Words are Keys, Opening Doors to Worlds of Understanding, Imagination, and More
It is incredible how words can totally change the way we see things. I was thinking about this the other day when my 7-year-old son came home buzzing about a new word he'd learned: "bioluminescence."
He'd been reading about deep-sea creatures, and suddenly, this big word opened up a whole new world for him. He was going on and on about glowing jellyfish and fireflies, his eyes lit up like he'd discovered buried treasure. It wasn't just about the word itself, but all the wild, awe-inspiring stuff it represented.
It made me appreciate how words are like keys. They unlock these little doors in our brains and senses, letting in new ideas, feelings, and ways of looking at things. For kids especially, every new word is like a mini-adventure, leading them into an experience or understanding they otherwise would not have had (in that moment, anyway)!
Remember when you first learned what "nostalgia" meant? Suddenly you had a name for that warm, fuzzy, slightly sad feeling you get thinking about the past. It's the same for our kids. They're not just learning to talk; they're learning to understand themselves and the world around them.
Words also give kids power. They help them express what they're feeling, even when it's complicated. I remember being a child and getting so frustrated when he couldn't explain what was bothering me. Same for my kid! Now he's got words like "overwhelmed" or "anxious," and it's like a weight lifts off his shoulders when he can name what he's feeling.
And how about how words fuel imagination! The other day, my son’s friend was visiting, and together we all made up a whole story about a "chrononautical expedition" (time-traveling adventure, fancy words courtesy of the friend’s latest obsession with sci-fi). It was hilarious and amazing to see how a few cool words could spark this whole imaginary world.
Viva words! They're like little magic spells that help our kids understand, express, and imagine. And the cherry on top: As I watch my son discover new words and ideas, I get to rediscover the world right along with him.