Reading & literacy activity
Picture Dictionary
Create a personal picture dictionary! Draw pictures of favorite things and label them with the first letter or the whole word with help.
Materials and setup
- paper
- stapler
- crayons
- markers
- pencil
How this changes by age
Pre-K (ages 3–4)
Create a personal picture dictionary! Draw pictures of favorite things and label them with the first letter or the whole word with help.
Steps
- Fold 3 sheets of paper in half to make a little book.
- Pick a theme together: animals, food, or toys.
- On each page, child draws a picture of something in that category.
- Help them write the first letter of each word next to the picture.
- Read through the 'dictionary' together, saying each word.
Learning objectives
- Connect pictures to initial letter sounds
- Practice drawing with intention to communicate meaning
- Build vocabulary within themed categories
Kindergarten (ages 5–6)
Build a personal dictionary with drawings and written words. Organize by first letter and try to write full words using inventive spelling.
Steps
- Staple several pages together to make a dictionary booklet.
- Write a letter of the alphabet at the top of each page (focus on 8-10 letters).
- Think of words for each letter, draw pictures, and write the words.
- Try sounding out spelling on your own first, then check with a parent.
- Add new words to your dictionary over the coming weeks!
Learning objectives
- Organize words alphabetically by first letter
- Practice inventive spelling using letter-sound knowledge
- Create a personal reference tool that builds over time
Early elementary (ages 6–8)
Create a thematic glossary with definitions written in your own words, example sentences, and illustrations. Practice using a real dictionary and thesaurus.
Steps
- Choose a topic you are interested in (space, ocean, dinosaurs, cooking, sports).
- Find 15 vocabulary words related to that topic from books or kid-friendly websites.
- For each word, write: the word, its part of speech (noun, verb, adjective), a definition in YOUR own words, and an example sentence.
- Use a thesaurus to find 2 synonyms for at least 5 of your words.
- Illustrate 5 of the most interesting words.
- Organize your glossary alphabetically and add a title page and table of contents.
Learning objectives
- Write definitions in own words and identify parts of speech
- Use a dictionary and thesaurus as reference tools
- Create an organized, alphabetical reference document on a topic of interest
Upper elementary (ages 8–10)
Build a comprehensive subject-area encyclopedia with cross-references, illustrations, and multiple text features. Research, write, and edit entries like a real reference author.
Steps
- Choose a subject area (e.g., marine biology, ancient civilizations, space exploration, inventors).
- Research and write 10 encyclopedia entries of 100-150 words each. Each entry should include: a topic sentence, key facts, and a concluding sentence.
- Add text features to each entry: bold key vocabulary, include at least one diagram or illustration, and add a 'See Also' cross-reference to related entries.
- Write an introduction explaining your encyclopedia's scope and how to use it.
- Create an index listing every key term with the page number where it appears.
- Peer review: have someone read 3 entries and give feedback on clarity and accuracy. Revise based on their feedback.
Learning objectives
- Research and synthesize information into concise, informative encyclopedia entries
- Create and use text features: bold terms, cross-references, diagrams, and indexes
- Revise writing based on peer feedback for clarity and accuracy
Safety and evidence note
Read the full activity before beginning. An adult should supervise tools, heat, food, outdoor work, movement, and experiments as appropriate. Completion records that the activity was done; the child’s explanation, work sample, photo, or demonstration is stronger evidence of learning than a completion check alone.
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