All students should have a dictionary in their desk, not at the front of the class. Students need to become familiar with the dictionary for a variety of reasons and if it is used on a regular basis by students for them to become comfortable with using it as a reference.
Dictionaries are a valuable tool for the students in their learning process and it limits the amount of time a student raises their hands to spell a word. Students need to learn that they are able to use a dictionary for spelling a word, find a meaning, or to assist in pronouncing the word.
Brainstorm with the students the reasons to use a dictionary and place the answers on chart as a student reference.
Why Use a Dictionary?
- How to spell a word
- Pronunciation for a word
- Definition for a word
- Synonyms and antonyms for a word
- How to correctly use a word
- How to break the word into syllables
- Part of speech for the word
- History of the word
Add all your students' suggestions, as long as they make sense.
Dictionary Skills Activities
• Define the word in your own words and write a sentence.
• List 3 synonyms and antonyms for the word.
• Word of the Day: Place a word on the chalkboard and students must define the word and use it as much as possible in their conversations and written work. May choose to have competitions on who can use the word most in one day.
• Draw a picture of the word.
• Create your own personal dictionary
• Place a list of words in alphabetical order
• Time students to find selected words and record the page number.
• Students will be assigned to choose a word of the day and to teach students the meaning of the word, spelling, proper pronunciation, and synonyms for the word.
