Teach Kids How to Use a Dictionary
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Teaching kids how to use a dictionary is still a valuable skill — even in our digital age. and teaching kids how to do it the old-fashioned way (with a physical book!) builds confidence, curiosity, and language awareness.
October is the perfect month to revisit this skill. It’s the birthday of Noah Webster, the American language pioneer who created one of the most comprehensive word reference books ever published. To celebrate, I’ve created a printable word skills pack and gathered some excellent language resources for kids.
Why Learning How to Use a Dictionary Still Matters
Even in today’s tech-driven world, being able to navigate a printed word guide teaches foundational skills:
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Strengthen alphabetizing skills
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Improve spelling and pronunciation
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Understand parts of speech and word usage
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Explore word origins and definitions
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Develop research and independent learning habits
These skills reinforce what kids learn in reading, writing, and vocabulary lessons.
Printable Dictionary Skills Activities
To make learning fun and accessible, I created a Dictionary Skills Printable Pack with four engaging, no-prep worksheets that teach kids how to use this reference tool.
Included Activities:
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Word Log – Record and define new words; write a sentence and use them in daily conversation
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Alphabetizing Practice – Sort and organize lists to build dictionary navigation skills
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Parts of a Dictionary Entry – Break down definitions into understandable chunks
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Dictionary Scavenger Hunt – Explore it with guided prompts
Want a copy?  This is available in my shop!
Noah Webster: The Man Behind the Dictionary
Noah Webster (1758–1843) learned 26 languages to write his American dictionary, which eventually included over 70,000 words. He played a major role in standardizing American spelling and pronunciation — and his work remains a foundational part of language education today.
How to Use a Dictionary: Step-by-Step for Kids
Here’s a simple process to teach kids how to look up words in a dictionary:
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Start with the first letter of the word you’re looking for
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Open the book and scan the top guide words on each page
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Use your knowledge of alphabetical order to narrow it down
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Once you find the word, read the full entry:
- Look at the pronunciation
- Identify the part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, etc.)
- Read the definition
- Find an example sentence if provided
Practice with words they encounter in books, schoolwork, or even jokes!
Best Dictionaries for Kids
If you want kids to learn how to use a dictionary, having the right one makes all the difference. Here are some age-appropriate and engaging options:
Ages 6–9:
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My First Dictionary – Fully illustrated with 1,000 common words
Ages 8–12:
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Merriam-Webster’s Elementary Dictionary – 36,000 words, pictures, and example sentences
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DK Merriam-Webster Children’s Dictionary – 35,000+ words with color tabs and 3,000 illustrations
For Word Lovers:
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Dictionary of Difficult Words by Jane Solomon – Gorgeous vocabulary collection
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Once Upon a Word by Jess Zafarris – Fun word origin dictionary for curious kids
Fun Extension Activities
Want to reinforce how to use a dictionary? Try these simple games:
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Dictionary Races – Who can find the word fastest?
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Word of the Day Journal – Pick and explore one new word each day
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DIY Dictionary Challenge – Kids create their own illustrated one
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Silly Word Hunt – Look for the weirdest or longest word in the dictionary!
Teaching kids how to use a dictionary builds lifelong literacy skills — and it’s easier than ever with the right tools and a little hands-on fun. Whether you’re celebrating Noah Webster’s birthday or simply looking to boost language skills, this printable set and book list will give your learners a great start.
More Fun Learning Activities:
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