Picture Dictionary in Kindergarten

There are many fun ways to explore literacy skills development in kindergarten.  One of the activities we engage in is called Picture Dictionary.  Students join their teachers to work on their Picture Dictionaries.  This activity highlights many of the important teaching and learning techniques that we use in kindergarten.

For Picture Dictionary pages, the students write each letter in upper and lowercase and then generate ideas about which words begin with that letter.  This process can be collaborative and fun, as the students willingly offer help to friends think of words that start with that letter.  They then choose three words and proceed to draw three corresponding pictures.  They have to sound out each word and write it next to the picture.  After they have completed these three steps, they tell us the definition of each word, and we write the definitions on their page.  This activity develops handwriting/fine motor skills, phonemic awareness, and expressive language skills.

The students love this activity.  They are quick to begin brainstorming words, and we are able to work with them in small groups.  By giving the students individual attention, we are able to scaffold their skills development more effectively.  Cultivating a love of learning is an essential keystone in our kindergarten curriculum.