Moving to Learn

Chapter 4:Simulations and Bodies

1. What does the author mean when he says, "Learning doesn't work well when learners are forced to check their bodies at the school room door like guns in the old West." 

In cultural learning, learners don't just learn through hearing and memorizing words, they learn through doing. It is important to allow students to use what they are learning and do things with it. 

2. According to the author, what is the best way to acquire a large vocabulary?

3. What gives a word a specific meaning? 

A word's meaning comes from the context it is used in. These meanings can vary greatly depending on how the word is used and the circumstances surround its use. 

4. What does the term "off the hook" mean in each of these sentences?

a. My sister broke up with her fiance, so I'm off the hook for buying her a wedding present. (I don't have to do it any more.)

b. Them shoes are off the hook dog. (Those shoes are really cool.)

c. Man that cat was fighting 6 people and he beat them all. Yo, it was "off the hook", you should have seen it!! (It was awesome!)

4. According to the author what is the"work" of childhood? Do you agree?

5.Why is NOT reading the instruction for how to play a game before playing a game a wise decision?

The instructions can be dense and complex. Often they include specialized vocabulary that one wouldn't know unless you have played the game. Also the directions are often so complex that they are ineffective before playing the game. Players often can learn more just from trying to play the game.

6. Does knowing the general or literal meaning of a word lead to strong reading skills?

No it doesn't. 

7. What does the author mean by the terms "identity" and "game". Give an example of 3 "identities" or "games" you play?

The author uses these terms to refer to different ways that people adapt themselves to those around them and the language that is being used. I have a geocaching, a church, and a school "identity". 

8. According to the author what is good learning?

9. How does understanding that being able to build a mental model and simulations of a real-word experience is closely tied  to comprehending written and oral language support of change the way you think children should learn in school?

10. Why is peer to peer interaction so important for the language development of young children? How does knowing this support or change the way you think children should learn in school?