Dictionary

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Destination Dictionary
Grade Level: 3-5

Objectives/Goals (Essential Learnings):

Students will become comfortable with using a dictionary to look up words.
Students will learn unfamiliar vocabulary.

Reading

1.2 build vocabulary through reading.
2.1 comprehend important ideas and details.
3.1 read to learn new information.

Writing

1.1 develop concept and design.
1.3 apply writing conventions.

Materials Needed:

Dictionaries Short stories (1 for each child)

Procedures:

Have the students read the short story that they have been given, and come up with three unfamiliar words.
Divide the class in half, half with dictionaries, the other half without.
The half with dictionaries look up their unfamiliar words and put them into sentences, while the other half tries to put their unfamiliar words in sentences without the use of the dictionary.
After they have been given sufficient time to complete the task, split them up into five groups of five and discuss the unfamiliar words they have found with one another.
Then switch the class around, giving each child a new short story and repeat the process.
Have each child use one of their unfamiliar words to write a short story that will be handed in.

Assessment:

Ask the students which activity was easier, the one with the dictionaries or the one without. Ask them if it was hard to make a short story with so many unfamiliar words.

Give them a small list of tough words to find in the dictionary, and put them into sentences.

A short story that will be handed in.

Adapted from: An AskERIC Lesson Plan Submitted by: Michael Miller Endorsed by: Dr. Don E. Descy, Mankato State