Letter from Megan McKee Schulman, 4th-grade Teacher at Neil Armstrong Elementary in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District

According to some, a printed dictionary is a tool of the past, an archaic way of learning about words and their meanings, especially in this digital age. However, I wholeheartedly disagree. When students in this generation hold their very own dictionary for the first time, they realize how much ownership they can have over the language they use. Being able to use their own dictionary adds a level of independence that they need to experience first-hand in order to feel like they are on their way to being able to solve their own problems. Using “A Student’s Dictionary” to look up words they read in texts or hear in conversations, allows them to take control of their own learning in a safe, accessible way. The ability to use the dictionary is a skill that will continue to help them through their years in school. Best of all, when they have their own dictionary, they can use it for as long as they have it, and not have to wait for screen time to be able to look up definitions, or get distracted while on their devices. The gift of a printed dictionary, is the gift of knowledge, communication, understanding and independence.

Thanks again!

:)Megan