KAPA‘A — Not too many dictionaries contain the word and definition for “ohana,” but after that word was popularized by the Lilo and Stitch movie and series on the Disney Channel, it is now found in a version of dictionaries
KAPA‘A — Not too many dictionaries contain the word and definition for “ohana,” but after that word was popularized by the Lilo and Stitch movie and series on the Disney Channel, it is now found in a version of dictionaries presented free of charge to third-grade students at Kapa‘a Elementary School recently.
For many of the students, this is their first dictionary, and along with personalizing this learning tool further, they each also received their own “dictionary pen,” a red ball-point pen to help measure their progress with this new learning tool. Students are encouraged to mark with a red dot in the book’s margin next to words they have learned to spell and use, or have read. Parents can look inside frequently to see how much (or little) the dictionaries are being used.
Dahmen Brown and Mary Gallagher, part-time Kaua‘i residents also living in Kentfield, Calif., showed up at Kapa‘a Elementary School with their load of dictionaries and their escort, Will, a four-legged icebreaker who immediately attracted the attention of third-grade students who trooped into the school’s cafeteria. There, they were greeted by the threesome standing back of a table lined with the most current copies of “A Student’s Dictionary.”
Brown and Gallagher explained that they want to be part of the Kaua‘i ‘ohana, and this distribution of dictionaries to third-grade students is just one way they can give back to the place they love. “Our only motive is to share the spirit of aloha, and along with you and the teachers, to encourage every child to grow and learn to the best of his or her ability,” the couple writes in a letter to parents included with every dictionary.
“We could just have left the dictionaries and left,” Brown told the third graders. “But, we want to meet each and every one of you.”
This icebreaker served as the cue for the students to line up, greet Brown and Gallagher with handshakes and introductions, and take ownership of their dictionaries and pens.
But, before the students could even look up their first words, the most important task of personalizing their dictionaries was taken care of, as the couple guided the students to write their names and phone numbers on the book-plate that Brown said is dedicated to his mother, Grace Strandburg Dahmen Brown.
That done, the couple set out explaining how this dictionary is an “encyclopedic” dictionary, meaning it contains more than just definitions of words.
It is prefaced by the alphabet written in both block and script, the nine parts of speech, an explanation of punctuation marks, and a pronunciation key even before the first word, “a,” is listed.
“A” is an article used to indicate “one” before a noun.
Following the last defined entry, “zygote,” the book still contains a substantial number of pages, containing the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, biographies of all the presidents including current president George Bush, a sign-language alphabet, and more.
More interesting word tidbits also include the longest word in the English language, which takes up over half of one page, the five longest words, a Roman numeral table, the periodic table of elements, a multiplication table, and a history of the American flag.
For those who need quick facts on states, there is a listing and a map showing the location of all 50 states, with pertinent, relevant information.
This is also expanded to include maps of the world, and goes beyond the globe to give descriptions of the major planets in the solar system.
In their short session with the students, Brown and Gallagher offered numerous tips, many of them being put into practice during the presentation, on how to learn more by using their new tools.
The red pen can be attached to the dictionary, and used to mark the margin (ample room for that) every time a new word is learned.
But, don’t stop there, the couple encouraged. “Take time to review just how many red marks there are. This is a measurement of the learning that is taking place, just as you mark your growth with marks on the door.”
Some of the ways to use the dictionary more is to look at a page every night before going to bed, they suggested. Other ways might include a family dictionary night, to play games looking up words and marking the new ones learned.
On waking the next day, Brown suggested they recall the word. “Don’t worry, it’s there, and it’ll come back. Then, use it during your day.”
Read out loud, they encouraged. Even if it’s to your stuffed animal. “Reading aloud is so important for building confidence and reading skills,” the couple said, noting to the students that they still spend a few minutes each day reading.
Brown said they found out about this program about three years ago when they read about Mary French, who had problems with reading in college. French’s saga leading up to her being known as “The Dictionary Lady,” was in the pages of The Wall Street Journal, and when the couple read it, they immediately contacted Daniel Hamada, the Kaua‘i state Department of Education area public-school superintendent. Working with the school principals and members of island Rotary clubs, Brown and Gallagher began distribution of dictionaries on Kaua‘i in 2002.
Brown and Gallagher also distribute free dictionaries to every third-grader on Kaua‘i, and at schools on Moloka‘i and Lana‘i, and Brown’s home town area of Cattaraugus County, N.Y., as part of their Dictionaries for Kids program.
Brown said that, in western New York, a lot of the children know “ohana” because of Lilo and Stitch, and they also know “aloha.” Just see page 16. On page 222, “A Student’s Dictionary” defines “ohana” (without the ‘okina) as a noun, “family, no one left behind.”
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@pulitzer.net.
