Oh, Vocabulary..

This is the perfect example of why we need to explicitly teach vocabulary in a way that is meaningful for young children.  Of course, this is especially important for little ones and English Language Learners.  I know I'm preaching to the choir here...

Yesterday my little first (almost second) grade summer school friend was illustrating his story about going to a baseball game.  During a mini-conference, I encouraged him to add more details to his picture.  He suggested "How about a baseball cap?"  and I responded with "Wow!  Great idea!"  When he ran over a few minutes later to show me his "baseball cap" I couldn't help but giggle.  It looks like this batter is about to graduate, and that I have some serious schema to correct :o)