lesson
Find a word efficiently
1 · Learn
A dictionary puts headwords in alphabetical order. Compare first letters, then second letters when the first match. If two letters match, compare the third.
A word can have several meanings. Read the example sentence and choose the meaning that fits your text, not always the first meaning listed.
2 · Worked example
All three start with ba. The next letters are d, s and t, so badger comes before basket, then bat.
3 · Your turn
Put these words in dictionary order: cat, cabin, cake. In 'a bat flew at dusk', is bat a sports tool or an animal?
Check your answer
cabin, cake, cat. Here bat means an animal, because it flew.
4 · Apply your learning
Use an age-appropriate dictionary with an adult to check one new word from a book. Read its meaning and an example aloud.
Adult guidance and safety
Read aloud together where needed. Discuss more than one reasonable answer to open questions. These short original texts support, but do not replace, whole books, oral discussion, a school-matched phonics programme where needed, or regular handwriting and spelling practice.
Practice this lesson
Lesson resources
Browse the available practice activities and worksheets for this lesson.