March Book Pairing: Two Stories That Show Children the Power of Words

Book Pairing
Written By Linda

Just like you might pair a fine wine with a gourmet meal, JOYcabulary pairs together read aloud books: usually a narrative text with an informational text, or sometimes two narrative texts around a similar topic. When we pair these together, comprehension is deepened as students make connections between the two books.

Two joyful read-aloud lessons that build vocabulary, spark word curiosity, and show students how powerful the right words can be.

In this month’s JOYcabulary book pairing, two delightful stories help children discover that words can transform the world around them—and the way we treat one another. In The Wombats Go Wild for Words by Beth Ferry, wandering wombats introduce a curious duckling to the joy of collecting magnificent vocabulary and using precise words to bring life to a dull forest. In CindaYella and the Fairy Wordmother by Becky Cummings, a magical fairy teaches a frustrated child that words carry real power—they can lift people up or leave them feeling hurt. Through joyful read-alouds, a warm-up poem, targeted Tier-2 vocabulary, accountable talk, and engaging extensions, this month’s JOYcabulary lessons help students build word consciousness while learning that the words we choose matter.

The Wombats Go Wild For Words

By Beth Ferry

A trio of wandering wombats with a passion for words inspire an enthusiastic duckling to transform her town from dull to dazzling in this delectable picture book that shares with children the magic of words.

Lesson Plan
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CindaYella and the Fairy Wordmother

By Becky Cummings

With a wave of her wand, the Fairy Wordmother takes Cindy on a journey to see the impact of her words. With a bit of magic, Cindy learns how her words can be helpful or hurtful.

Lesson Plan
Buy The Book
 
Linda

Linda Szakmary has five decades of experience working as a classroom teacher, a district curriculum writer, a district facilitator of K-5 writing, and as a county K-8 literacy coach. She now works for Sullivan and Orange-Ulster BOCES as a content specialist. A poetry advocate and a lover of words and children’s literature, she has been a presenter at several state-wide conferences on vocabulary and writing. Currently, she is working with the staff developers of Mossflower to study intermediate vocabulary instruction within a reading workshop. Linda lives in Stone Ridge, NY where she enjoys gardening, yoga, reading, and rooting for the Yankees. You can often find her on a beach searching for sea glass.

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