I have always loved reading Dr. Seuss http://www.seussville.com/books to children. I was always fascinated by the way he could create rhyming in his stories in the most creative ways. The best part is how he makes up words when he can’t seem to find just the right word for the next sentence. Wouldn’t you love to visit the Island of Sala-ma-sond or the far end of town where the Grickle grass grows? How about going to the zoo with Gerald McGrew seeing a Iota from the far Western part of Dakota. Beside places and animals, Dr. Seuss creates nouns and verbs that are often a very important part of the book. For example a thneed is a fine-something that all people need. It’s a shirt. It’s a sock. It’s a glove. It’s a hat. But it has other uses. Yes, far beyond that.
Sometimes Seuss just creates a fun variation on words like chimley for chimney to rhyme with nimbly. The best part is that it all works and they are a joy to read aloud. My favorites are HORTON HATCHES AN EGG, THE GRINCH WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS and of course THE LORAX. If none of this makes any sense to you than you must begin to read Dr. Seuss.
I guess I actually should not be so amazed at this Suess Language. We have an even greater repertoire of educational JIS jargon. It is almost like a secret language. We don’t use it to help us rhyme or create rich stories. I think our language makes you part of the club. If you understand it all you belong. I always thought it would be fun to write a JIS story using JIS language. What could we name this language: JISism, JIS-function (like dysfunction), JISology, JISjargon, JISations, JIStalk, JISpeak, JISlang, JISwanttobe, JISdoit.
My hand at Seussisms or JISisms...
JIS
In the center of the huts where our kids hang out.
Full of trash and things all about.
Running to the SWLC is taking my time
As I try to make this story rhyme.
There is always traffic in front of CIL
I have to say I have had my fill.
Near the FAT, I’m past the gate,
Will I get there at this rate?
My EQ’s are on edge.
As I have made a solemn pledge...
To create norms and make them work
Collaborate in PLC with every jerk.
The PTA or PAF what’s the differences in the name.
Is it all just one big game?
Does EDM really need to everyday,
Making the ends of my nerves fray.
The AP/IB program runs this place
A bit like a rat in a never ending race.
And now we want to give the MAP
To see if there is a learning gap.
If you are new and work at PIE,
Don’t you just want to curl up and cry
Don’t forget PEL and EAL and KKJIS
How can all these things exist.
Can my son get enough credits for CAS
Without dying or running out of gas.
EARCOS, EARCOS, want to go
There goes you PD money for one big show.
Now we need some TLC
But none of this is about me.
I have to say that at JIS...
It goes on a bit like this.
How do we get through the day
That is the question, I ask... if I may?
by a Dr. Suess want-to-be
If none of this makes any sense to you, than I suggest you read the WASC Report.
Here is my interpretation of it all...
TeLMS=Technology & Library Media Services, EQ=essential qualities, SWLC=school wide learning council, WASC=Western Association of Schools and Colleges, IB=international baccalaureate, EE=extended essay, PEL=Pattimura Elementary, PIE=Pondoh Indah Elementary, CIL=Cilandak, FAT=fine arts theatre, MPR=multi-purpose room, W3=wantilan, EDM=everyday math, JIS=Jakarta International School, PAF=parent academic forum, PTA=parent teacher association, PLC=professional learning communities, PTC=principals training center, VP=vice principal, HLC=High School Learning Council, SST=support service team, EAL=English as another language, S&E, KKJIS, TLC (tech, learning and communication, the learning center), TeLMS=technology and library media services, IASAS=International association of south asia schools, AP=advanced placement, CIS=counsel of international schools, EARCOS=East Asia Regional Council of Overseas Schools, ELA=english language arts, ELL=English language learners, GLSA=grade level subject area, ISTA=International School Theatre Association, MAP=MEASURES OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS, CAS=COMMUNITY ACTION SERVICE,TAA=tolong anak anak, VPA=visual performing arts,
