Glossary Teacher Resources

The glossary (or clavis) is surely one of the most important parts of a book. This research tool, an alphabetical list of special or uncommon words usually found at the end of a text, provides readers with a word’s definition. Glossaries can be found in any kind of book, be it fiction, non-fiction, or technical and scientific works.

While glossaries appear similar to dictionaries, the two research tools are different. Here’s an activity that asks middle schoolers to examine these differences. A book about emperor penguins offers elementary students an opportunity to practice using a glossary to find the meaning of words used in the story.

A great way to review glossaries and other text features is to ask young writers to create a glossary for their own fables or a published work. How about creating a glossary of English words with Native American or Spanish origins, or for terms associated with the Winter Olympic sports? This Common Core glossary lesson is designed for learners with communication or language difficulties. And who couldn’t use a product specification glossary for a new electronic device (in a lesson where students pretend to be product managers)?

Glossaries are a collection of words, words that have special meanings. The resources in our collection help learners understand the power, depth, and breadth of meaning associated with these words.

Showing 893 resources
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Japanese Sumo Wrestler

For Students 9th - 10th
This site contains a history of sumo wrestling, rules of sumo and a glossary of terms.
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Ambrose Bierce

For Students 9th - 10th
Interesting article about the cynical newspaperman who wrote "The Devil's Dictionary." Includes some entries from his infamous glossary as well as biographical information and a portrait.
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Ambrose Bierce

For Students 9th - 10th
Interesting article about the cynical newspaperman who wrote "The Devil's Dictionary." Includes some entries from his infamous glossary as well as biographical information and a portrait.
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Graphic
Curated OER

Ambrose Bierce

For Students 9th - 10th
Interesting article about the cynical newspaperman who wrote "The Devil's Dictionary." Includes some entries from his infamous glossary as well as biographical information and a portrait.
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Graphic
Curated OER

Mastaba.jpg

For Students 9th - 10th
The Global Egyptian Museum is a common database of Egyptian collections from major museums around the world. This link takes you to a glossary entry for "mastaba," which includes internal links to related terms and to a 360-degree video...

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