Using slang terms of the past as a learning tool
Students show an intense interest in learning and using slang terms of the past. Often times it is
because it gives them new words to use with their friends – and foes. It also allows them to use
their creative flow as they write letters, diary entries, and so forth. Finally, they enjoy using
slang simply because – it’s fun! Yet, while they are engaged in using slang for their purposes,
educators find that students incorporate organizational skills, following directions skills, writing
skills, and participate in studying the era of the language in order to complete the assignment.
Below is an example of a process used successfully in the classroom. Directions provided to a
student need to be explicit yet concise in order to be successful. A rubric would be a wonderful
addition.
Take, change, and/or alter what you wish to from the basic sample below. One of these days I’ll
get around to designing a rubric. If you use any of these and would care to design a rubric based
on your experience, please share. The same with any changes to the sample directions. This is a
work in progress.
(SAMPLE/Example) Directions for a letter from the Roaring Twenties:
DIRECTIONS: You are a flapper or drugstore cowboy college student from the Roaring
Twenties. You are writing a letter to a friend describing events that have occurred to you or that
you have observed or heard about. The length of the letter is up to you. The letter and the terms
you use must make sense in the context of your story.
CONTENT: Your letter must include:
Date; to; from (draw names for the classmate you are writing to)
The city and state your are living in (Imagination kicks in here)
Information on the social aspects of the times (refer to text for music, life during the
twenties, inventions, etc)
RESOURCES: Use your text as a resource, including words, maps, and pictures found in the
text. Appropriate Internet resources may also be used. Additional resources may be found in the
school and public library.
THE WORDS: This assignment is graded on historical accuracy, structure of the story
(grammar, form, spelling, content) and accurate use of terms, and number of terms used. Terms
to use to:
qualify for a “D”: 15 different terms;
qualify for a “C”: 20 different terms;
qualify for a “B”: 25 different terms;
qualify for a “A”: 35 different terms.
You are eligible for extra credit for additional terms that are used, providing the criteria for the
story is met.
MARKING THE TERM: In order to get full credit for the words you use, you must mark the
words in a certain way. Underline and sequentially number each term the first time it is used.
While you can – and sometimes need to – use a term more than once, do not underline and renumber a term after you have first used it. You might need to use that word to maintain the
character or event in the story, but you cannot count that word a second time.