What is the primary goal of teaching students how to use dictionaries?

Teaching students how to use dictionaries is primarily aimed at helping them look up unfamiliar words. This skill is essential for language development; when students encounter a new term, knowing how to effectively navigate a dictionary enables them to understand its definition, pronunciation, and proper usage. By learning this skill, students foster independence in their reading and writing, allowing them to build their vocabulary and comprehension over time.

While competing in spelling bees, researching for projects, or improving writing skills can be supplementary benefits of dictionary use, the foundational purpose focuses on enabling students to clarify their understanding of unfamiliar vocabulary. The ability to look up and utilize new words is crucial for enhancing literacy and communication skills in a meaningful way.