 |
 |
|
Dictionary Skills Lesson One • Dictionary Skills Lesson Two
Curriculum: Written Language, exploring language, shaping text, editing text.
Introduce the idea that there are many words we come across often but we are not really sure what their exact meaning is. Sometimes this means we use the wrong word, eg Can students tell you the difference between …
Using the dictionary have students clarify and explain the meanings of the above words. Point out that a dictionary is very useful for helping us get the correct meaning of words. Have students write sentences using the correct word in each case.
Although students subconsiously understand that the same word can mean different things depending on the context, they will be totally surprised to find the number of different meanings that some words can have. To illustrate this, have them use the dictionary to find the different meanings for the following common words:
Each group or student chooses one word from the list and writes a series of sentences that shows the differences in meaning of that words depending on the context used. Have groups challenge the class on a regular basis by finding words in the dictionary which have multiple meanings and being able to use them in the correct context.
Do you have a lesson you would like to share with other teachers? Simply email us an attached Word, Works or PDF file and we will add it to our library. Don't forget to include your name and school so we can acknowledge your work. 
www.teachingonline.org is published by s&s Publishing P.O. Box 229, Turangi, (Southern Lake Taupo) New Zealand. Phone in NZ: (07) 386 6667 Phone Outside NZ 0064-7-386 6667 email: sspub@reap.org.nz |
This is number 3 in a series of lessons designed
to teach students the sometimes forgotten art of using a dictionary and is designed
for students aged 9+ although many teachers will adapt it for younger students.