Words are the building blocks of reality. The more words a child has access to, the more "resolution" they have for their own feelings. If a child only has the word "mad," they are stuck. But if they have "frustrated," "indignant," or "overwhelmed," they have a map to navigate their inner world.
In the "Language of Mattering," we use words to build bridges. This isn't about spelling bees or vocabulary tests (which add to that performance pressure); it’s about Curiosity over Correctness.
When we play with how words are built, their roots, their sounds, and their meanings, we give our kids the tools to name their world and, eventually, to change it.
I know I’m “dating” myself here but did anyone else enjoy reading the dictionary for fun? From an early age, I was taught the value of words.
What’s your favorite word and why? I’ll share mine after at least two others share.