Merriam-Webster’s Elementary Dictionary

Our usual dictionary intimidated my son and the long alternate definitions for some words left him overwhelmed, so we ordered this and thought it would be a great entry level dictionary. It is easy to use and the definitions are short (so that is a plus for usability), but it is missing a lot of words that I think are reasonable to have assumed would be in even an entry level dictionary (for example, words common in current events or science). It is turning out to not be that useful to us, because many words that my 8 year old needs help with are not in this dictionary. It might be more appropriate for my 6 year old learning to read.

My grandson loves reading and he reads above his age so he needed some word help. The book is terrific with plenty of interesting side lights to help a reader expand their vocabulary. Pages are handleable by a 7 year old, no ripping or tearing.

My youngest daughter teaches 5th Grade Language Arts (back when she was in school I think it was ENGLISH class). Anyway, theyve moved the elementary grades into their new building this summer. And she wanted one of the Merrian-Websters Elementary Dictionary, New Edition for each one of her students to have to use. Plus have several for any new students that may come in later. So between me, other family members, and a whole bunch of her friends, she got the number of books she wanted. She is so proud of them.

This dictionary is pretty thick and heavy. It has lots of words listed in it, but does not tell any stories. The words are all listed in alphabetical order separated by syllables using dots. The words are followed by the phonetic pronunciation, then the definition. I wish there were more stories in this book. I dont understand why someone would look up words they dont know how to spell by spelling them and looking them up. It is so confusing. (Insert snarky grin here) In all seriousness, its a dictionary. That should be self explanatory. My kiddos use it for school. I think the spacing could be a little better, but if it were the book would be enormous.

A quality dictionary for my 8 1/2-year-old granddaughter who is interested in the origins of words. Great training for learning how to do research. The encyclopedia is next on my list.

Truth be told, I actually ordered this dictionary for my grandson due to a one star review from someone who disliked it because there was no reference to a homosexual lifestyle or the alphabet soup lifestyle. Now before you go and flame me with the typical progressive name calling that we have all come to expect, I am a small business owner and I have 2 homosexuals, one female and one male, that work for me. They are respected because they are good people. SO lets take this one step further. The one star reviewer makes no mention that there is also no entry in this dictionary for heterosexual either. A typical move of the progressive indoctrination crowd. Here is a wonderful dictionary that lets children be children. As children age, they can discover and explore in their own appropriate time the vagaries of our age.

Got for each of my grandchildren in 2nd and 3 rd grades. Color coded on side and inside on edge of page to help located letter needed

Remember when you asked for help looking up a word and your parent said, Go look it up in the dictionary! ? This is a good tool to have at home especially for 2nd + as they need to learn how to use a dictionary... per state standards. Came promptly and was new.

I love the book. I used it to teach my daughter how to use a dictionary and now when she does not know the meaning of word she can go and find it in the book. I know she can use online dictation but I believe this way teachers her more words.

This dictionary was designed with children in mind. My nine-year-old has an easy time using it for homework assignments. It has some pictures and detailed instructions on how to use the dictionary. It has so many features including a guide for writers, Greek and Latin roots in English, and a map of the United States and the world among other features. I recommended for parents as their childs first dictionary.