Scholastic
What’s the Good Word? Etymology Project Guidelines
Who named the shapes, or the days of the week? Should words be removed from the dictionary if they're no longer commonly used? Are there too many words in the English language? Language arts students explore these and additional...
Scholastic
Frindle Lesson Plan
"Who says a pen has to be called a pen? Why not call it a frindle?" Inspired by this quote from the award-winning novel written by Andrew Celements, this instructional activity allows children to invent their own terms for common...
Florida Center for Reading Research
Vocabulary: Words in Context, Meaning Maker
Support children with finding meaning in unknown words using this graphic organizer. While reading a piece of writing, learners identify unfamiliar words, using context clues and reference materials to find and record definitions before...
Curated OER
Abridged and Unabridged Dictionaries
How can pronunciations and definitions vary in two different dictionaries? Middle schoolers look up words in abridged and unabridged dictionaries. They compare the pronunciation, spelling, and definitions in each version. Additionally,...
Florida Center for Reading Research
Vocabulary: Word Meaning, Oh My Word!
Ever come across an unfamiliar word while reading and can't decipher its meaning? Use a worksheet and graphic organizer that tracks and helps bring meaning to unknown words as learners read a text. A worksheet and graphic organizer come...
Curated OER
Man's Search for Meaning: Vocabulary Strategy
Readers of Man's Search for Meaning use context clues, create stories using words from the text, and retype these stories as part of their vocabulary study of Viktor Frankl's book.
Curated OER
Spelling Rules: IE/EI Exercise 4
Review the rule "i before e except after c, or when it sounds like 'ay' as in neighbor and weigh" with your class and then set your learners to practice with this basic exercise. They fill in blank spaces with either ie or ei in 25...
Curated OER
Dictionary Practice 4
Verify that your pupils can use the dictionary to determine the meaning of words. Class members locate nine words, record the dictionary definition, and note the page number on which they found the information. This plan is originally...
Curated OER
Dictionary Practice 3
Originally designed for English language learners, this worksheet about dictionary usage could be used with native speakers as well! Give each pupil a dictionary and have them search for the nine listed words. They record the definition...
Curated OER
Reading Comprehension: Voice of Nature
Understanding a text can be a very interesting task. Fourth graders read a passage describing the origin of an Aboriginal myth. They answer 11 comprehension questions that require them to pull key details, use context, and think...
Curated OER
Using a Dictionary
When do we use dictionaries? Provide this dictionary scavenger hunt for your youngsters. Third and fourth graders search for words, recording the number of syllables or definition for a variety of words. Get your class using dictionaries...
University Interscholastic League
English Lesson to Prepare for UIL Spelling and Vocabulary Contest
"i before e. . ." Spelling is easier if kids know the eight basic spelling rules contained in this resource packet.
LearnEnglishFeelGood.com
English Prefixes and Suffixes
Match prefixes and suffixes to their definition in a 10-problem grammar instructional activity. Prefixes and suffixes in focus include muta-, pre-, aud-, post-, psych-, fid-, -ize, -dox, -urb, and anti-.
Scholastic
Pre-Reading Vocabulary Activities Using "The Gift of the Magi"
The rich language of O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi" is only appreciable if you understand the words. A short lesson reviews 13 words from the story and prompts class members to apply each word and its definition to other situations.
Curated OER
Dictionaries
Students understand the way the dictionary is laid out as well as the purpose for why people use dictionaries. In this language arts lesson, students recognize the need for alphabetical order and are able to find words using a...
Curated OER
Understanding and Using Red And Black Words
In this understanding and using red and black words worksheet, learners view a "Macmillan Dictionary" and observe all the different red and black words found in the dictionary. Students answer twenty-five questions about the colored words.
Curated OER
First Grade English/Language Arts Quiz
In this language worksheet, students complete multiple choice questions about capitals, dates, dictionary work, and more. Students complete 15 questions.
Poetry Society
Imaginary Words
Oh, what fun! Young logophiles and neologists create a dictionary-sounding definition for imaginary words and try to fool their classmates.
Curated OER
Using Dictionary Entries
Work on word pronunciations by exploring the dictionary. Learners complete a worksheet containing questions about dictionary entries. They review how to use a dictionary, identify syllable breaks, parts of speech, and word pronunciation.
Curated OER
Fairy Dictionary
Use artwork to illicit responses in a writing journal, and then present your class with the short list of key terms provided. Can your learners add any of their own key terms? Segue for a second, and read tales such as Peter Pan or...
Curated OER
Research and Study Skills: Dictionary/Glossary
What is the difference between a dictionary and a glossary? After looking at series of dictionary and glossary entries (included on the worksheet itself), learners are asked to explain the differences between these two reference...
Curated OER
Dictionary Spelling Crossword
This crossword puzzle uses dictionary pronunciation guides for clues. It provides excellent practice for young readers learning to use the dictionary and empowers them to use it as a resource for spellings as well as pronunciations they...
Curated OER
Using Context
Teams practice decoding and using context strategies to determine the meanings of unfamiliar words. After verifying the meanings of words through the use of dictionaries, the Internet, thesauruses, and other sources, learners write the...
Curated OER
Use the New Internet Library for Adult Learners
Adult learners, examine the Internet to answer life skills, use an online dictionary, evaluate web sites and fill in online forms. They will also write about web sites in this series of activities.