Using Dictionaries, Thesauruses, and Glossaries as Tools–Parent Pipeline

I think many of us would agree that technology is a wonderful thing. Who would have ever thought there would be a time we would be able to see and talk to our friends and family around the world using Skype, Messenger, or a different online communication system? It truly is amazing. It is so amazing that when typing documents for school, letters to parents, or lesson plans, our errors are highlighted for us and sometimes they are even corrected as we go. If we use a word and don't like the way it sounds, all we have to do is click a button and a thesaurus pops up for our use. If we read a document and aren't sure what a word means, we can click and have the definition almost instantaneously. I feel safe in saying we have been spoiled by the advances in technology.

Although it is essential we teach our students how to use this technology to assist us in writing and reading, it is also important that we not forget to teach the basic way of finding these same answers. Dictionary skills are extremely important. They provide us with the general reference skills we need throughout life and enable us to be successful in using phone books, t.v. guides, cook books, encyclopedias, travel guides, and more.

When your students are ready to learn the strategy of using dictionaries, thesauruses, and glossaries as word learning tools, be sure to start slow and provide many opportunities to practice. Introduce your students to the wonderful technology that can provide assistance in word learning, but also provide time to practice using the basics. Send home the Parent Pipeline for parents to use as a guide in helping their child be successful.