Did you know  that there is a movement among a small group of educators to stop fourth graders from using the word “said?”   “Get,” “nice,” “very” and “thing” are also on the list.

I understand the intent, to help students learn that there are amazing, and more specific ways to express yourself, but there are pitfalls in the current practice.  This is supposed to be  a two-step process.  First, you expand their vocabularies, and then you help them learn when to use the two-dollar words, and when to use a simpler description.  Unfortunately, the second step seems to be forgotten in many schools.

I think it’s fine to expand a child’s vocabulary.  I’m all for clear descriptions.  But, I think we need to work on flowing prose, and interesting sentences, rather than how to pack a paragraph with adjectives.

Here’s a link to the article, if you’d like to read about it.