Standard: 9-10.L.4c – Consult general and specialized 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, its part of speech, or its etymology.
Grade level: Grade 9-10
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Language
Teacher Overview
This standard emphasizes the importance of using both print and digital reference materials to enhance understanding of language. It is crucial for students to become proficient in consulting various resources to find word pronunciations, meanings, parts of speech, and etymology. Mastery of this skill will support their overall literacy development. Students should have a basic understanding of how to use a dictionary, including knowledge of alphabetical order and parts of speech. Familiarity with digital tools and online research skills will also be beneficial.
By mastering this standard, students will be able to effectively use reference materials to support their reading and writing. They will develop skills that will aid in vocabulary acquisition, comprehension, and overall language proficiency.
Common Misconception 1
Some students may believe that all dictionaries are the same and provide identical information. This is incorrect because different dictionaries offer various features, such as pronunciation guides, etymological information, and usage examples.
Intervention 1
Provide examples of different dictionaries and reference materials in class. Conduct activities where students compare and contrast the information provided by each resource.
Common Misconception 2
Another common misconception is that digital reference materials are always more accurate than print versions. This is not necessarily true, as the accuracy of information can vary depending on the source.
Intervention 2
Teach students how to critically evaluate the credibility of both print and digital reference materials. Encourage them to cross-reference information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should be familiar with basic dictionary skills, including understanding alphabetical order and the general layout of a dictionary. They should also have a basic understanding of parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.) and be able to identify these in sentences.
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 develop a deeper understanding of etymology, which will aid in vocabulary development and the ability to decipher unfamiliar words.
Instructional Activities
- Dictionary scavenger hunt: Students find specific information using different dictionaries.
- Thesaurus challenge: Students use a thesaurus to find synonyms and rewrite sentences.
- Etymology exploration: Students research the origins of words and present their findings.
- Digital vs. print: Students compare information from print and digital reference materials on the same word.
