Standard: 6.L.4c – Consult reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning or its part of speech.
Grade level: Grade 6
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Language
Teacher Overview
This standard emphasizes the importance of using reference materials to support language development. By learning to consult dictionaries, glossaries, and thesauruses, students will enhance their ability to understand and use words accurately. This skill is crucial for effective communication and academic success. Students should be familiar with basic reference materials and their uses. They should also understand the concept of parts of speech and have some prior experience using dictionaries or glossaries.
By mastering this standard, students will be proficient in using reference materials to aid their language development. This will prepare them for more advanced studies and improve their overall communication skills.
Common Misconception 1
Some students may think that all dictionaries or thesauruses are the same. This is incorrect because different reference materials can offer varied information, such as pronunciation guides, usage examples, and synonyms.
Intervention 1
Provide lessons that compare different types of dictionaries and thesauruses. Highlight the unique features of each and give students opportunities to use them in different contexts.
Common Misconception 2
Students might believe that digital reference materials are less reliable than print versions. This misconception overlooks the fact that many reputable sources are available both in print and online.
Intervention 2
Introduce students to credible digital reference sources. Demonstrate how to verify the reliability of these sources and incorporate their use in classroom activities.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should have a basic understanding of different types of reference materials and their purposes. They should also be familiar with basic parts of speech and have some experience using dictionaries or glossaries.
Subsequent Knowledge
After mastering this standard, students will be able to independently use reference materials to enhance their reading comprehension and writing skills. They will also be better prepared to tackle more complex texts and assignments that require precise language usage.
Instructional Activities
- Have students use a dictionary to find the meanings of new vocabulary words in a reading passage.
- Create a thesaurus scavenger hunt where students find synonyms for given words.
- Assign a project where students create their own glossary for a subject they are studying.
- Practice using online dictionaries and glossaries to look up unfamiliar words in a digital text.
- Conduct a class discussion on how to choose the best reference material for different types of information.
