Dictionary: The Magical World of Words

In this world of computers, smart phones and tablet devices, many people deny the importance of using dictionaries. When we use our computers to write something, anything that is misspelled or written incorrectly is shown by the computer. We just need to click the word which is misspelled and the computers will automatically show the correct spelling. But solid dictionary skills are required to have good command over a particular language. Different words may have different origins and thus may have different pronunciations. It is one of the very important tools in the learning process. A dictionary is like a teacher. It teaches us about the structure and function of a particular word. A dictionary contains every detail about a word, starting from the spelling, the syllabication, its use in a sentence, its special forms, its abbreviation, its pronunciation to its origin. Some dictionaries provide the context clue in which they show the use of the words by using them in sentence. Dictionaries teach children to work independently as children can search for the use of words and their meanings from the dictionary without taking help from others. But this can only become possible after the child learns to use the dictionary properly.

We have to consider first the age of the child before teaching them how to use a dictionary. The best age to start teaching a child about the use of a dictionary is when a child is 8 to 10 year old. Children first need to learn the alphabets, the words, and the use of words in different easy sentences. After learning these only, they can be ready to use a dictionary. However it’s not very easy to encourage a child to consult a dictionary or thesaurus. There are some ways that parents can use to encourage their child to use them. These are as follows:

• The first thing is to choose age appropriate thesaurus. There are children’s thesaurus available in the market that parents can buy for their kids
• Second thing is the understanding of alphabetical order. Many worksheets list random words for students to alphabetize. Parents and teachers can teach that alphabetic order by giving children a few alphabets to make a word out of that
• By organizing little competitions among children to find words in the dictionary as quickly as possible, we can encourage them towards using that
• Children need to search for the spelling of the word in the treasurers by their own. Adults can help them in doing so, but children should use their own intellect to so do
• Pictionary is a dictionary bluffing game where knowledge of etymology as well as prefixes, suffixes and root words give an advantage
• Adults can also form some other word games to encourage children to be a part of the vast world of words.

Truly, a dictionary is of great help to everyone especially to students who are learning a language. It is also helpful in enriching our vocabulary. So, remember to bring a dictionary with you as a gift for your child.