The Write Place
Literacy Education Online: How to Use a Thesaurus
A good overview of what a thesaurus is and how best to use one. Also includes the difference between the two forms of thesauri and explains how to choose the correct synonym to use. L.9-10.4c References
Other
Uncp: Using a Dictionary
Curious about what a dictionary might tell you beyond how to spell a word? This site will walk you through the basics of using any dictionary, as well as suggest why you might want to consult one on a regular basis. L.9-10.4c References,...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: How to Use Reference Materials
A dictionary is one of the most useful reference books anybody could ever use. Learn how to properly understand a dictionary's formatting and content! [0:46]
ClassFlow
Class Flow: How to Use a Thesaurus
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart will review how to use a thesaurus. Uses links to an online web thesaurus to look up various words. Great starting point.
Savvas Learning
Pearson Education: The Longman Vocabulary Website: Dictionary Skills
How are your dictionary skills? Check out this site to learn how to improve your dictionary skills. This site features exercises grouped into three different levels.
Love To Know Media
Your Dictionary: Crossword Puzzle Dictionary
This is a basic crossword puzzle dictionary with an explanation of how to use it. It also offers information and a comparison of three other online crossword dictionaries that have extra features: Wordsmyth, Amo's Online Crossword Puzzle...
BBC
Bbc: Skillswise: English: Reading: Dictionaries and Indexes Quiz: Basic [Pdf]
Quiz testing basic alphabetization skills required for real-world application. Three levels of difficulty with answers provided.
Other
Beacon Educator: Reading Educator: Dictionary Game
Develop better vocabulary and dictionary skills while playing this fun dictionary game with students in small groups. Click on the video link to watch the game being played in a classroom. L.9-10.4c References
Love To Know Media
Your Dictionary: Activities for Teaching Vocabulary
This article focuses on the importance of teaching vocabulary and how to teach it effectively. It lists concepts that need to be considered when preparing to teach vocabulary such as prior knowledge, dictionary use, context clues, and...
BBC
Bbc: Skillswise: Dictionaries and Indexes
This Skillswise site focuses on using dictionaries and indexes. Included are a video about why using these tools is important, fact sheets and worksheets about using them, quizzes on the information presented, and a dictionary game. The...
BBC
Bbc: Skillswise: English: Reading: Dictionaries and Indexes Quiz: Level One [Pdf]
Quiz testing basic alphabetization and dictionary skills required for real-world application. Three levels of difficulty with answers provided.
Other
Elemadrid: English Spanish Dictionary
A very effective resource tool in helping both the teacher and the student define unfamiliar words. This online dictionary translates a word from one language to another, in a wide range of languages. Can easily change the languages by...
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Dictionary
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students will recognize the functions of dictionaries and the types of information available in dictionaries used in schools. They will learn the differences between dictionaries and thesauruses....
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Dictionary Use
[Free Registration/Login Required] This resource introduces students to dictionaries. It covers what a dictionary is used for, what types of information you will find in a dictionary, guide words and their purpose, and how to use a...
Love To Know Media
Your Dictionary: Scrabble Word Finder
This article discusses using a Scrabble Word Finder. It focuses on the Your Dictionary Word Finder including explaining ways to use it and what is available through it.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Using the Dictionary
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart was created to teach dictionary skills to second and third grade students. It has a lot of practice opportunities built in and an Activote quiz. It was designed to use over several days.
Other
Net Lingo
Look up information about internet and computer technology using a dictionary format. Includes online dictionary, pocket dictionary, information about e-mail, a technology IQ test, and a list of new additions.
Learning Farm
Learning Farm: Common Core Standards Dictionaries and Glossaries
View a lesson on using dictionaries and glossaries to determine the meaning of words. Test your skills using Test Mode or Game Mode.
Other
O*net (Occupational Info Network) Knowledge Site
O*NET, replacement for the US Dictionary of Occupational Titles as well as the Directory of Occupational Titles and the Occupational Job Outlook, provides "Information on skills, abilities, knowledge, work activities, and interests...
Other
Oxford University Press: Oxford Dictionaries: Affect or Effect: A Visual Guide
This is a dictionary entry explaining how to use affect and effect using comic pictures.
Other
Alpha Dictionary: Most Often Misspelled Words in English
Listed alphabetically, these commonly misspelled words often find their way into our writing! Here are the correct spellings, with brief tips for remembering how to write these words correctly. In addition, use the links of the left to...
Love To Know Media
Your Dictionary: Teaching Spelling in 8th Grade
This article focuses on spelling in the 8th grade including applying standard English conventions to unfamiliar words, how to practice spelling words, and a link to 8th-grade sight words.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Library Dictionary
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart can be used in a library/resource center to illustrate alphabetical order and how books are arranged on the shelves in the library. It also discusses alphabetical order to help teach...
Other
Great Schools: Glossary
This is a PDF printable worksheet for grades 1-3 to teach students how to use a glossary to answer questions.