As the new school year approaches, English teachers and student teachers everywhere are gearing up to bring fresh and engaging content into the classroom. While lesson planning, why not consider adding a dash of linguistic flair by introducing your students to some extraordinary English words? These words are not only unique but also carry rich meanings and histories that can spark curiosity and deepen students' appreciation for the language. Here are five words to consider adding to your curriculum this year:
1. Serendipity
Definition: The occurrence of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
Why Teach It: "Serendipity" is a delightful word that captures the unexpected joys and discoveries in life. Originating from "The Three Princes of Serendip," a Persian fairy tale, the term reminds us that sometimes, the most beautiful things happen by accident. Teaching this word can encourage students to stay open to the surprises that learning can bring and can also serve as a gateway to discussing how certain words come into the English lexicon from different cultures. Encourage students to share English words they learn by chance throughout the week.
2. Polyglot
Definition: A person who knows and is able to use several languages.
Why Teach It: "Polyglot" comes from the Greek words "poly," meaning many, and "glotta," meaning tongue or language. This word not only describes people who speak multiple languages but also embodies a spirit of curiosity and openness to the world. Teaching this term can inspire students to think about their own language-learning journeys and the cognitive and cultural benefits of being a polyglot. It can also be a fun entry point for discussions about language families and the diversity of languages spoken around the globe.
3. Cognate
Definition: A word that has the same linguistic derivation as another; a word that is related in origin to another word in a different language.
Why Teach It: "Cognate" words can be a fascinating way to highlight the connections between English and other languages. Words like "mother" in English, "mutter" in German, and "madre" in Spanish all share a common root, making them cognates. Music and מוזיקה or banana and בננה are English/ Hebrew cognates. Teaching this term can help students recognize patterns in vocabulary across languages, making it easier for them to learn new words and understand their meanings. It also allows them to appreciate the interconnectedness of world languages and can boost confidence in multilingual students who may already know cognates from their native languages.
4. Mnemonic
Definition: A device or technique, such as a rhyme or acronym, used to aid memory.
Why Teach It: "Mnemonic" is a great word to introduce when teaching study skills and memory strategies. Mnemonics have been used for centuries as effective tools for memorizing information, from simple rhymes ("i before e except after c") to more complex memory palaces. Exploring this word with students can lead to creative classroom activities where they invent their own mnemonics to remember vocabulary, grammar rules, or historical facts. It also introduces them to the concept of using cognitive techniques to enhance their learning experience.
5. Etymology
Definition: The study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanings have changed throughout history.
Why Teach It: "Etymology" delves into the fascinating histories behind the words we use every day. This word itself has Greek roots, with "etymon" meaning "true sense" and "logia" meaning "study." Teaching etymology can help students understand not only the meaning of words but also the cultural and historical contexts in which they developed. It can make vocabulary lessons more engaging by connecting words to stories, showing how language evolves over time, and helping students draw connections between English and other languages they might know.