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YourDictionary
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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 the computer's volume at an adequate volume.
- Practice using the site yourself to know what is advertising and what is not and how it functions.
How-To
- Open the Example Web Site (above).
- Type in a word in the text box.
- Press the Enter key on your keyboard or select the magnifying glass / search icon. The part of speech, definitions, and related forms will be displayed.
- Select the speaker icon to hear the audio pronunciation of the word.
- Choose the Synonyms tab for a list of synonyms.
- Choose the Sentence Examples tab for a list of sample sentences using the word.
Teacher Tips
- There is a lot of advertising on this site (as with many sites) so be sure to teach your students how to avoid these many ads. It is a skill we all need to learn.
referred to ChatGPT for lesson plan
More Ways
Editor's Note: The resources mentioned here often lead to commercial sites where you would need to purchase something. Just be aware.
- The site’s ESL section (currently located on the Teaching & Learning menu) has resources for the beginning English student on everything from ESL Reading Activities and ESL Vocabulary Activities to ESL Songs and Euphemism Lessons. There are also Health Lessons for ESL Students and ESL Gerund Games.
- For teachers, there are ESL classroom activities such as ESL Classroom and Cultural Sensitivity lessons and Health Lessons for ESL Students.
- Other ESL resources include ESL Fun Activities For Talking About Dating, , Shopping Lessons, and more.
- More sections from YourDictionary include the following: Education , Famous Quotes , Grammar Rules & Usage , and Root Word Definitions .
Program Areas
- ABE: Adult Basic Education
- ESL: English as a Second Language
- ASE: High School Equivalency Preparation
- ASE: High School Diploma
- CTE: Career Technical Education
- AwD: Adults with Disabilities
Levels
- Low
- Intermediate
- High
- All Levels
Lesson Plan
Brainstorm with students words related to a topic of interest to the class. Begin with students working in pairs then gather the group to make a larger list on the board or in a shared document.
Using the class list, add any other words you want focused on. As a group select 12 words for students to investigate. Say the word for students to practice. As pairs, students say the words to each other to reinforce pronunciation.
Model how to use the online dictionary, YourDictionary. Demonstrate how to look up the meanings, synonyms, and example sentences. pronunciation, and how the word is used. You can use one of the new vocabulary words or another word. Be sure to use words that are different parts of speech to see how YourDictionary adapts. Have students suggest words to try. Demonstrate several times with different words. Explore word forms, and origins. If a word can function as a verb and noun, demonstrate how to use the dictionary to explore the meanings. Students turn to each other to discuss questions that might be answered by using this website. Join together to discuss applications. of the site
In pairs, students practice using the online dictionary. Take turns working together. Copy/paste the information to a Google Doc or Microsoft Word document. Use the Document Vocabulary Practice Using YourDictionary.
In pairs, students finish the worksheet bo writing a story using all the assigned words. Gather all the students and work as a group to create a different story using all the vocabulary words.
Students take turns coming to the board and writing a sentence for one of the words. Draw a line where the vocabulary word should go. Then students copy the sentences and fill in the missing words.
At the end of the vocabulary exercise, have each student write a paragraph including all the words.
Using their phones, students take pictures that illustrate five of the words. Bring them back to the class and share them.
Documents
- Vocabulary practice using YourDictionary.docx - worksheet for student vocabulary
Subjects
- Language Arts - Reading
- Comprehension
- Learning and Thinking Skills
- Demonstrate study skills
- Reading
- Vocabulary
CTE Anchor Standards
- Anchor Standard 1: Academics - Analyze and apply appropriate academic standards required for successful industry sector pathway completion leading to postsecondary education and employment. Refer to the industry sector alignment matrix for identification of standards.
- Anchor Standard 2: Communications - Language Standard: Acquire and accurately use general academic and domain-specific words and phrases sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the (career and college) readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.