Halloween Words - Using a Dictionary - PowerPoint

English Teaching Resources have developed a PowerPoint presentation to help students learn about alphabetical order and the use of a dictionary, with a fun Halloween theme. The lesson aims to teach children how to find the meanings of unfamiliar words by practising dictionary skills. A dictionary is described as a book of words where one can find correct spellings and definitions; some dictionaries also include pictures to aid understanding. For example, the word 'spider' is defined as an insect with eight legs that spins webs. The importance of dictionaries is emphasised as they help with spelling and understanding word meanings.

The PowerPoint further explains the concept of alphabetical order, which is crucial for navigating a dictionary. It starts with the basics, showing the letters of the alphabet from 'a' to 'z' and illustrating how this order is used in various settings, such as libraries and dictionaries. Students are then engaged with exercises that require them to arrange letters and words in alphabetical order. Additionally, the resource addresses more complex scenarios where words start with the same letter, guiding students to look at the subsequent letters to determine the correct order. The practical activities include worksheets where students must place Halloween-themed words in alphabetical order and use a dictionary to find and write down their definitions. They are also encouraged to use each word in a sentence and share it with the class, enhancing their vocabulary and comprehension skills.