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My dictionary bites. I have a webster children's dictionary that my daughter has been using since the first grade. I think it is time to upgrade because I am using Preparing and only two or three of the vocabulary words were in the dictionary. I had to get online for the rest of them. I had the same issue with another program I used last year. So what dictionary do you use with your kiddos fourth grade and up.

We really like our Dorling Kindersley Merriam-Webster Children's Dictionary!

We are starting Preparing the 24th so I ordered the "American Heritage Student Dictionary" from Amazon because of the great reviews. It just arrived today. I did a quick look-up of Unit 1 & 2 vocab words. They are all in there except one, allies, BUT alliance and allied are in there. I'm very happy with the layout and some entries have nice, color illustrations.

HTH, Charlotte

We honestly use a Webster's College Dictionary at our house, so our kiddos can find the words. I deeply desire to own a Webster's 1828 dictionary and hope to have one someday.

We've also found it helpful to have a Bible dictionary on hand too. We happen to have the International Children's Bible Dictionary and The Baker Bible Dictionary for Kids.

Blessings,
Carrie

Carrie,
Until you can get an 1828 version in hand here is an online link. http://1828.mshaffer.com/ You may already have this link but I thought I'd give it just in case.
For an interesting exercise in recognizing the difference, look up the word tolerance in the 1828 and then in a more modern dictionary.

Leah

We also use my Webster College Dictionary. We started with a children's dictionary, but that is so frustrating to dc when they are just learning to look up words and the words are not in the dictionary they're using. My ds eventually put away the children's dictionary and just always started out looking in the college dictionary. In his words, "Nothing is in this children's dictionary, mom!" Well, nothing probably isn't the right word, but I agree the words children truly don't know and need to learn to expand their vocabulary usually aren't found in today's typical children's dictionaries. Plus, my ds is now completely comfortable using the college dictionary - he is not overwhelmed by it, but instead finds it to be the best resource we have for finding just about any word. We did go through these steps to train him to use that hefty book:
1. I found the page the word was on and had him find the specific word.
2. I found the 2-page spread (the word could be on either page) and had him find the specific word.
3. I found the beginning letter section for him, and we had a paper with the ABC's on it. We talked about how you find the second letter, the third letter, etc.
4. He just found the word.

This process took us about a month or two, but it was well worth the time!

In Christ,
Julie

I second the desire for the 1828 Webster's Dictionary. Until then we are using Webster's Complete Reference Dictionary and Encyclopdia (found it at Goodwill for $4 ), published in 1948. We are very happy. My ds gets better and faster each week at looking up the words. The best part with this dictionary is all the words have been there when we look them up.

I LOVE my Webster's 1828 Dictionary!!

I got it for Christmas last year from my dh!
(Yes, I did actually order it myself and wrapped it myself as well!!)

We also have the Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. A friend had given us Scholastic Children's Dictionary and that is what my daughter used for Preparing....most of the words are in there and I like it much better than other children's dictionaries that I have seen.

Webster's 1828 is also on my wishlist!

Leah,
Thanks for that tip! I will love using that link!

Happy@home,
I may have to do that for Christmas this year myself.

Blessings,
Carrie