It is not unusual for a child with a disability to miss the nuances of spoken language. Perhaps it is an idiom, or maybe it is a word with multiple meanings. The literal, or familiar meaning, is the one the child understands. Only in many cases that is not what was meant at all. The child is left out of the social loop, so to speak. He may even be offended by something that was never intended to offend.
Kids on the austism spectrum often take words literally. For example, a statement about pulling someone’s leg could be taken as really tugging on a child’s leg.
Kids with developmental delays often take words literally. They may also be familiar with only one meaning of a word.
Teaching tricky words and phrases in literature is one way to boost the child’s vocabulary and put him at a better advantage socially. Teach Us, Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish is a great book for doing just that. In addition, its back to school theme makes it a perfect choice to read in preparation for the approaching school year.
The Reading Level of Amelia Bedelia Books
There are many Amelia Bedelia books in the series with the same name. The books are consider a 4 Level by Scholastic. The back of the books say that they are first chapter books for advanced beginners. Although there are fewer pictures in the book than lower levels, the books do have a picture on each page that helps to support the newish or struggling reader.
The added perk is that the books are chapter books. Many children who are close to reading chapter books insist on just that. Sometimes, however, chapter books can be too difficult for the struggling reader. Not so, in the case of the Amelia Bedelia books.
Idioms and Multiple Meaning Words
Here are a few of the language expressions and multiple meaning words that are used in Teach Us, Amelia Bedelia. In each case, the silliness of taking the word literally is played out as the children obey the wishes of the well intentioned, but misguided Amelia.
- Call the roll
- Plant a bulb
- Paint pictures
- Play practice
Parent and child can enjoy the antics of the zany Amelia Bedelia as they talk about school routines. Then, using a paper that is folded in two, the meanings of the expression can be drawn – both the literal and the intended meaning.
Sharing a reader friendly beginning chapter book is a great way for parents to spend time reading with the child with reading struggles. There are many Amelia Bedelia books in the series that can add to child’s interest in reading as well as his vocabulary of idioms.
Lynn Moore - Moore is a freelance writer, experienced special education teacher, and mother of two. She has worked as a developmental therapist for ...
