The Dictionary: Simple, Affordable, and Effective

The dictionary may not be the flashiest tool in education, but it’s undeniably one of the most practical. Unlike packaged curriculums that cost thousands of dollars, the dictionary offers a simple and affordable way to teach literacy skills when used correctly.

At the 2024 OK Adult Education & Literacy Conference, my session, "Crack the Code: Dictionary Pronunciation," focused on this very idea. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants praising how this straightforward method could teach students so much. 

One attendee noted, “Such an easy idea that I've never heard of to teach a student so many things,” while another declared, “I’ll never look at a dictionary the same again.”

What makes this approach so powerful is its simplicity. The dictionary provides everything needed to teach foundational skills like phonemic awareness and phonics, along with deeper concepts like word meaning, parts of speech, and morphology. 

By focusing on pronunciation symbols and straightforward strategies, educators can make language accessible and engaging for students—without the burden of expensive programs.

This method strips literacy instruction down to its essentials: clear teaching, practical tools, and a focus on student success. It’s not about making the dictionary flashy—it’s about making it effective. 


When taught correctly, the dictionary becomes a game-changer for educators and learners alike.

Shawn Anthony Robinson PhD


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