanted to go for a boat ride. Then some kids. a rabbit, a goat, a cat, a cow, dog, a pig, a chicken, and a sheep all asked to come along. For each passenger Mr. Gumpy agrees they can come along, but only if they behave. He has a new word for each animal and for the children. He tells the pig, "Don't muck about." He tells the goat, "Don't kick." I'm sure you can see what's going to happen especially if you've been on a family road trip. Everyone does what they aren't supposed to and Mr. Gumpy's boat tips.

​       I always loved the instructions Mr. Gumpy gives to each of his riders, but I particularly loved what he said to the to the kids. His instructions to the children are, "Don't squabble." And this brings us to our word of the day: ​
Today's Word: Squabble
       Two syllables. Pronounced [skwob-uh l]. Defined as a noisy quarrel about something petty or trivial. If this doesn't sound like a kids at the end of a play date I don't know what does. Kids are the first that come to mind when it comes to squabbling, but adults can squabble too. Sometimes our squabbling about petty and trivial things can turn into deep wounds and bitter feelings. Sometimes calling things as they are can help both the kids and the adults. Next time either situation arises just call whoever out and tell them to stop squabbling. Chances are the odd word will throw them enough off kilter that everyone can breathe and maybe crack a smile or two. ​​

       My last few posts have been a bit heavy. From ultimate school commuting with Mrs. Mendeleev to the discussion of suffering and the beautiful ending to stories, we've covered some weighty stuff, so let's lighten this up and switch gears. 
       Learning new words can be a chore when the task is formalized by an academic assignment, but when they are discovered in their native territory, written and spoken language, learning words can be fun. My son has a extensive vocabulary for someone going into the sixth grade and people sometimes comment on his knowledge of words. They assume I've been busy teaching him or we learn it from the literature we listen to, but if I'm being candid here, he's learned a ton of words from Phineas and Ferb. He tells people he is an Anglophile (someone who loves all things English) and points out the aglet on people's shoelaces. Both of these words were the centers of P&F episodes. We laugh about these words and talk about them and soon after they enter our everyday language. 
       One of the things on our summer bucket list was to read Something BIG Has Been Here by Jack Prelutsky with drawings by James Stevenson. If you aren't yet familiar with Jack Prelutsky's poetry you need to familiarize yourself with it immediately. His poetry is published in books about the length of Shel Silverstein's Where the Sidewalk Ends or A Light in the Attic, but Prelutsky's work is more lighthearted. He is silly and writes in nonsense much the way Edward Lear wrote his Nonsense Poetry. The poems are light-hearted, fun, and silly, but they contain some pretty high-level vocabulary. 
       Nonsense is good. Nonsense is great. Especially when you are tired and just want a laugh. It's a way to intellectually stimulate your brain without being intellectual. For sake of copyright, I cannot write out any of Prelutsky's poetry, but Edward Lear wrote a very long time ago so his work is now public domain. Here's an example of Lear's work. 

       Isn't that delightfully nonsensical? Yes, yes, I know it is stupid and doesn't make sense, which is why Mr. Lear titled it Nonsense Poetry. If his title was "Romantic Poetry" we could be confused together, but he made his intention clear. But even this silly limerick can be a great teaching tool. First, geography -- Where is Hong Kong? Second, pronouncing the words. Rhyme and repetition can build confidence and increase comprehension. Third, do you see that fabulous word in there? Innocuous -- not harmful or offensive. Bonus -- why is he laying with his head in a bag? (Remember, keep it silly.)
       Note: There are some limericks in Lear's collection that could cause offense because of underdeveloped racial acceptance during his time period. I would recommend reading ahead and only reading the ones that are appropriate with your child or class. 
        Although I love Lear, I chose today's word from our summer book, Something BIG Has Been Here. Possible options of fun words we read in this collection were as follows: 

• monotonous (until the final s every other letter is an o) 
• vastly
• promptly
• gruesome
• unbenignly
• unseemly
• conniption

But the word that takes the cake, or at least this week's spotlight is disputatious. 
Today's Word: Disputatious
       Four syllables. Pronounced dis-pyoo-tey-shuh s. Adjective. Defined in the OAD as fond of having arguments. The poem is titled "The Disputatious Deeble" and is about the Disputatious Deeble who argues about everything. If you say, "It's freezing!" he says, "It's far too hot!" The illustration shows a very disgruntled old man with his arms crossed. After reading the title of the poem and realizing I didn't know what disputatious meant we googled it on my smart phone, heard the pronunciation, read the definition, and went back to read the poem. We cracked up because Logan has a bit of the Disputatious Deeble in him sometimes. Later in the day he was contradicting me and when I started to get upset he pointed out that he just realized that he was being disputatious. The moment calmed and we both laughed. In this case, a vocabulary word has helped a mother and son relate and take a step back in a heated moment. 
       So that's it for today. Enjoy your Wednesday and look for wonder words everywhere. 
       

Bonus Poem:
       I can't not share this poem. It is ludicrous. I love it. Maybe next time I'm disgusted with life I'll try a ballad and a salad too. 

       My love for French began at a very young age. Through Jason's job I have now had three opportunities to explore France and it has not disappointed yet. I love the architecture, the history, and the language. I grew up near Detroit (3 miles from where I now live) so that means we picked up Canadian TV stations. Every morning we watched Mr. Dressup and Sesame Street, but because of a timing issue it was more convenient for our schedule to watch the Canadian version of Sesame Street than the American version. Because it was Canadian, a good portion of the show was in French including the alphabet and counting to 10. I fell in love with the sound of French - it's like speaking in cursive! A friend gave me a cassette tape with French children's songs that I listened to over and over. 
       Regrettably, I did not study it as a foreign language in school, but that didn't stop me from loving it and learning it informally. 
       Music provides words and spirit for many young people and for me the music was The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, and Beauty and the Beast. There were a few others but those three soundtracks were particularly captivating to me. As I explored the Paris Opera House, walked the narrow and briefly barricaded streets of Les Halles, and snatched glimpses of the Paris country side, I could hear those soundtracks in my head. (For the record, I've also read each one of these books and understand they are works of fiction. I've also read a great deal about the French influence on the United States.)
       The opening of Beauty and the Beast  brings us to our word of the day. I learned what bonjour meant from later in the song when we hear "Bonjour, good day, how is your family? Bonjour, good day, how is your wife?" Bonjour is a greeting, but literally means "good day." I also learned that Belle means beauty, but those weren't the words that caught my imagination though. 

Today's Word: Provincial
       Three syllables. Pronounced [pruh-vin-shuh l] Defined on dictionary.com as having or showing the manners, viewpoints, etc., considered characteristic of unsophisticated inhabitants of a province; rustic; narrow or illiberal; Belle wanted more than a provincial life. The people in her town were narrow minded and non-readers. They didn't understand her desire to read about far away places or her yearning for adventure in the great wide somewhere. 
       Narrow mindedness can attack any place or people. We are under that attack now as we are able to get our news from our political point of view, search for churches that confirm our beliefs, and watch sports broadcasts that celebrate the greatness of our chosen teams. This is dangerous because it leaves us without the need to defend and thereby refine our opinions. Wherever we look around we can see ideas that confirm our thoughts and keep us from broadening our viewpoint. 
       Travel and reading broadly can combat that mindset. Travel wakes me up to new ways of thinking and doing things. I have differing opinions with many of the books I have read, but as I read things I disagree with I go back to the Bible and see what God's Word states and often I am challenged. 
       I, like Belle, want so much more than a provincial life. I want adventure in the great wide somewhere full of ideas and exciting stories. Thankfully, because of the age we live in that is a possibility well within reach. Get out there and explore the world though both literal and literary journeys. It doesn't have to be a long trip to a foreign destination. Check out the cities within easy driving distance of you and your own town. Read books that challenge your way of thinking then go back to the Bible to firmly plant your thoughts in Truth. Together we can celebrate a life of adventure and exploration. 

       I tend to think deeply about things. According to 16 Personalities, a site where participants can take free Myers Briggs personality tests, I am an INFP-T. Often, when I tell people I'm introverted, they are genuinely surprised because I can be outgoing and seemingly extroverted and I have no problem speaking in front of others. In fact, I love teaching and speaking in front of large groups, but one on one meetings are terrifying for me. A loud party with lots of activity is absolutely exhausting and a concert with loud music and so much going on is draining. I LOVE my alone time, but not being lonely which are very different. (I'll say more about that another day.)
       I love to stare off in deep thought and although I may not be able to find my keys or notice something directly in front of me, I notice the flight patterns of birds and see the beauty in poetry. This doesn't bother me. Except the losing the keys part. That is SO annoying. But I have learned to appreciate that I love things others don't appreciate. That's a good thing. I don't need for others to love it for me to find it interesting. Today's word is a result of musings about birds. Have you ever noticed how a flock of birds will change directions together? I love watching this. How do they do it? I'm not the only one to ask this question. Scientists have studied the phenomenon and are still defining it. One site called it a "flight flock" while another called it a "maneuver wave." (For the record, I vote for maneuver wave.) This article from Audubon does a great job of explaining what is going on and how the maneuvers take place.  Several types of birds move like this, but one group is especially intriguing, which brings me to today's word. 

Today's Word: Murmuration
       Four syllables. Pronounced: [mur-muh-rey-shuh n] Defined on dictionary.com (because it's too obscure for my OED) as a flock of starlings. Below I've posted a video of a murmuration. It is positively fascinating. The way they turn and move together is mesmerizing to watch. The sound is almost apocalyptic near the end as they get closer to the camera. 
       I promise this is an entirely useless word that you will never need to know and will rarely use in your everyday speech unless you discuss the flight patterns of starlings regularly. But that doesn't make me love it any less. The word's beauty is not diminished by its unnecessary existence. Just like noticing movements in flocks of birds, noticing beautiful words is something that helps me appreciate the beauty around me. The Audubon article quotes poet Richard Wilbur who compared a murmuration to "a drunken fingerprint across the sky,” which is a captivating way to describe the undulating movements of the flock. (Undulating, another great word.) 
       Go for a walk. Breathe deeply. Notice the little things, like how birds fly and move together. Contemplate what Jesus said in Matthew 10:29, "Aren't two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's consent." The video below shows over 10,000 starlings in a murmuration. Each movement is known by God, which is something that I can take great comfort in, even at the darkest of times. 

       Did you have a favorite coming-of-age movie? There are so many to choose from so your favorites will likely depend on your age, background, and interests. Popular titles include The Breakfast Club, Mean Girls, Grease, and 10 Things I Hate About You. While there are many movies and musicals that wound their way deep into my heart, only one powered its way into my imagination so deeply that it still holds a sizable chunk of my heart. One night at a friend's sleepover birthday party someone pulled out the newly released to VHS movie Newsies. We watched it, and watched it, and watched it, and watched it. Literally. We watched it four times that night. I barely slept and as soon as I was picked up I was on a mission to get the soundtrack. The music, by Alan Menken, is catchy and thrilling. It starts out with Max Casella's unique voice, "In 1899, the streets of New York echoed with the voices of Newsies . . . " and tells the story of the newsboys strike that year. I even went to the library to research the story but was disappointed to learn that Disney had added to the story, so while it was based on a true story, the based is what should be emphasized, not the true. (I quickly learned that this was normal after seeing Disney's White Fang then reading the Jack London book.)
       I look back on the movie with cringy delight. I was SOOOO into it. I was team David and my best friend was solidly team Jack, but that didn't stop us from going gaga over the story together. My parents never let me get too over the top in my obsessions, but they did tolerate a lot of talking about New York, The New York World, and Newsies in general. (Thanks mom and dad.) Newsies first introduced me to people like Joseph Pulitzer, and William Randolph Hearst. Since then I've read several Pulitzer Prize-winning books and I've visited Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California. No, the stories weren't entirely accurate, but they whetted my appetite for more. And, just like in so many things, I found new words. 

Today's Word: Conflagration
Four syllables. Pronounced [kon-fluh-GREY-shuh n] Noun- defined in the OAD as a large and destructive fire. 
​       After striking a business deal, Jack is trying to teach David and his little brother how to sell papers. Jack adds drama to the story about a small trash fire on Ellis Island that scared seagulls by saying, "Big conflagration! Thousands flee in panic." The way he (Christian Bale) yells out CON-FLA-GRAY-SHON in his New York accent was just enough to draw me to Team Jack momentarily. David had been reading literal headlines and selling nothing, but with Jack's hype, the papers sell quickly. Incidentally, if you think that "fake news" is a 2016 thing, you are sadly mistaken. 
       Keep listening for those amazing words that connect with you because they are all around us. And remember, it is absolutely possible to say big fire instead of conflagration, but which will sell more papers? 

       During my time as an English teacher, I had the opportunity to introduce students to many new words. Some curriculum had LONG lists which I loathed, because who can add a whole list of words to their vocabulary in one week? At least I assumed vocabulary acquisition was the goal. If it was just to revel in the number of words taught then I view that as absolutely pointless. What is the point of teaching something that isn't meant to be retained? I also loathed having to teach spelling because I can not spell. It's always been awful for me. I might memorize it for a test, but very few words stick with me. I am so eternally thankful for spell check and for Google when my spelling is so bad that I need to Google the word to know how to spell it. "Did you mean _____?" is an absolute lifesaver. Bad spellers, you know what I'm talking about . . . Okay, it appears I've gone a little off track. Moving on to the word - 

Today's Word: Superfluous 
       Four syllables. Pronounced  [soo-PUR-floo-uh s] Adjective - Defined in the OAD as "more than is needed; unnecessary." I would give you the definition provided by Dictionary.com, but that would be superfluous. (See what I did there?)
       I remember around 2004, trying to teach this word to a group of ninth graders. It was on our vocab list, but they were having none of it. "Why do we need to learn another word for extra? Why can't I just use extra?" (You can add in a whiny tone and accompanying eye rolls.) I tried to explain the benefits of having a vocabulary with depth, without much success. Then I remembered a scene from the recently released Pirates of the Caribbean when Jack Sparrow uses the word. After pointing out that Jack Sparrow used superfluous it got so much cooler and they were willing to give it a go. 
       That's the marvelous thing about learning new words. They can come from any number of places and even pirates know it's wise to have a wide vocabulary. 

       I love words. Really. I get super excited about them. My excitement would sometimes illicit eye rolls or groans from students, but that didn't slow me down. If the teacher isn't enthusiastic about vocabulary instruction how can the students be? I've read multiple books about the English language, books about language development in children, even a book about the writing of the Oxford English Dictionary, who's title contained the words "murder and insanity" so that was a must read. My love language is words of affirmation. I even made a list of my favorite words, just to see them on the page. I adore the way some words sound when spoken aloud. The pronunciation and sound of certain words is just requires them to be spoken. 
       Have I convinced you I'm a big nerd yet? Anyway, I decided to share my favorite words with you each Wednesday. (Why Wednesday? Well, without doubt, I have a weakness for alliteration.) 

Today's Word: Undulate
       Three syllables, rhymes with rate or eight. It could also be pronounced to rhyme with lit or bit, but the first is my personal favorite. According to my handy dandy OAD (Oxford American Dictionary) undulate is verb with two meanings: 1) move with a smooth wavelike motion 2) have a wavy form or outline. 
       The first time I remember reading this word was in Jack Prelutsky's book If Not For the Cat, a collection animal riddles in haiku. He uses the word to describe the movements of the jellyfish and it is beautiful. I can't print his poem here, but really, just check the book out of the library or get yourself a copy.        
       Recently, I visited the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach California, which was stunning and packed with fascinating creatures.  The creatures I couldn't get enough of were the jellyfish. All I could think of was UNdulate, UNdulate, UNdulate. It even sounds like wave like motion. Below are a couple of videos I took of the entrancing jelly fish at the aquarium. I tried to take photos, but it was their movements that made them so intriguing to watch. 

       Parents, when you are out and about with your little ones, look for times like these to teach new words. Your children are much more likely to remember a wonderful word like undulate because you said it while watching jellies at the aquarium or hearing the wailing of a siren. Children are never too young to hear big words. If they misuse them that can be corrected, but hearing more words even at very young ages can increase verbal understanding and abstract processing.