Teaching vocabulary most definitely includes using the dictionary, right? Perhaps. But today, we’re going to explore teaching vocabulary WITHOUT dictionaries!
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So, can it be done? Can you really ditch the dictionary when it comes to vocabulary instruction?
Well, maybe not completely. Today, I’m sharing 8 different ways you can explore and teach vocabulary without asking learners to open their dictionaries.
Why Not the Dictionary?
Here are just two quick reasons the dictionary shouldn’t be your first “go-to” when teaching vocabulary to learners.
1. Dictionaries give definitions, not meanings.
How many times have you looked up a word only to realize it didn’t help understand the word’s meaning? Maybe it even confused you? You were given a cold definition, not the meaning of the word.
2. Dictionary definitions can be too weak or vague.
Definitions often paint words with a broad stroke and miss the nuances and “colors” the word can provide in various contexts. This can be a little confusing to learners as they try to apply the word to different situations.
Isabel L. Beck, in Bringing Words to Life offers even more problems with dictionaries. I highly recommend this book for teaching vocabulary!
Teaching Vocabulary WITHOUT Dictionaries
Instead of pulling out the dictionary, here are some ways to teach vocabulary without it!
1. Choose One Meaning
Words often have multiple meanings and uses. Instead of focusing on the multiple meanings, like we find in the dictionary, choose the one that best fits the context. This is especially important when introducing a word. Of course, other meanings can be taught as well. But teaching all the meanings at first may only confuse learners, not help.
2. Explain the Meaning in Student-Friendly Language
Simple definitions often don’t share all the nuances of a word’s meaning. Students need to hear longer explanations with easy to understand examples.
3. Word Connections
Help learners see how the meaning of one word is connected to another word they know. Once learners know a word, ask them to think of other words that come to mind when they see the word. You could even use a simple Venn Digraph for them to “connect” words.
4. Word Categories
Help learners see how the word fits into a certain category. For example, drizzle could fit into the category of weather. Could it also go into another category?
5. Give Learners a Reason to Use the Word
Create fun games or incentives for using the word in the right context…even in their writing! Keep a visible list and tally of how many times the word was used. Or drop a marble in a jar each time you hear/see a vocabulary word being used. Showcase those words!
6. Switch-a-Word
In conversation, purposely switch a simple word for a new word you know (like exclaimed instead of said). Ask learners to try the same thing.
7. Draw It!
Ask learners to draw the word’s meaning. They could include a sentence with the word in it under the drawing, too!
8. On the Contrary…
Once learners have a clear meaning of the word, think about words that mean the opposite of the word. (This helps with categorizing the word.)
Am I saying that learners should NEVER use a dictionary to look up words? Absolutely not! As a matter of fact, it’s included in my Vocabulary Words Comic Strip Journal freebie. My main point here is that it isn’t the only {or best} way to teach those vocabulary words!
You can also pick up a free vocabulary journal from The Measured Mom! I like this one for Grades 2 and up!
Looking for more vocabulary ideas? You may also enjoy chapter 11 of Jennifer Serravallo’s book The Reading Strategies Book for even more ideas!
Find all these ideas for teaching vocabulary with the dictionary in the free printable below!
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Read all the posts in this series!
Enjoy!
~Becky
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