Personal Dictionary
A personal dictionary is exactly as it sounds, a collection of words that a student does not know but wants to explore and understand. One of the biggest benefits to a personal dictionary is that it allows for students to have a reference to go to if they can't remember the meaning of a word. More importantly, it allows students to internalize new words because they are taking the time to write the word and its meaning in their dictionary.
When students track their learning of words, they are thought to be increasing word consciousness, or their awareness of the features of the words and language (Manzo & Manzo, 2008). Miller and Veatch identify a variation of the personal dictionary be having students write their newly discovered on the board, and the entire class takes part in finding the meaning and examples of the word (Miller & Veatch, 2011).
The general procedure for a personal dictionary should include the following when logging a word: the date found, source or text, page, term, and the definition. Students can even create sections of the dictionary based on different subjects, for including academic content words. They can then have a section for academic general words that are found across multiple subjects.
When students track their learning of words, they are thought to be increasing word consciousness, or their awareness of the features of the words and language (Manzo & Manzo, 2008). Miller and Veatch identify a variation of the personal dictionary be having students write their newly discovered on the board, and the entire class takes part in finding the meaning and examples of the word (Miller & Veatch, 2011).
The general procedure for a personal dictionary should include the following when logging a word: the date found, source or text, page, term, and the definition. Students can even create sections of the dictionary based on different subjects, for including academic content words. They can then have a section for academic general words that are found across multiple subjects.
Students can create a personal dictionary with a notebook, three ring binder, journal, recipe box (students can write the vocabulary words on note cards and place them in the recipe box). A personal dictionary not only assists with vocabulary learning, but in students development of responsibility and exploration skills. Students complete the dictionary on their own time by themselves. While they can ask for help, the task is done individually.
Here below are five resources and activities for more information on personal dictionaries:
1) NCTE - http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/using-word-journal-create-20.html
2) Teachers Pay Teachers - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Personal-Dictionary-1056670
3) Flocabulary - https://www.flocabulary.com/defining-the-words/
4) Teachers and Writers Collaborative - https://www.twc.org/resources/lessons/personal-dictionaries/
5) http://www.susancanthony.com/bk/pd.html
Here below are five resources and activities for more information on personal dictionaries:
1) NCTE - http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/using-word-journal-create-20.html
2) Teachers Pay Teachers - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Personal-Dictionary-1056670
3) Flocabulary - https://www.flocabulary.com/defining-the-words/
4) Teachers and Writers Collaborative - https://www.twc.org/resources/lessons/personal-dictionaries/
5) http://www.susancanthony.com/bk/pd.html