Judge Dogood’s Vocabulary Lesson
Dogood was invited to Maranda County to talk to language teachers on creative ways of teaching vocabulary.
“With new words being coined every day how are we expected to master the core vocabulary?” Dogood introduced his presentation.
“The English language has many words, with many unpredictable spellings and pronunciations. Just when you think you have mastered the pronunciations of words starting with ‘ch’, you come across words like chinook, chimera, chacma baboon. How are they pronounced and what do they mean?
“With all the 21st Century distractions, the job of the language teacher has just become impossible. To say that you are expected to be imaginative, creative and resourceful is not even stating the obvious. That is why we have to use short stories, flash fiction and anecdotes to teach specific vocabulary items.
Judge Dogood at a Job Interview
Judge Dogood sat in an active posture as he responded passively to the interview questions. The questions were mundane; maybe he had over-prepared for the interview.
“Tell us about yourself?”
“Where did you go to school?”
“Why did you study English and Literature?”
“Why did you apply for this job?”
“Why do you think you are the best candidate for this job?”
“How did you learn about the job opening?”
He had prepared well. He was in a grey suit, a royal blue starched shirt and a maroon silk tie. This was a rarity for him. He has always considered suits and especially ties a choke on creativity. He could tell he was smart by the expressions he got when he walked in. Dogood had even prepared on how to study the interviewers. As he was answering questions he would take time to study their body language and facial expressions. He had been rehearsing for a week.
Before answering each question he would pause as a way of adding thoughtfulness to his answers. There were six panelists in all; two females.
So far so good. They were nodding along to his answers, and not out of politeness, but in agreement and out of convictions. He had them and he had the job.