Framing word learning as normal: For instance, “Word learning is cool. Noticing and grappling with new words is truly a way of being smart. Reading texts in which you meet new words is how to learn new words. If we never read texts with new and challenging words then we are not learning as much as we could be. So meeting and learning new words is normal. It is often a bit of work but that is okay because we can handle it.”

Framing word learning as pivotal to science learning: Part of learning to be a scientist involves learning the new vocabulary and new meanings of old and new words in the context of science learning. Grappling with words can give us clues that help us make sense of complicated words. Working with words and new language is an important part of what it means to do science.