The Importance of a Dictionary: How to Build Vocabulary Using a Dictionary

A dictionary is an invaluable tool for building vocabulary, and it’s never too early to start using one. A dictionary can help your child learn new words, understand their meanings, and see how they are used in context.

So how can you encourage your child to use a dictionary and build their vocabulary in the process?

Here are some practical tips to help your child build their vocabulary with the age-old resource. :

• Encourage your child to use a dictionary when they come across a word they don’t know. A good physical dictionary will provide not only the definition of the word but also synonyms, antonyms, and examples of usage. While looking up words online can help, there are added benefits to using a physical dictionary – your child will learn spellings of words and the meanings as they search through the dictionary.
  

• Help your child learn how to use a thesaurus, which can be a useful tool for finding alternative words with similar meanings.
  
• Encourage your child to look up words they encounter in their reading and to make a note of the words and their meanings. This can help them remember the words and see how they are used in context.
  
• Have your child create flashcards with the word on one side and the definition on the other, and have them quiz themselves to help them remember the words.
  
• Encourage your child to use the new words they learn in sentences and paragraphs to help them remember them better. It’s also beneficial to encourage your child to use the newly learnt words in their speech, as that will help to make it easier to remember the meaning of, and add it to their vocabulary.
  

By incorporating the use of a dictionary into your child’s daily routine, you can help them build a strong vocabulary that will serve them well in their academic pursuits.