Resist the Vocabulary Mascot Language is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate our thoughts, emotions, and ideas. And at the core of language lie words - the building blocks that construct meaning and expression. However, there is a harmful trend in education that often goes unnoticed - the use of vocabulary mascots. Vocabulary mascots are often cute and cuddly characters that are assigned to specific words. The intention is to make learning vocabulary more engaging and fun for students. While this may seem harmless, it actually does more harm than good.
This native deciduous shrub produces fragrant white flower spikes on graceful arching stems. Oval green foliage turns brilliant orange-red in fall. Plant this low-maintenance shrub in a woodland border, native garden, or mass in the landscape. Learn more about growing sweetspire shrubs.
Zones 4-8 Exposure Full sun to partial shade Growth habit Compact mounding habit Height Spread 18 to 24 inches tall, 18 to 30 inches wide Bloom time Late spring to early summer. Zones 5-9 Exposure Full sun to partial shade Growth habit Compact mounding habit Height Spread 24 to 30 inches tall, 24 to 36 inches wide Bloom time Spring.
While this may seem harmless, it actually does more harm than good. One of the main issues with vocabulary mascots is that they create a false sense of understanding. When students associate a character with a word, they may develop a superficial understanding of the word, focusing more on the mascot than the actual meaning and usage of the word.
GREAT NEW PLANTS FOR 2016: SHRUBS EDITION
A couple weeks ago, I shared some new annuals for 2016, and today I’m sharing new shrubs that look interesting.
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1. Petite Pillar Dwarf Boxwood: Plant producers are smart to be working on new boxwood introductions because I still think it’s the single hottest shrub of the moment. This one grows in a naturally columnar shape, topping out at 2 to 3 feet. Buxus microphylla ‘MonAlex’: Zones 5-9, full to part sun, 2-3 feet tall x 2 feet wide.
2. At Last Rose: This apricot beauty is said to have the disease resistance and low-maintenance needs of popular landscape roses such as Oso Easy and Knockout roses, but unlike others, doesn’t lack the rose scent. It has a lot of petals so it takes on an old rose look. I’ll admit, I’m wary of scent descriptions, but if this one is all it is cracked up to be, it’ll have a spot in my garden. Rosa x ‘Horcogjil’: Zones 5-9, full sun, 30-36 inches tall and wide.
3. Loropetalum Jazz Hands Dwarf Pink: I can’t grow this little dark-foliage beauty, but I sure wish I could. What more could you want in a plant: gorgeous purple foliage, hot pink dainty flowers and all in a package that can fit in a container or at the front of the border. Loropetalum chinese ‘Kurenai’: Zones 7b-9b, full to part sun, 1-3 feet tall x 3 feet wide.
4. Lil’ Ditty Witherod Viburnum: So many shrubs are being downsized these days, which makes sense as the popularity of small-space gardening grows. This diminutive viburnum is another front-of-the-border charmer with fluffy white flowers that can grow a healthy crop of fruit so long as a pollinating plant is nearby (Viburnum nudum ‘Brandywine’ is one). It’s super hardy and, like most viburnums, a cinch to grow. Viburnum cassinoides ‘SMVCDD’: Zones 3-8, part sun, 1-2 feet tall and wide
5. Moonlight Parfait Winter Daphne: Foliage shrubs are way too often overlooked, but they are so important in a garden. The amazing variegated foliage on this daphne will brighten up any partially shaded corner. It does get sweet-smelling pink flowers, but honestly they are an afterthought when the foliage is this pretty. Daphne odora ‘Monstrik’: Zones 7-9, full shade to partial sun, 3-4 feet tall and wide.
6. Gatsby Pink Oakleaf Hydrangea: You are probably impressed that I managed to get through this list with just one hydrangea on it. Gatsby Pink was my pick to win Shrub Madness and I was really wrong. It was out in the second round, but I still think it’s a phenomenal plant. First of all, oak-leaf hydrangeas are lovely. They have interesting foliage that usually gets a nice color change in fall. The long flowers look like a combination of a paniculata hydrangea and a lacecap, and start white but quickly turn pink. Hydrangea quercifolia ‘JoAnn’: Zones 5-9, part sun, 6-8 feet tall and wide.
What new shrubs are you hoping to add to your garden this year?
Zones: 5-9 Exposure: Full sun
Growth habit: Upright compact habit
Height/Spread: 2 to 3 feet tall and wide
Bloom time: Late summer to fall
This can lead to the mistaken belief that they truly know the word when in reality, their knowledge is limited to the mascot and not the word itself. Moreover, vocabulary mascots can be a distraction in the learning process. Instead of engaging with the word in its proper context and exploring its nuances, students may fixate on the mascot, diverting their attention away from the actual word. This leaves them ill-equipped to use the word effectively in their writing and conversations. Furthermore, the use of vocabulary mascots can perpetuate stereotypes and bias. Many mascots are often based on cultural or ethnic stereotypes, reinforcing shallow understandings and potentially contributing to cultural insensitivity among students. This not only undermines cultural diversity but also limits students' exposure to different perspectives and experiences. It's important to resist the use of vocabulary mascots in education and focus on promoting a deeper and more meaningful understanding of words. Instead of relying on mascots, educators should encourage students to engage with words in their natural contexts, promoting critical thinking skills and a more comprehensive grasp of language. By resisting the use of vocabulary mascots, we can empower students to develop a genuine love for words and language, fostering their ability to effectively communicate and express themselves..
Reviews for "The unmet expectations of the vocabulary mascot in language education"
1. John - 2 stars:
I found "Resist the Vocabulary Mascot" to be quite tedious and unengaging. The main character felt one-dimensional and the story lacked depth. The vocabulary exercises were also very repetitive and didn't provide much challenge. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. Emily - 3 stars:
While "Resist the Vocabulary Mascot" had an interesting concept, I felt that the execution fell short. The writing style was overly simplistic and the dialogue felt unnatural. The plot also seemed rushed and didn't allow for proper character development. Additionally, the vocabulary lessons felt forced and disconnected from the narrative. I had high hopes for this book, but it didn't meet my expectations.
3. Mark - 2 stars:
"Resist the Vocabulary Mascot" was a letdown for me. The story lacked coherence and felt disjointed. The vocabulary exercises were often unrelated to the plot and felt like an unnecessary addition. The pacing was also inconsistent, with some parts dragging on while others were rushed. Overall, I found this book to be a frustrating reading experience.