Dictionary Word Roulette
3/30/2026 | 1m 4sVideo has Closed Captions
To build vocabulary, an adult and child can use a dictionary to find a new word to learn.
This activity helps build vocabulary by using a dictionary. An adult and child can open to a page, and go word by word until they find one that is unfamiliar to the child. The adult defines the word and discusses it with the child. The child is encouraged to use the new word in a sentence to deepen their understanding.
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Learning to Read is a local public television program presented by WNPT
Funding for LEARNING TO READ is provided by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation
Dictionary Word Roulette
3/30/2026 | 1m 4sVideo has Closed Captions
This activity helps build vocabulary by using a dictionary. An adult and child can open to a page, and go word by word until they find one that is unfamiliar to the child. The adult defines the word and discusses it with the child. The child is encouraged to use the new word in a sentence to deepen their understanding.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship- Building language skills can be an adventure.
To grow your child's vocabulary, start by opening a dictionary to the first letter of their name and try defining words.
- [Teacher] Do you know this word?
- Avocado?
- And what's an avocado?
A green fruit.
- Do you know this word?
- Ax.
Something that chops.
- [Teacher] Yeah, chops wood.
- Go word by word until you find one your child doesn't know.
- Do you know this word?
- Awkward, but I don't know what it means.
- Define and discuss the new word until your child feels confident.
- A-W-K-W-A-R-D.
The word awkward.
Do you think we could come up with a sentence?
(marker scraping) - It was awkward when the monkey was staring at me.
- Good job.
You wanna find some more words?
- Congrats.
You're one word wiser and more to come.
- [Narrator] Sponsored by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, helping build literary skills and encouraging parents and children to spend 20 minutes a day reading together.
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Learning to Read is a local public television program presented by WNPT
Funding for LEARNING TO READ is provided by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation