Paperback Dictionaries are a Valuable Resource for a Quality Education

Paperback dictionaries are a reliable tool for early education development.

• A dictionary provides the basic information for students learning to read and write, like punctuation, parts of speech and basic grammar.
• A dictionary provides accurate information. They are compiled by educators and scholars and peer-reviewed by academics.
• Because every student has the same dictionary, teachers are able to use it as an integral part of the student’s daily school activities. Having one uniform reference for words allows student access to the same information.
• Students can write and make notes in their book which gives them easy access to a personalized reference book.

“Thank you for this wonderful dictionary. I look up words that I don’t know and, poof, the meaning is there. Although, I’ve never had the honor of having a dictionary at home – I have always asked my family for definitions. I hope your dictionary project fully works. Thank you for expanding my resources.”- Lilian, third grade student at General Charles G. Harker School, Woolwich, NJ A paperback dictionary builds self-confidence in students.

• Students are required to manually look up a word and gather information for themselves which teaches them to be self-reliant.
• Student can take pride in finding information on their own. Finding the word is the first step – students must also read and comprehend the information which further challenges their learning capacity.
• The ability to see their personal improvement builds confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Learning new words gives a child the ability to form new associations and grow socially.

“The students take ownership and pride in the idea of owning their own book. Many of the students are overwhelmed with excitement and have been copying definitions from their dictionary during their ‘free time!’ It’s wonderful seeing such a spark for learning in their eyes. Thank you for providing that spark.”- Lacey Matthews, third grade teacher, Gale Elementary School, Galesburg, IL Paperback dictionaries are accessible to everyone.

• Paperback dictionaries are the most cost effective way to disburse reliable and uniform information to students. Access to information is not determined by household income, school resources or state or district funding. A student does not have to have Wi-Fi, a computer or smart phone to be able to look-up and learn new words.
• Paperback dictionaries cost a fraction of the price of electronic devices.
• Personal ownership gives a child a sense of pride and sophistication

“We received the dictionaries that you intended to give every third grader in our school. What a surprise! We live in a rural community in which students do not have the advantage of technology at school and most not at home. These dictionaries will be put to good use and appreciated by teachers. Thank you so much for your generosity.” Barbara Laughlin, third grade teacher at Maries R-1 School, Vienna, MO