Book Talk #4

Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner

Such a great book for springtime, especially if you have a nature loving learner! Read on for ideas on what this book can target:

1. Prepositions

   Prepositions help us communicate location, especially when one object is being compared to another. These are words like 'on, in, under, behind, above.' Two of the most frequently used prepositions are 'up' and 'down.' To work on prepositions, try pairing each preposition with a gesture - point up every time you say up, look behind your learner every time you say behind, keep modelling what these words mean so that your learner can begin to notice prepositions on their own.

   
   

   This book illustrates up and down very clearly, showing the reader what happens in the 'up' area and what's going on in the 'down' area by separating them with the dirt. The illustrations are also beautiful, there's something new to look at on every page - what a great way to keep a learner engaged in the story-sharing process!

2. Decontextualized Language

   Decontextualized = not in the here and now. If you've ever told a story about something that happened in your childhood, or last week, or if you've ever shared a dream or a wish for the future, you've used decontextualized language!

Kids aren't born knowing how to talk about the past of future, they begin by talking about the present, the here and now. Around the age of 3, in typical language development, children begin using more complex grammar to talk about the past and future. Decontextualized language requires so many different skills - grammar, description, vocabulary, the ability to take another perspective, and conversational management. It's also one of the biggest predictors of future academic success - the learners who use decontextualized language at the beginning of kindergarten show language and academic success later on.

Most stories are great at modelling decontextualized language. What I love about Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt is that it models decontextualized language in terms of what we can't see all of the time. It's great practice for developing language learners to think about what they can't see, it's just a little bit more abstract and strengthens those decontextualized language muscles!

3. STEM Connection

This book takes us through the process of a garden being grown - so many elementary science outcomes are illustrated!

• lifecycles of plants and animals (mostly insects)

• changing of seasons

• environmental stewardship

• ecosystem roles

Definitely read this one before you plant your own garden this spring!