Language matters

In my many years teaching outdoor environmental education, before we headed out to explore, we had a “discussion” about words we’re not allowed to use.
Many kids would get a curious look and I could tell they were thinking “dmn" and "hck” (we rate dogs reference). Then I would then say “yck" "grss” or “*www” are words we don’t use. Instead we describe the item (color, shape, or size) or, what every student has heard an art teacher say, “interesting” and finally, “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all”
It really worked! And kids were more observant.

I haven’t had luck with social media though!

Side note, the other talk we had was about questions. I would tell them I encouraged any question, except one…“When is lunch?”

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