Universität Koblenz- Landau, Abteilung Koblenz
WS 2002/ 03
Dr. Isabel Martin: Children´s literature
Eva Weimer, Aline Geutner, Valerie Osmenda, Sabrina Dekker
Handout Dictionaries and Bibles
1. Read the introduction provided carefully and find a definition for the word
"dictionary".
- tells us what words mean
- describes things well by being clear and concise
- tells us if a word has two or more meanings
- tells us how words are spelled and pronounced
- what part of speech it is: noun, verb, adjective...
- example sentences to help to understand how a word should be used
- must be up-to-date
2. Compare the three "pig" examples given under the aspect of
a) visual representation
b) word description
visual representation 
word description

1)
simplified drawing
of a pig
no description just
the word itself




2)
no picture

word used in a

short sentence
pig as an animal
described

further information 
about a pig´s life
3)
detailed and
realistic drawing
Describes the word
clear and concise
without using it
tells it´s a noun
informs about 2nd
meaning
3) Discover the world of crime! In which way can the detectives and
inspectors be helpful for the introduction of grammar? Why do you
think this kind of dictionary is not useful in primary school yet?
* the grammatical expressions for the words (eg "noun") which are used most are the detectives
and inspectors names => funny and easy to remember
example preposition: prepositions are presented individually, in a sentence and related to a crime
story
* not useful in primary school yet as in Rheinland-Palatinate we don`t introduce written
language because we start teaching English in grade 3, not in grade 1
4) Examine the books and write down - in one brief sentence each why you think you could use them in primary school or not.
Children`s Illustrated Dic: too differenciated, for advanced learners
Puffin 1st : good for primary school because of simple pictures and almost no text
Picture Dictionary: useful as soon as basic reading skills are achieved
Word Dictionary: see "Picture Dictionary"
Words to Know and Learn: good for vocabulary about special topics, but probably too
differentiated for primary school
All-Colour Dictionary: see "Words to Know and Learn", eg "africa" for geography
Golden Dictionary: easy language, words used in sentences which explain the words and
illustrated nouns
5) a) Go to www.enchantedlearning.com. Find the Arabian Oryx (hint:
endangered mammal) and letter the arrows shown on the work sheet.
b) Surf the website for a few minutes and find three pros and cons each
whether to work with this site in primary school or not.
+



good suggestions for all kinds of topics
(work sheets, nursery rhymes)
good for training of internet skills

easy to understand craft instructions


children can be distracted easyly (lots of
pictures)
if you`re looking for material for a
special topic, it may be complicated
to find it
children might get bored because not all the
pictures are coloured
6) Jesus heals the blind man! Which example is more detailed? Do
you think the question (in italics) is helpful for the understanding of
the text?
* Beginners Bible is more detailed, eg description of what "being blind" or "healing" means
* question is good to check the reading comprehension, gives hints and impulses to read the text
more carefully
7) A very unusual bible… for advanced learners! Do you think it is
possible to understand the story even though the vocabulary of a
german primary school child is very limited?
* illustrations are very detailed => helpful for understanding of meaning, even if the children
dont`get it word by word
8) Ok, this is not a bible! Would you agree that this book could be helpful for
you as a teacher in our multicultural world? (think of where you future pupils
might come from!)?
* teacher should always know more about a topic than his pupils
* future pupils might come from other countries and belong to different religions => teacher
doesn`t only have to cope with that but involve it in the lesson as a part of every day life
* book therefore very helpful for your vocabulary and intercultural awareness
9) Examine the bibles and write down - in one brief sentence each - why you
think you could use them in primary school or not.
Cartoon Bible: language too difficult, but good and funny pictures which give the gist of the
stories
First Bible: short and easy sentences, easy to understand, good illustrations
Beginner`s Bible: short sentences, easy vocabulary, large-print book, good illustrations
10) Go to www.genesis.mb.ca Read the story "When God made everything"
carefully. Do you think this website is easy to use for children? Do you think
you could link using a website with teaching computer skills?
* words too difficult for use in primary school, but still possibility to simplify/shorten or leave
out and let the children tell the stories in their own words
* great for internet skills as you can explain how to use the mouse ("scroll up/down", "click",
"link", "go back", "close the window", "switch on/off")
Dictionaries
- Children's Illustrated Dictionary: ISBN 0-75258-438-3
- My first Golden Dictionary: ISBN 0-601-07326-6
- Puffin First Picture Dictionary: ISBN 0-14-050777-9
- Words to Know and Learn: ISBN 6 0107245-6
- Bausteine Wörterbuch: ISBN 3-425-02930-4
- The Word Detective: ISBN 0 86020-662-9
- Picture Dictionary: Burke Publishing Company London 1967
- The Giant All-Colour Dictionary: Hamlyn Publishing Group LTD 1951
Bibles
- What I Believe: ISBN 0-7613-1448-2
- The Beginners Bible: ISBN 0-310-92610-6
- The Kids' Cartoon Bible: ISBN 0-8276-0729-6
- A Child's First Bible: ISBN 0-8423-3174-3