Using+Dictionaries+and+Other+Reference+Aids

**Using Dictionaries and Other Reference Aids**

**Content** Students are able to expand their understanding.

**Grade Level** Upper Elementary through High School students can use this strategy.

**Curriculum Standards** In an 8th grade Social Studies class a CSO that involves using reference aids could be: SS.O.8.5.7 research and construct the sequence of events and cite the reasons for and resulting consequences of conflicts and wars that led to the formation of West Virginia as a state. (e.g., French and Indian War, American Revolution, Civil War).

**Description of Practices**
 * Students read information found online or through an online textbook.
 * When a student comes to a word they do not know they put the mouse over the word.
 * Below the word the definition of the word will pop up to explain to the student what the word means.

**Implementation Considerations** Self-contained, co-teaching, small group, and whole group settings can use this strategy. The most important thing for the teacher is to make sure the reading levels of the reference aids are appropriate for the grade/reading/ability levels of the students in the classroom.

**Example** [] -- pop up dictionary example [] -- This is an example of a children's dictionary [] -- This is an example of a school dictionary. [] -- Online dictionary.

**Citation** Fry, S. W., & Gosky, R. (2007-2008). Supporting social studies reading comprehension with an electronic pop-up dictionary. //Journal of Research on Technology in Education//, //40//(2), 127-139.