Correct Terminology

Just how important is it that we use correct terminology with our kindergarten students?

Onomatopoeia--instead of "sound words"

Schema--instead of "background knowledge" or "what you know"

Exclamation Point--instead of "happy" or "excited mark"

Ellipsis--instead of "dot dot dot"

Umlauts--instead of "dots"


As a class, we were working with Chloë's name today (notice the umlauts).  All the children quickly commented on the "dots" above Chloë's e.  I was very quick to describe those dots by their proper name--umlauts. 

But, this got me thinking-- just how important is it that we use correct terminology with our kindergarten students?

Just like the incident today, I make it a point to almost overuse the correct or proper name of new words.  I feel like I am broadening the vocabulary of these young people-- even if they don't come across these concepts for another week, month, or year.  At least they will have heard it.

But then I think, "Am I filling their heads with unimportant jargon?"  Is it just more important that they understand that this symbol (!) is used at the end of an exciting sentence and not necessarily know what it's called? 

I could argue with myself for hours. 

Let me know what you think--