CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.4c
The Standard
Consult reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation and 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 dictionaries, glossaries, and thesauruses, in print and online, to check how words are pronounced and what they mean. They should know when a quick guess from context is not enough and how to choose the meaning that fits the sentence.
Mastery looks like a student finding a word, reading the pronunciation guide or audio tool, comparing definitions, and selecting the precise meaning for the text. Students often get stuck using the first definition listed, ignoring part of speech, or picking a synonym that changes the meaning.
Ways to Teach It
- Give pairs a printed dictionary and a classroom text, then have them find pronunciation, part of speech, and best definition for five bold words.
- Ask students to write: How can a dictionary help when context clues give you only a rough meaning?
- Show three definitions for one word in a sentence, and have students circle the best fit and explain why.
- Have students look up an unfamiliar word from a recipe, game instructions, or sports article and explain how the meaning affects what to do.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.4c
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.4c
Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word o...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.4c
Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word o...