Lately in our home there has been an over abundance of words. As God’s Word says in Proverbs 10:19, “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin…”
I have been racking my brain to think of different ways to deal with the misuse of words and ugliness found therein.
Yesterday the word “rude” was misused, spoken in haste, with an ugly tone and intent to hurt feelings. As soon as it was spoken, I asked the child if they knew the definition of the word “rude”. I received a blank stare as an answer.
I went into the house and retrieved a dictionary, pencil and a lined pad of paper.
I then instructed the child to locate the word and write down the definition five times.
(photo belongs to office.com)
My other child used another word in haste and anger a bit later. The same technique was used again.
Not only does this enhance my children’s vocabulary and their penmanship, but hopefully it will make them think before they speak a bit more.
In what ways do you teach your children to choose their words wisely?
11 comments
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Deanna
August 7, 2012 at 10:33 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I have done this with my older kids…just looking it up was always good for them! My youngest is only 4 so we spend a lot of time talking about what words mean.
simplyhelpinghim
August 8, 2012 at 6:12 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yes, talking about it is key as well! 🙂
Leslie (@BeSimplyBetter)
August 7, 2012 at 12:15 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My daughter is 2 so we aren’t really there yet, just working on learning vocabulary. But when I was younger my mother had me memorize Ephesians 4:29. My dad still has it written out and posted on his bathroom mirror. It’s something we all struggle with, and the only way to change it, is to soak our minds with God’s word.
simplyhelpinghim
August 7, 2012 at 8:15 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That is true! I remember my mom having a scripture in our bathroom, it wasn’t there for a purpose, but I did memorize it! LOL! I might have to do something like that! 🙂 Thank you for the idea!
Amy
August 7, 2012 at 10:43 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
We’re dealing with that right now too. My 4 yr old hears things that other people say, but doesn’t know the definition or the appropriate time to use the word, and repeats them from time to time. Or sometimes he just is disrespectful. I definitely need to learn ways to teach him in this area! Thanks for an idea =)
simplyhelpinghim
August 7, 2012 at 8:14 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You’re very welcome! For a 4 yr old writing the definition might be a bit much. I would possibly start with reading the definition and ensuring that he understands it 🙂
Mandy
August 7, 2012 at 10:24 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This is a good exercise. We use writing sentences that declare the correct behavior. (I will treat my sister with respect.) Thanks for the idea.
simplyhelpinghim
August 7, 2012 at 8:11 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That is another great idea! 🙂 Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Kate @ Teaching What Is Good
August 7, 2012 at 10:04 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
One of the “best” ones one of my children used when she was 7 toward her younger brother was diaper head!! Since it wasn’t found in the dictionary, we simply told them it was not appropriate to use words as insults. But we WERE impressed with her creativity! (although we didn’t tell her til she was an adult!! ;-D)
Mary Beth
August 7, 2012 at 8:30 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
At our current stage, we are just trying to get Thomas to USE words! haha. But I have used this strategy in teaching settings–especially with curse words that kids don’t even know what they mean and therefore what they are saying.
simplyhelpinghim
August 7, 2012 at 8:10 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yes, that is good too! I hadn’t thought of that. We have a word that has slipped in a few times. “No one” seems to know where they picked it up :/