Using Reference Materials

Active learning turns reference work from a silent, solitary task into a lively collaboration where students practice skills in real time. Students need repeated, guided exposure to dictionaries, glossaries, and thesauruses so they can move beyond guesswork and build confidence in choosing the right tool for the job.

• 5th Grade
• English Language Arts
• 4 activities
• 20 min–40 min

Learning Objectives

1. Compare the information provided by a dictionary versus a thesaurus for a given word.
2. Explain the function of a glossary in defining domain-specific vocabulary within a science or social studies text.
3. Evaluate the efficiency of using online dictionary tools versus print versions for word lookups.
4. Demonstrate how to use guide words to locate entries in a dictionary or glossary.
5. Identify synonyms and antonyms for a word using a thesaurus.

Stations Rotation

⏱ 25 min·Pairs

Partner Relay: Dictionary Dash

Pairs receive a list of 10 challenging words from a class text. One partner locates the definition and pronunciation in a print dictionary within 1 minute, then tags the other to record it. Switch for the next five words and compare results as a class.

Prepare & details

Differentiate between the information found in a dictionary and a thesaurus.

Facilitation Tip: During the Partner Relay, stand near the finish line to listen for students verbalizing pronunciation keys and guide-word strategies aloud.

Setup: Tables/desks arranged in 4-6 distinct stations around room

Materials: Station instruction cards, Different materials per station, Rotation timer

• Remember
• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Stations Rotation

⏱ 30 min·Small Groups

Thesaurus Rewrite Challenge: Small Groups

Small groups select sentences from student writing samples lacking variety. Using thesauruses, they rewrite each with synonyms, noting shades of meaning. Groups share one revision, and the class votes on the most effective changes.

Prepare & details

Explain how to effectively use a glossary to understand domain-specific vocabulary.

Facilitation Tip: For the Thesaurus Rewrite Challenge, circulate with a stack of sticky notes to jot down common replacement errors and address them in a mini-debrief.

Setup: Tables/desks arranged in 4-6 distinct stations around room

Materials: Station instruction cards, Different materials per station, Rotation timer

• Remember
• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Stations Rotation

⏱ 40 min·Small Groups

Glossary Creation Stations: Small Groups

Set up stations with science, history, and literature texts. Groups use glossaries and dictionaries to define five domain-specific words per station, then compile a class glossary. Rotate stations and add entries.

Prepare & details

Evaluate the most efficient way to find the definition of a word using digital tools.

Facilitation Tip: Set clear time limits for the Digital Tool Showdown so students practice scanning results efficiently rather than scrolling endlessly.

Setup: Tables/desks arranged in 4-6 distinct stations around room

Materials: Station instruction cards, Different materials per station, Rotation timer

• Remember
• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Stations Rotation

⏱ 20 min·Individual

Digital Tool Showdown: Individual

Students time themselves finding definitions, pronunciations, and synonyms for eight words using school-approved digital tools versus print references. Record results in a chart and discuss efficiencies in pairs.

Prepare & details

Differentiate between the information found in a dictionary and a thesaurus.

Setup: Tables/desks arranged in 4-6 distinct stations around room

Materials: Station instruction cards, Different materials per station, Rotation timer

• Remember
• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Teaching This Topic

Teachers should model the slow, deliberate process of using guide words and pronunciation keys before students work independently. Avoid rushing students through entries; instead, prompt them to compare entries side-by-side so they notice differences between definitions and synonyms. Research supports frequent, low-stakes practice with immediate feedback to build automaticity with reference materials.

What to Expect

By the end of these activities, students will use guide words to navigate print references quickly, select the best definition for a given context, and choose precise synonyms to strengthen their writing. Evidence of success includes accurate entries, thoughtful substitutions, and clear explanations of their choices.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

During Partner Relay: Dictionary Dash, watch for students assuming dictionaries and thesauruses list the same information.

What to Teach Instead

Have partners pause after each entry to read the labels aloud, then exchange roles to justify whether they found a definition or a synonym first, reinforcing the purpose of each tool.

Common Misconception

During Glossary Creation Stations, watch for students limiting glossaries to textbook back matter.

What to Teach Instead

Provide mixed-source word banks (science articles, math problems, social studies passages) and ask groups to debate which terms belong in a glossary and why, using examples from their sources.

Common Misconception

During Digital Tool Showdown, watch for students accepting the first result without verification.

What to Teach Instead

Require students to record the URL, check at least two sources, and write a one-sentence note explaining why they chose that definition over another.

Assessment Ideas

Quick Check

After Partner Relay: Dictionary Dash, hand each student a half-sheet with three words and ask them to circle the guide word they would use to find each entry before the next activity begins.

Exit Ticket

After Thesaurus Rewrite Challenge, collect each group’s revised paragraph and their thesaurus pages with circled synonym choices and definitions written in their own words.

Discussion Prompt

During Glossary Creation Stations, circulate and ask each group: 'How would your glossary help a sixth grader understand a new science topic?' Listen for references to context-specific definitions and examples.

Extensions & Scaffolding

• Challenge: Ask early finishers to create a two-column chart comparing a print thesaurus entry with a digital one for the same word, noting speed, ease, and reliability.
• Scaffolding: Provide struggling students with a partially completed glossary template, including pre-written definitions and missing words to fill in.
• Deeper exploration: Invite students to interview a content-area teacher about how glossaries or indexes support learning in their subject and present findings to the class.

Key Vocabulary

Dictionary	A reference book or tool that lists words alphabetically and provides their meanings, pronunciations, and other information.
Thesaurus	A reference book or tool that lists words in groups of synonyms and sometimes antonyms.
Glossary	An alphabetical list of terms or words found in or relating to a specific subject, text, or dialect, with explanations; typically found at the end of a book.
Guide Words	The words at the top of a dictionary or glossary page that indicate the first and last words on that page, helping users find entries quickly.
Phonetic Symbols	Written symbols that represent the sounds of speech, used to indicate correct pronunciation of words.