The American Heritage Children's Thesaurus
What’s inside...
This updated edition of the American Heritage Children's Thesaurus offers over 4,000 main entries and 36,000 synonyms to help young writers in the middle grades select the best words for their writing. The thesaurus features 'best choices' and 'other choices' for synonyms, example sentences for each entry word, and helpful feature notes. Additionally, it includes more than 150 full-color photographs, making it an engaging resource for children.
Age
8-10
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Can you think of a word from today and find a synonym in the thesaurus?
How do you think using different words can change the way we share our stories or feelings?
What's your favorite new word you found today and why?
How might you use this thesaurus to help with your school assignments?
If you could create your own word, what would it be and what would it mean?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to pick a word daily and explore its synonyms and antonyms together, making it a fun and regular part of conversation.
While discussing a word, relate it to a familiar story or an incident to make the connection stronger and the understanding deeper.
Create a 'word jar' where you both add interesting words you find in the thesaurus, and regularly review and discuss them together.
Challenge your child to use a new word they have learned in their everyday conversation, helping them apply their knowledge practically.
Praise their efforts to understand and learn new words, fostering a positive and supportive learning environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Expanding Vocabulary
Explanation: The American Heritage Children's Thesaurus provides an extensive collection of synonyms and antonyms, helping children understand the breadth of the English language.
Real-World Application: Children can use a broader vocabulary in their daily communication, improving both their spoken and written expression.
Example Lesson: Understanding Nuances in Language
Explanation: Through varied word options, children learn that different words carry different connotations, teaching them about the subtle differences in language.
Real-World Application: This helps children in selecting the most appropriate words for their conversations and writings, enhancing their communicative efficacy.
Example Lesson: Developing Research Skills
Explanation: Navigating a thesaurus teaches children how to look up information and become independent learners.
Real-World Application: The skill of independently seeking out information is vital in academic settings and helps foster lifelong learning.
Example Lesson: Enhancing Writing Skills
Explanation: By learning to replace common words with more precise ones, children can develop more engaging and effective writing skills.
Real-World Application: Improved writing skills can lead to better performance in school assignments and clearer communication of ideas.
Example Lesson: Building Confidence in Language Abilities
Explanation: Regular use of a thesaurus can boost a child’s confidence in their language skills as they become more adept at expressing themselves.
Real-World Application: Greater self-assurance in language can encourage children to participate more in school and other social settings.