Junior Dictionary and Thesaurus
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
The 'Junior Dictionary and Thesaurus' by Cindy Leaney is a comprehensive reference book designed for young readers and students. It serves as an essential resource for children to enhance their vocabulary and understanding of the English language. The book combines the features of a dictionary and a thesaurus, providing clear definitions of words along with synonyms and antonyms to expand language skills. It is tailored to be age-appropriate, with easy-to-read explanations and examples that help clarify the meanings and uses of words. The inclusion of colorful illustrations and thematic panels also aids in engaging children and supporting their learning. This educational tool is ideal for home and classroom use, aiming to foster a love of words and improve communication abilities in young learners.
Age
7-11
Length
384 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What new word did you learn today, and what does it mean?
Can you think of a different word that means the same as your favorite word?
Why do you think it’s important to know synonyms and antonyms?
How can using a thesaurus help you improve your writing?
Can you create a funny sentence using a word you just looked up?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage curiosity by asking your child to find and learn the meaning of a new word each day.
Make it a game to see who can find the most synonyms for a common word.
Discuss the nuances in word meanings to enhance vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Create a family story using words from the dictionary and thesaurus, switching roles for who chooses the words.
Praise efforts to learn and use new words, reinforcing the joy and usefulness of a rich vocabulary.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Vocabulary Expansion
Explanation: Through 'Junior Dictionary and Thesaurus,' children are introduced to a wide range of words along with their synonyms and definitions, facilitating a deeper understanding and broader vocabulary.
Real-World Application: Children can apply enhanced vocabulary in schoolwork, helping them articulate their thoughts and ideas more clearly and confidently during class discussions and writing assignments.
Example Lesson: Language Skills Development
Explanation: The book encourages children to differentiate between words and understand contexts where different words or synonyms may be more appropriate, boosting their language and comprehension skills.
Real-World Application: This enhanced language facility will aid children in understanding text nuances, fostering more effective communication skills both verbally and in writing.
Example Lesson: Developing Research Skills
Explanation: By exploring the 'Junior Dictionary and Thesaurus,' children learn how to look up definitions and synonyms, which is an essential skill in conducting research and learning independently.
Real-World Application: The ability to efficiently find and use information will be invaluable in academic settings and later in any professional environment that requires quick and accurate research capabilities.
Example Lesson: Enhancing Cognitive Flexibility
Explanation: The book introduces children to the concept of synonyms, teaching them that there are multiple ways to express a single idea, which enhances cognitive flexibility and creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Understanding multiple ways of expression can help children in problem-solving scenarios, enabling them to view challenges from different perspectives and come up with unique solutions.
Example Lesson: Building Reference Skills
Explanation: Using this book, children gain familiarity with how dictionaries and thesauruses are formatted and navigated, setting foundational skills for utilizing reference materials efficiently.
Real-World Application: Mastering the use of reference tools will help children throughout their educational journey, particularly in conducting research, completing homework, and studying for exams.