CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.3.4d
The Standard
Use glossaries or beginning dictionaries, both print and digital, to determine or clarify the precise meaning of key words and phrases.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
What This Standard Means
Students need to use a glossary or a beginner dictionary to check what a word or phrase means. They should know how to find a word in ABC order, choose the meaning that fits the sentence, and use guide words, entry words, pronunciation, and example sentences when available.
Mastery looks like a student saying, “That meaning does not fit here,” then trying another definition or source. Students often get stuck by picking the first definition, ignoring the sentence around the word, or struggling to use digital search results without clicking unrelated links.
Ways to Teach It
- Give pairs a short science paragraph, a print glossary, and sticky notes to label the best meaning for five bold words.
- Ask students to write, “The word ___ means ___ here because ___,” using evidence from the sentence and dictionary entry.
- Hand students three dictionary entries and one sentence, then have them circle the definition that fits and explain why.
- Show a recipe, game directions, or bus schedule, and have students use a glossary or dictionary to clarify two key words.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.3.4d
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.4c
Consult reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation and determine or clarify the precis...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.4c
Consult reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation and determine or clarify the precis...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.4c
Consult reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify i...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.2.4e
Use glossaries and beginning dictionaries, both print and digital, to determine or clarify the meaning of words and phrases.