Research Tools

The Dictionary

- Merriam-Webster Online
- Word Central's Student Dictionary
- The Free Dictionary

Basic Skills: Alphabetical Order, Guide Words, Dictionary Entry

- Dictionary Skills Word Study Graphic Organizer (PDF) - Grades K-1

- Simple Dictionary (PDF) Created for Kindergarten and Early 1st Grade (HTML Images Better for Smart Board)

- Alphabet Book Project - Grades K-1
(Templates A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z)

- Dictionary Skills Word Study Graphic Organizer (PDF) - Grades 2-3

- Read My Mind - Dictionary Game - Grades 1-3

- Martin Luther King Speech Dictionary Project - Grade 3

Literature Connections

Barber's Cutting Edge - Grade 2
by Natalie Babbitt
The Barber's Cutting Edge is a touching celebration of the close relationship between a young African American boy and his community mentor. Jam-packed with little boys, big boys, dads, and neighbors, Mr. Bigalow's barbershop is a familiar place to talk, to play dominoes, to read, and in Rashaad's case, to get a little extra help with his schoolwork. Not only does Mr. Bigalow know all the latest styles, he also knows all the words on Rashaad's vocabulary list. Whether it's haircuts or words, Mr. Bigalow is the best at what he does. He is also a friend and a role model and as Rashaad puts it, "one cool dude." Holbert's vibrant drawings capture the lively atmosphere and warm spirit of the barbershop. (Amazon)

The Search for Delicious - Grade 3
by Natalie Babbitt
The Prime Minister is compiling a dictionary, and when no one at court can agree on the meaning of "delicious," the King sends his twelve-year-old messenger, Gaylan, to poll the citizenry. Gaylan soon discovers that the entire kingdom is on the brink of civil war, and must enlist help to define "delicious" and save the country. (Amazon)

Thesaurus

Thesaurus introduced and compared to dictionary using a Powerpoint presentation. Several pages used by students to find words. Using the words, clean, laugh, promise etc. children were asked to select the "most appropriate" word to fill in the blanks of sentences - tied back to importance of selecting the "best" words when writing - activity done as a whole class circle group.

Back to top

Almanac

Almanac Lesson Plan with Trivia Game Questions
Uses World Almanac for Kids 2005. In this lesson the students will learn about the World Almanac, what types of information it includes, how it is organized, and how to find information which answers questions on various topics.

- World Alamanc for Kids
- Fact Monster
- World Almanac for Older Kids

Back to top

Encyclopedia

Back to top

Atlas

- Xpeditions Atlas Make maps for printing and copying.
- Google Maps
- Google Earth
- MSN Local Live Mapping (Web Based Competition for Google Earth)

Time for Kids Atlas

Primary Source Documents

Back to top