Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary and Thesaurus
Details
Main Website:
Activity Website:
Tech Product/Equipment:
Computer and projector, Mobile devices for students
Activity Description
Use this online dictionary in class whenever students need to know a definition of a word or learn words with similar meanings to a given vocabulary word. You can also assign students to use the Web site to look up definitions, synonyms, and see sample sentences of given vocabulary words on word lists and hear pronunciations of words.
Preparation
- Make sure that the Web site is not blocked at your school before using it with students.
- Set volume of computer at an adequate volume for using the audio component.
- Identify vocabulary that you want your students to study and create a vocabulary list for students if they will be working independently in a computer lab.
Teacher Tips
- See also Merriam Webster Learner’s Dictionary and Merriam Webster Visual Dictionary Online
- Have students create their own vocabulary lists from what they read or hear. Then let them look up those words too.
- Pre-select vocabulary for lower-level learners.
- Encourage students to use headphones for pronunciation practice.
- Model how to choose the correct definition based on context.
- Use mixed-level grouping for peer support.
More Ways
Other features of the site include the following:
- A thesaurus
- Spanish-English translator
- A medical dictionary
- An encyclopedia
- Numerous quizzes and games (vocabulary, name that thing, commonly misspelled words, crosswords and many more that would be fun warm-ups and fillers)
- Word of the Day (which you can subscribe to and a new word will be sent to your e-mail daily) would be a great daily vocabulary teaching/learning opportunity for advanced ESL students, and the video section contains explanations of grammar and spelling rules, slang, commonly confused words and more that would be appropriate for viewing as warm-ups and fillers in an advanced ESL class
Program Areas
- ABE: Adult Basic Education
Levels
- Low
- Intermediate
- High
- All Levels
