The students call out words like rain, clouds, snow, etc. I tell students I am not really sure how to spell these words, but I know what letter they begin with. I ask students what resource I could use to help me find the correct spelling of the words. I hold up a print dictionary. I ask students how else the dictionary helps us.
Students respond with different answers.
Next, I show the students the electronic picture dictionary on the TV, such as the Enchanted Learning website picture dictionary or My First Incredible Amazing Dictionary. I place the mouse on the seat of a chair in front of the computer, so students can see the computer as well as the TV while I ask a student to help me navigate the program. Next, I ask the student to demonstrate how to get to a new letter to look up another word. I ask the students if they are ready to find new words in the dictionary related to our weather unit. The students are excited and respond with a yes.