teaching resource

Dictionary Dig Activity Cards

  • Updated

    Updated:  06 Feb 2025

Practise dictionary skills with this set of 26 task cards.

  • Editable

    Editable:  Google Slides

  • Non-Editable

    Non-Editable:  PDF

  • Pages

    Pages:  8 Pages

  • Curriculum
  • Years

    Years:  1 - 6

Curriculum

  • VC2E1LY13

    Create short narrative and informative texts, written and spoken, on personal and learnt topics, including using some topic-specific vocabulary, appropriate multimodal elements, and a structure with an opening, middle and conclusion <ul> <li>applying emerging knowledge of text structure and grammar when creating text</li> <li>using learning area vocabulary when creating text</li> <li>creating digital images and composing a story or information sequence on-screen using images and captions</li> </ul>

  • VC2E1LY14

    Re-read their own texts and discuss possible changes to improve meaning, spelling and punctuation <ul> <li>adding or deleting words on a page or screen to improve meaning; for example, adding an adjective to add meaning to a noun</li> <li>beginning to use dictionaries and resources to check and correct spelling</li> <li>identifying words that might not be spelt correctly</li> </ul>

  • VC2E3LY11

    Create narrative, informative and persuasive texts, written and spoken, with ideas grouped in simple paragraphs, using topic-specific and precise vocabulary and multimodal elements as appropriate <ul> <li>gathering information and ideas about a topic in preparation for writing, which may include information and ideas from online and digital sources</li> <li>researching a topic to prepare an oral or multimodal presentation</li> <li>planning the sequence of ideas and information using techniques such as storyboards or a simple flow chart</li> <li>explaining ideas to a peer when planning a presentation</li> <li>selecting an appropriate text structure for a writing purpose, and sequencing content for clarity and to have an impact on an audience</li> <li>using appropriate simple and compound sentences to express and combine ideas</li> <li>using vocabulary, including topic-specific vocabulary, relevant to the type of text and purpose</li> <li>using digital tools to plan, sequence, compose and edit texts</li> </ul>

  • VC2E3LY12

    Re-read and edit texts for meaning, appropriate structure, grammatical choices and punctuation <ul> <li>using print and online dictionaries and spellcheck to edit spelling, realising that spellcheck accuracy depends on understanding the word function, for example ‘there’ or ‘their’ and ‘rain’ or ‘reign’</li> <li>checking for correct use of apostrophes for contractions and to indicate possession</li> </ul>

  • VC2E6LY04

    Use their knowledge of known words, base words, prefixes, suffixes, letter patterns, spelling generalisations and word origins (etymology), including some Latin and Greek roots, to spell new words, including technical words <ul> <li>using a dictionary to explore word origins, including some Greek roots, in order to spell words; for example, the Greek root ‘ath’ meaning ‘contest’ or ‘outstanding skill’, ‘pent’ meaning the number 5 and ‘dec’ meaning the number 10 inform the spelling and meaning of the words ‘athlete’, ‘pentathlon’ and ‘decathlon’</li> <li>applying accumulated knowledge of a wide range of letter patterns and spelling generalisations to spell new words, for example ‘ratio’ and ‘synthesis’</li> <li>expanding knowledge of prefixes and suffixes, and exploring meaning relationships between words, for example ‘disappearance’, ‘submarine’, ‘subterranean’, ‘poisonous’ and ‘nervous’</li> <li>applying accumulated knowledge of a wide range of letter patterns and spelling generalisations to spell new words; for example, knowing how and why these words are spelt as follows: ‘reliability’, ‘handkerchief’, ‘receive’, ‘lollies’, ‘trolleys’, ‘climbing’, ‘designed’ and ‘emergency’</li> <li>spelling technical words by applying morphemic knowledge, for example ‘metaphorical’, ‘biology’ and ‘biodegradable’</li> </ul>

teaching resource

Dictionary Dig Activity Cards

  • Updated

    Updated:  06 Feb 2025

Practise dictionary skills with this set of 26 task cards.

  • Editable

    Editable:  Google Slides

  • Non-Editable

    Non-Editable:  PDF

  • Pages

    Pages:  8 Pages

  • Curriculum
  • Years

    Years:  1 - 6

Practise dictionary skills with this set of 26 task cards.

Improve Your Students’ Dictionary Skills

Dictionary Dig is the ultimate resource designed to help your students practise their dictionary skills. This engaging and interactive activity is perfect for teachers looking to give their students a fun and effective way to build vocabulary, practice alphabetical order, and learn how to use a dictionary.

This resource includes 24 task cards that guide students through the process of using a dictionary to look up words, interpret definitions, and use context clues to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words. There is a recording sheet included in the download for students to record their answers to each of the questions on the task cards.

Should Dictionary Skills Still be Taught?

Yes! Dictionary skills are still important for your students to learn. Despite the prevalence of digital devices and search engines, there are many situations where a physical dictionary may still be the best resource for finding information. Additionally, using a dictionary can help students to develop their vocabulary, spelling, and comprehension skills.

Learning to use guide words in a dictionary can be particularly useful for students who need to look up multiple words or who are working on a research project.

Download & Print

Use the drop-down menu to choose between the PDF version or the Google Slides version of this resource. It is advised that you print on thick card to ensure durability of this resource.

Store this resource in a container so that you can use it again and again.

Print out the activity cards on cardstock, and attach them to a binder ring for students to use individually or in small groups as a reading activity. Students use a dictionary to complete the activity listed on the card.

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