DOCSLIB.ORG

Undercurrents: the Life Cycle of an Outdoor Experiential Learning Program in a Mainstream Public Middle School

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Undercurrents: the Life Cycle of an Outdoor Experiential Learning Program in a Mainstream Public Middle School Utah State University DigitalCommons@USU All Graduate Theses and Dissertations Graduate Studies 8-2018 Undercurrents: The Life Cycle of an Outdoor Experiential Learning Program in a Mainstream Public Middle School Eric Jackson Newell Utah State University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd Part of the Curriculum and Instruction Commons Recommended Citation Newell, Eric Jackson, "Undercurrents: The Life Cycle of an Outdoor Experiential Learning Program in a Mainstream Public Middle School" (2018). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 7164. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/7164 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Studies at DigitalCommons@USU. It has been accepted for inclusion in All Graduate Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@USU. For more information, please contact [email protected]. UNDERCURRENTS: THE LIFE CYCLE OF AN OUTDOOR EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PROGRAM IN A MAINSTREAM PUBLIC MIDDLE SCHOOL by Eric Jackson Newell A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in Education Approved: James Dorward, Ph.D. Nicole Pyle, Ph.D. Major Professor Committee Member Courtney Stewart, Ph.D. Suzanne Jones, Ph.D. Committee Member Committee Member Renee Galliher, Ph.D. Mark R. McLellan, Ph.D. Committee Member Vice President for Research and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY Logan, Utah 2018 ii Copyright © Eric Jackson Newell 2018 All Rights Reserved iii ABSTRACT Undercurrents: The Life Cycle of an Outdoor Experiential Learning Program in a Mainstream Public Middle School by Eric Jackson Newell, Doctor of Philosophy Utah State University, 2018 Major Professor: James Dorward, Ph.D. Department: Teacher Education and Leadership This autoethnographic study details the researcher’s experiences as a high school student and as a new teacher—which eventually led to the creation, implementation, and 8-year life cycle of Mount Logan Discovery, a sixth-grade integrated outdoor experiential learning program in a public middle school. Routine field experiences established academic background knowledge, fostered relationships, built confidence, and provided purpose for curriculum standards. Perspectives of parents, students, colleagues, administrators, and donors add detail. This study responds to calls qualitative studies that focus on how outdoor programs are conducted, the descriptions of experiences and perceptions of students and parents, and how participants were changed through outdoor experiential learning programs. The primary research question was: What are the lived experiences of the researcher as a founder of a public middle school outdoor experiential learning program, iv from its inception to its closure? Though outdoor experiential learning is the main theme, this study is also about teaching reading and writing in authentic contexts, integrated science, and the struggle for constructivist-minded educators to humanize schools within high-stakes testing culture. From a theoretical standpoint, this is a story of constructivism in praxis. Participants described that outdoor field experiences improved their attitude towards school, their overall confidence, fostered relationships, established a strong classroom community, and boosted their academic performance. Students and parents emphasized the impact integrating literacy with field programs had on their writing and reading skills. Other themes that surfaced include the role of field experiences in building character and allowing students to find joy and happiness in the learning process. Parents and students alike indicated outdoor field experiences had a lasting impact on participants lives. The analysis also identifies six steps for putting principles of constructivism into practice in schools, recommendations for implementing new programs, and components of effective field programs. The narrative spurs parents, educators, administrators, and lawmakers to reflect on what really matters in schools. Until we change the way schools are evaluated, outdoor experiential learning programs like Mount Logan Discovery, and other attempts to enrich students’ educational experiences, will always exist on the fringes and in the shadows of public education, fighting for sustainability. (290 pages) v PUBLIC ABSTRACT Undercurrents: The Life Cycle of an Outdoor Experiential Learning Program in a Mainstream Public Middle School Eric Jackson Newell This autoethnographic study details the researcher’s experiences as a high school student and as a new teacher—which eventually led to the creation, implementation, and 8-year life cycle of Mount Logan Discovery, a sixth-grade integrated outdoor experiential learning program in a public middle school. Routine field experiences established academic background knowledge, fostered relationships, built confidence, and provided purpose for curriculum standards. Perspectives of parents, students, colleagues, administrators, and donors add detail. This study responds to calls qualitative studies that focus on how outdoor programs are conducted, the descriptions of experiences and perceptions of students and parents, and how participants were changed through outdoor experiential learning programs. The primary research question was: What are the lived experiences of the researcher as a founder of a public middle school outdoor experiential learning program, from its inception to its closure? Though outdoor experiential learning is the main theme, this study is also about teaching reading and writing in authentic contexts, integrated science, and the struggle for constructivist-minded educators to humanize schools within high-stakes testing culture. From a theoretical standpoint, this is a story of constructivism in praxis. vi Participants described that outdoor field experiences improved their attitude towards school, their overall confidence, fostered relationships, established a strong classroom community, and boosted their academic performance. Students and parents emphasized the impact integrating literacy with field programs had on their writing and reading skills. Other themes that surfaced include the role of field experiences in building character and allowing students to find joy and happiness in the learning process. Parents and students alike indicated outdoor field experiences had a lasting impact on participants lives. The analysis also identifies six steps for putting principles of constructivism into practice in schools, recommendations for implementing new programs, and components of effective field programs. The narrative spurs parents, educators, administrators, and lawmakers to reflect on what really matters in schools. Until we change the way schools are evaluated, outdoor experiential learning programs like Mount Logan Discovery, and other attempts to enrich students’ educational experiences, will always exist on the fringes and in the shadows of public education, fighting for sustainability. vii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I am grateful to the many people who have shaped my journey as an educator. Dr. Martin Tadlock, Dr. Debbie Hobbs, and Dr. Marti Dever inspired and pushed me as an elementary education undergraduate student and left a permanent imprint on my teaching practices in the classroom. I entered the elementary education program believing my educational philosophy would make me a dissident. Instead, I was provided encouragement along with the tools and skills to put my beliefs into practice. Dr. Rebecca Monhardt guided me through the completion of my master’s degree. A synthesis paper I wrote for her class, which, in her words was “not exactly a synthesis paper, but needs to be published someday,” ultimately became the seeds of this story. I am indebted to my doctoral committee, each of whom have played a crucial role in this narrative. As an undergraduate student, I noticed—through a propped open door— a photograph of Dr. Jim Dorward climbing the Grand Teton in the winter on his office wall. I wanted to meet him, but we did not connect until much later. As my committee chair, I value his leadership, accessibility, and no-nonsense approach. Dr. Nicole Pyle visited my Discovery classroom and spent a day on the Little Bear River with my students, reading and writing. In the process, she rekindled my desire to pursue a Ph.D. so that I might understand and contribute to the research on outdoor experiential learning. I appreciate her role, her expertise in adolescent literacy, and her belief in me from the start. I enrolled in a course taught by Dr. Suzanne Jones my first semester in the Ph.D. program. When she mentioned that her dissertation looked back on her sixth-grade classroom experiences, I cornered her afterwards to learn more. Psychologist Dr. Renee viii Galliher’s role as an outside committee member, and as the mother of a Discovery student, provided indispensable insights. My frequent conversations with Dr. Courtney Stewart, my methodology expert, are appreciated tremendously. Without his steady presence and newfound friendship, I may have lost my footing. I owe gratitude to Sociologist Dr. Leon Anderson, who taught my Qualitative II Methods course, showing me the ropes of autoethnography. Others who have lent moral support include many other graduate students in the Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL) Ph.D. program; TEAL administrative assistants Krista Terrell and Denise Jensen were always helpful, patient, and friendly; Political
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The PTA Story: a Century of Commitment to Children
    DOCUMENT RESUME ED 451 302 UD 034 083 TITLE The PTA Story: A Century of Commitment to Children. INSTITUTION National PTA, Chicago, IL. ISBN ISBN-0-88109-001-8 PUB DATE 1997-00-00 NOTE 185p. AVAILABLE FROM National PTA Orders, Dept. 1927, 135 LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60674-1927 ($34.95). Tel: 800-307-4782 (Toll free); Fax: 312-670-0240; Web site: http://www.pta.org/pubs/bkorder.htm. PUB TYPE Books (010) Historical Materials (060) EDRS PRICE MF01/PC08 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS Advocacy; Blacks; *Child Health; Child Safety; Educational History; Elementary Secondary Education; Females; Juvenile Justice; Mass Media; Parent Participation IDENTIFIERS National Congress of Parents and Teachers; *Parent Teacher Association ABSTRACT This book recounts the historical achievements of the National PTA and its sister organization, the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers. The PTA is the result of the hard work of such women as Phoebe Apperson Hearst and Alice McLellan Birney, founders of the original National Congress of Mothers, and Selma Sloan Butler, who, with the support of the National PTA, founded the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers. When the two organizations merged in 1970, so did their identical mission to improve children's lives. The book profiles these women's work on such issues as juvenile justice, kindergarten classes, child labor laws, hot lunch programs, car safety, the Salk polio vaccine, today's National Education Goals, and the PTA Web site. The book includes: "The Historical Setting"; "The Founding";
    [Show full text]
  • 210205 TKS Newsletter Week 5
    Week 5, Friday 5th Feb 2021 Head Teacher updates This week has seen many of our families and students undertaking a variety of activities on Wednesday to support 'Children's Mental Health' week. It has been such a delight to see the work, PowerPoints and photos, it has really provided a positive boost for everyone. I have seen 6ft homemade squids, tasty meals and fabulous cakes, amongst marathon running, model building and so much more, it's been fabulous. Thank you all for your kind words of support regarding this event, it is so useful to know what we are trying to do together is having a positive impact. Our Keyworker students in school completed an array of activities including valentine crafts, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory production, cake making, sports and costume making but to name a few. Student feedback has been exceptionally positive about the day's event, which is pleasing and important. A group of students also undertook the National Maths challenge this week, well done! We welcome the Chief Medical Officer’s announcement that we are past the peak of the latest wave of the pandemic. Of course, such confirmation is accompanied by the sadness for those whose lives the pandemic has claimed – including Captain Sir Tom Moore – and those it will inevitably claim in the coming weeks. But there is some comfort to be taken that the tide appears to be turning. Indeed, we passed the milestone this week of 10 million people having received the vaccination. The TKS Test Centre on site continues to support our fight against Covid-19.
    [Show full text]
  • The 007Th Minute Ebook Edition
    “What a load of crap. Next time, mate, keep your drug tripping private.” JACQUES A person on Facebook. STEWART “What utter drivel” Another person on Facebook. “I may be in the minority here, but I find these editorial pieces to be completely unreadable garbage.” Guess where that one came from. “No, you’re not. Honestly, I think of this the same Bond thinks of his obituary by M.” Chap above’s made a chum. This might be what Facebook is for. That’s rather lovely. Isn’t the internet super? “I don’t get it either and I don’t have the guts to say it because I fear their rhetoric or they’d might just ignore me. After reading one of these I feel like I’ve walked in on a Specter round table meeting of which I do not belong. I suppose I’m less a Bond fan because I haven’t read all the novels. I just figured these were for the fans who’ve read all the novels including the continuation ones, fan’s of literary Bond instead of the films. They leave me wondering if I can even read or if I even have a grasp of the language itself.” No comment. This ebook is not for sale but only available as a free download at Commanderbond.net. If you downloaded this ebook and want to give something in return, please make a donation to UNICEF, or any other cause of your personal choice. BOOK Trespassers will be masticated. Fnarr. BOOK a commanderbond.net ebook COMMANDERBOND.NET BROUGHT TO YOU BY COMMANDERBOND.NET a commanderbond.net book Jacques I.
    [Show full text]
  • Lord Healey CH MBE PC
    ROYAL AIR FORCE HISTORICAL SOCIETY JOURNAL 31 (Incorporating the Proceedings of the Bomber Command Association’s 60th Anniversary Symposium) 2 The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the contributors concerned and are not necessarily those held by the Royal Air Force Historical Society. Photographs credited to MAP have been reproduced by kind permission of Military Aircraft Photographs. Copies of these, and of many others, may be obtained via http://www.mar.co.uk First published in the UK in 2004 by the Royal Air Force Historical Society All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission from the Publisher in writing. ISSN 1361 4231 Typeset by Creative Associates 115 Magdalen Road Oxford OX4 1RS Printed by Advance Book Printing Unit 9 Northmoor Park Church Road Northmoor OX29 5UH 3 CONTENTS RECOLLECTIONS OF A SECRETARY OF STATE FOR 4 DEFENCE – The Rt Hon The Lord Healey CH MBE PC HOW DECISIVE WAS THE ROLE OF ALLIED AIR POWER 17 IN THE WAR IN THE PACIFIC, 1941-1945? by Sqn Ldr S I Richards SUMMARY OF THE MINUTES OF THE SEVENTEENTH 47 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD IN THE ROYAL AIR FORCE CLUB ON 10 JUNE 2003 FEEDBACK 51 DEREK WOOD – AN OBITUARY 55 BOOK REVIEWS 56 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOMBER COMMAND 82 ASSOCIATION 60TH ANNIVERSARY SYMPOSIUM HELD AT THE RAF MUSEUM, HENDON ON 12 OCTOBER 2002 UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF AIR MSHL SIR JOHN CURTISS KCB KBE 4 RECOLLECTIONS OF A SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE The Rt Hon The Lord Healey CH MBE PC I should perhaps start by saying that there is no specific theme to what I have to say.
    [Show full text]
  • Adventuring with Books: a Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6. the NCTE Booklist
    DOCUMENT RESUME ED 311 453 CS 212 097 AUTHOR Jett-Simpson, Mary, Ed. TITLE Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6. Ninth Edition. The NCTE Booklist Series. INSTITUTION National Council of Teachers of English, Urbana, Ill. REPORT NO ISBN-0-8141-0078-3 PUB DATE 89 NOTE 570p.; Prepared by the Committee on the Elementary School Booklist of the National Council of Teachers of English. For earlier edition, see ED 264 588. AVAILABLE FROMNational Council of Teachers of English, 1111 Kenyon Rd., Urbana, IL 61801 (Stock No. 00783-3020; $12.95 member, $16.50 nonmember). PUB TYPE Books (010) -- Reference Materials - Bibliographies (131) EDRS PRICE MF02/PC23 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS Annotated Bibliographies; Art; Athletics; Biographies; *Books; *Childress Literature; Elementary Education; Fantasy; Fiction; Nonfiction; Poetry; Preschool Education; *Reading Materials; Recreational Reading; Sciences; Social Studies IDENTIFIERS Historical Fiction; *Trade Books ABSTRACT Intended to provide teachers with a list of recently published books recommended for children, this annotated booklist cites titles of children's trade books selected for their literary and artistic quality. The annotations in the booklist include a critical statement about each book as well as a brief description of the content, and--where appropriate--information about quality and composition of illustrations. Some 1,800 titles are included in this publication; they were selected from approximately 8,000 children's books published in the United States between 1985 and 1989 and are divided into the following categories: (1) books for babies and toddlers, (2) basic concept books, (3) wordless picture books, (4) language and reading, (5) poetry. (6) classics, (7) traditional literature, (8) fantasy,(9) science fiction, (10) contemporary realistic fiction, (11) historical fiction, (12) biography, (13) social studies, (14) science and mathematics, (15) fine arts, (16) crafts and hobbies, (17) sports and games, and (18) holidays.
    [Show full text]
  • Stars with Flaming Tails No Cr
    For Ree, Tamara and Ethan, with love – V. B. To Luba – K.W–M. Text copyright © Valerie Bloom 2021 Illustrations copyright © Ken Wilson Max 2021 Designed by Arianna Osti First published in Great Britain and in the USA in 2021 by Otter-Barry Books, Little Orchard, Burley Gate, Herefordshire, HR1 3QS www.otterbarrybooks.com All rights reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, by Valerie Bloom or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, electrical, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher or a licence permitting restricted copying. In the United Kingdom such licences are issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency, Illustrated by Barnard’s Inn, 86 Fetter Lane, London EC4A 1EN A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library. Ken Wilson Max ISBN 978-1-91307-467-8 Illustrated with pencil and digital ink Set in Sabon Printed in Great Britain 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Contents FUN WITH FORMS Terms 35 ECHO VERSE – Journey 36 FAMILY AND FRIENDS ELFJE – Green 38 CINQUAIN – At Once 39 Welcome 10 RIDDLES You Are 12 Behind a White Wall 40 Mum Says She Loves Me 13 Twins 40 Nothing To Do 14 Ten Sisters 41 Adam Had an Accident 16 The Pearl 41 Best Friends 18 You Made Me Today 42 When Mummy Combs My Hair 19 RONDEL – Sorrow Called 43 Pancakes 20 LIMERICKS We Don’t Laugh When Grandad Sings 21 Numbers 44 Hide and Seek 22 A Babysitter Who Lived in Nantucket 45 Contrary Carl 24 REVERSE VERSE Time Like a Baby 25 I Looked into the Garden Shed
    [Show full text]
  • Autobiography of 2 Hon
    Keyes 1 Autobiography of 2 Hon. John S. Keyes. 3 4 5 Keyes 1 1 2 I was born I am told Sept 19,1821, 3 and from finding in my father’s 4 cash book the entry of that date of the Dr’s 5 fee, and the horse hire for the 6 nurse I have no doubt of it. 7 My father John Keyes was at 8 that time a leading lawyer 9 in Concord Middlesex Co. Mass. 10 and county treasurer and 11 postmaster. He lived then as 12 he always had since his marriage 13 five years before, in the house 14 north of the Court House and 15 fronting on the road to the North 16 Bridge, occupying nearly the spot 17 between the north entrance to the 18 Court House grounds and the gate 19 way as it now exists. My mother 20 Ann Stow (Shepard) Keyes had borne 21 one daughter four years before 22 who named for her, welcomed my 23 coming, and after Dr. Hurd’s 24 services and the nurse’s departure 25 took great care of my puny self. 26 For I was I am informed very 27 feelbe and delicate as an infant Keyes 1 1½ 2 I have been told of my first illness 3 when a month or so of age, an attack 4 of whooping cough that threatened to end 5 my frail hold on life. Dr Hurd on being 6 consulted said he could stop it, and did 7 so by vaccinating my arm.
    [Show full text]
  • Sing! 1975 – 2014 Song Index
    Sing! 1975 – 2014 song index Song Title Composer/s Publication Year/s First line of song 24 Robbers Peter Butler 1993 Not last night but the night before ... 59th St. Bridge Song [Feelin' Groovy], The Paul Simon 1977, 1985 Slow down, you move too fast, you got to make the morning last … A Beautiful Morning Felix Cavaliere & Eddie Brigati 2010 It's a beautiful morning… A Canine Christmas Concerto Traditional/May Kay Beall 2009 On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me… A Long Straight Line G Porter & T Curtan 2006 Jack put down his lister shears to join the welders and engineers A New Day is Dawning James Masden 2012 The first rays of sun touch the ocean, the golden rays of sun touch the sea. A Wallaby in My Garden Matthew Hindson 2007 There's a wallaby in my garden… A Whole New World (Aladdin's Theme) Words by Tim Rice & music by Alan Menken 2006 I can show you the world. A Wombat on a Surfboard Louise Perdana 2014 I was sitting on the beach one day when I saw a funny figure heading my way. A.E.I.O.U. Brian Fitzgerald, additional words by Lorraine Milne 1990 I can't make my mind up- I don't know what to do. Aba Daba Honeymoon Arthur Fields & Walter Donaldson 2000 "Aba daba ... -" said the chimpie to the monk. ABC Freddie Perren, Alphonso Mizell, Berry Gordy & Deke Richards 2003 You went to school to learn girl, things you never, never knew before. Abiyoyo Traditional Bantu 1994 Abiyoyo ..
    [Show full text]
  • Front Coverandpage 2
    ISSUE 409 – MAY 2008 TheThe Jester Jester CANDID PHOTO SPECIAL! SHREWSBURY PIX, PIX, PIX AND MORE PIX AGM REPORT AND PHOTOS LOUVIERS FESTIVAL REPORT “HEADCASES” DID MY HEAD IN! QANDA EVENTS DIARY GOES FAR AND WIDE TheNewsletter Newsletter of of the the Cartoonists’ Cartoonists’ Club Club of Greatof Great Britain Britain THE JESTER ISSUE 409 – MAY 2008 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK The Jester Issue 409 - May 2008 Published 11 times a year The Chair by The Cartoonists! Club of Great Britain The CCGB Committee Dear Members, Chairman: Terry Christien 020-8892 3621 It!s all about the AGM! What a took the opportunity to do the tour- [email protected] cracking afternoon and evening isty sightseeing bit on the way in - thanks to all you lovely Club Secretary: Jed Stone a proper first for me - Paris in the member people. It was great to springtime an! all that! Simon Elli- 01173 169 277 see you. nas, John Landers, Guy Carter [email protected] For those of you not able to make and myself drew our proverbial Treasurer: Anne Boyd it, don!t beat yourselves up, we were socks off but the work was pleas- 01173 169 277 able to take in your food and wine antly offset by many a repas et vin. [email protected] comfortably - well somebody!s got The cartoon image is so much to etc...etc... Membership Secretary: more prevalent in France than it is And thank you big Bill Stott for your here. Why should that be? No won- Jed Pascoe: 01767-682 882 cartoon stand-up - it went down very der it feels like a constant uphill [email protected] well, we knew it would! Thank you struggle! Simon files a report in this too to Mike T and Neil Dish for the issue.
    [Show full text]
  • Little Men: Life at Plumfield with Jo's Boys by Louisa May Alcott
    Little Men: Life at Plumfield With Jo's Boys by Louisa May Alcott Little Men: Life at Plumfield With Jo's Boys by Louisa May Alcott Prepared by David Reed [email protected] or [email protected] Little Men: Life at Plumfield With Jo's Boys by Louisa May Alcott TO FREDDY AND JOHNNY, THE LITTLE MEN TO WHOM SHE OWES SOME OF THE BEST AND HAPPIEST HOURS OF HER LIFE, THIS BOOK IS GRATEFULLY DEDICATED BY THEIR LOVING "AUNT WEEDY" Contents page 1 / 487 CHAPTER I. NAT CHAPTER II. THE BOYS CHAPTER III. SUNDAY CHAPTER IV. STEPPING-STONES CHAPTER V. PATTY PANS CHAPTER VI. A FIRE BRAND CHAPTER VII. NAUGHTY NAN CHAPTER VIII. PRANKS AND PLAYS CHAPTER IX. DAISY'S BALL CHAPTER X. HOME AGAIN CHAPTER XI. UNCLE TEDDY CHAPTER XII. HUCKLEBERRIES CHAPTER XIII. GOLDILOCKS CHAPTER XIV. DAMON AND PYTHIAS CHAPTER XV. IN THE WILLOW CHAPTER XVI. TAMING THE COLT CHAPTER XVII. COMPOSITION DAY CHAPTER XVIII. CROPS CHAPTER XIX. JOHN BROOKE CHAPTER XX. ROUND THE FIRE CHAPTER XXI. THANKSGIVING LITTLE MEN Life at Plumfield with Jo's Boys page 2 / 487 CHAPTER I NAT "Please, sir, is this Plumfield?" asked a ragged boy of the man who opened the great gate at which the omnibus left him. "Yes. Who sent you?" "Mr. Laurence. I have got a letter for the lady." "All right; go up to the house, and give it to her; she'll see to you, little chap." The man spoke pleasantly, and the boy went on, feeling much cheered by the words. Through the soft spring rain that fell on sprouting grass and budding trees, Nat saw a large square house before him a hospitable-looking house, with an old-fashioned porch, wide steps, and lights shining in many windows.
    [Show full text]
  • Adam's Ale Noun. Water. Abdabs Noun. Terror, the Frights, Nerves. Often Heard As the Screaming Abdabs. Also Very Occasionally 'H
    A Adam's ale Noun. Water. abdabs Noun. Terror, the frights, nerves. Often heard as the screaming abdabs . Also very occasionally 'habdabs'. [1940s] absobloodylutely Adv. Absolutely. Abysinnia! Exclam. A jocular and intentional mispronunciation of "I'll be seeing you!" accidentally-on- Phrs. Seemingly accidental but with veiled malice or harm. purpose AC/DC Adj. Bisexual. ace (!) Adj. Excellent, wonderful. Exclam. Excellent! acid Noun. The drug LSD. Lysergic acid diethylamide. [Orig. U.S. 1960s] ackers Noun. Money. From the Egyptian akka . action man Noun. A man who participates in macho activities. Adam and Eve Verb. Believe. Cockney rhyming slang. E.g."I don't Adam and Eve it, it's not true!" aerated Adj. Over-excited. Becoming obsolete, although still heard used by older generations. Often mispronounced as aeriated . afto Noun. Afternoon. [North-west use] afty Noun. Afternoon. E.g."Are you going to watch the game this afty?" [North-west use] agony aunt Noun. A woman who provides answers to readers letters in a publication's agony column. {Informal} aggro Noun. Aggressive troublemaking, violence, aggression. Abb. of aggravation. air biscuit Noun. An expulsion of air from the anus, a fart. See 'float an air biscuit'. airhead Noun. A stupid person. [Orig. U.S.] airlocked Adj. Drunk, intoxicated. [N. Ireland use] airy-fairy Adj. Lacking in strength, insubstantial. {Informal} air guitar Noun. An imaginary guitar played by rock music fans whilst listening to their favourite tunes. aks Verb. To ask. E.g."I aksed him to move his car from the driveway." [dialect] Alan Whickers Noun. Knickers, underwear. Rhyming slang, often shortened to Alans .
    [Show full text]
  • An Outback Marriage a Story of Australian Life
    An Outback Marriage A Story of Australian Life Paterson, Andrew Barton (1864-1941) University of Sydney Library Sydney 1998 http://setis.library.usyd.edu.au/ © University of Sydney Library. The texts and Images are not to be used for commercial purposes without permission Source Text: Prepared from the print edition published by Angus and Robertson, Sydney 1906 All quotation marks retained as data. All unambiguous end-of-line hyphens have been removed, and the trailing part of a word has been joined to the preceding line. First Published: 1906 823.89 Australian Etexts novels 1890-1909 prose fiction An Outback Marriage A Story of Australian Life Sydney Angus and Robertson 1906 An Outback Marriage Chapter I. In The Club It was a summer's evening in Sydney, and the north-east wind that comes down from New Guinea and the tropical islands over leagues of warm sea, brought on its wings a heavy depressing moisture. In the streets people walked listlessly, perspired, mopped themselves, and abused their much-vaunted climate. Everyone who could manage it was out of town, either on the heights of Moss Vale or the Blue Mountains, escaping from the Inferno of Sydney. In the Cassowary Club, weary, pallid waiters brought iced drinks to such of the members as were condemned to spend the summer in town. The gong had sounded, and in ones and twos members shuffled out of the smoking-room, and went in to dinner. At last only three were left talking at the far end of the big, empty smoking-room, like three small stage conspirators at the end of a very large robbers' cavern.
    [Show full text]