This portion of the podcast resonates a lot with me both as an educator and a parent. The mimicking and absorbing of vocabulary simply from hearing and repetitive use are so important. This is something that can be incorporated and practiced daily and kids do not even realize they are learning so much rich language. I tend to repeat words a lot with my DI classes so that the consistent use organically becomes a part of their Social Studies language. They all of a sudden just know it and apply it. I also try to apply the Social Studies vocab in “non” social studies settings/scenarios to incidentally teach how it can be applied elsewhere. I think this gives it more value and meaning when they can see it connect to their lives. I often show clips from tv shows, tik tocks, or even the news that display the meaning of a vocab word but in a different context. It often gets them laughing at the connection but they also admit it helps them remember it for sure. For example when teaching imperialism (strong nations dominating the weak), I often show them various clips throughout the unit to help them. I show one of a bullying incident on Seinfeld, one the Simpsons, and another animal attack video. For studies of appeasement we show clips on parenting from Super Nanny. It is fun and it gives them an outside frame of reference and solidifies their understanding of the vocab. Also, just using words as a reference in class spanning multiple units helps them to add more vocab to their deck. One example that stands out that we often use is alliances. We teach it in reference to WWI but then I repeatedly use it in coordination with groups of kids in class and joke how they are forming against or for me. How at some points they have an agenda or want to sway class a certain way… They get a kick out of it and get the meaning of the word for sure due to this application.
