America's Spelling & Reading with Riggs: A Basic Spelling and Usage Dictionary - Softcover

Watters, Garnette; Courtis, S.A.

9780924277047: America's Spelling & Reading with Riggs: A Basic Spelling and Usage Dictionary

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0924277041 ISBN 13: 9780924277047

Publisher: Riggs Inst Pr, 1991

This "dictionary" is for K - 2 and English-as-second-language (ESL) or bilingual students; it has 4832 words (including variants), 1200 illustrations and samples of usage containing synonyms, antonyms or other series of words to explain the meaning and usage for vocabulary and comprehension study. There are about 5 to 6 words per page with annotations for grammar, English usage, syllabication of the word, manuscript printing, the cursive handwriting form of the word, simplified mnemonic markings for both pronunciation and correct spelling patterns. The markings are explained, yet no one need use them unless they desire to do so.

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From the Publisher:

In demand by discriminating teachers and parents of K - 2, ESL or bilingual students, this 4832-word, 1200-illustration "dictionary" teaches explicit phonics for correct spelling, speaking, vocabulary development, comprehension, composition, grammar, syntax, usage, syllabication, pronunciation, spelling patterns (through a simplied diacritical system), 28 spelling rules, cursive and manuscript writing PLUS. It is a charming and nostalgic picture of America in the 1940's -- a classic text with practical and multiple uses for primary-level or limited English students to develop a full and integrated command of the English language at younger ages than could have been anticipated without it. For use by itself or with classic programs such as The Writing Road to Reading by Romalda and Walter Spalding - Hirsch's Core Knowledge Curriculum, etc.

From the Author:

(partially excerpted from original) A dictionary is an indispensable element in the equipment of every educated adult, but it is a formidable and discouraging obstacle to beginning readers. Yet the needs of the children in the early grades for the assistance a dictionary renders in language activities are as real and as pressing as those of their parents. It is surprising that the world has had to wait until the twentieth century for a dictionary written to meet the needs of little children.

This dictionary is both less and more than a children's dictionary: less, in that the pronunciation, derivations, and much of the other intricate machinery that constitute the dictionary of the adult is unsuited to the immaturity of beginning readers, and has been omitted; more, in that special care has been taken to present words by pictures, comparisons, context, print, and script in ways that make it possible for very, very young readers to find meanings for unfamiliar symbols, to discover new words related in meaning and spelling to known words, and to adventure on their own initiative in all the activities of language comprised in the conventional school subjects of reading, writing and spelling.

This is a child's own book. The words have been selected with children's needs in mind, and the illustrations, type and arrangement have been adjusted to childish levels of development. Every detail of preparation has been planned for the purpose of helping little children who use this book. Here is a children's text which is not designed to be "taught" but "used," and whose use will automatically contribute to worthwhile growth.

Teachers will welcome a new instrument for developing self-direction, self-appraisal and self- control in children. . . In selecting the words for this dictionary it was necessary to determine the range of words required to serve the needs and purposes of children in the primary grades. . Words were gathered from written work, oral conversation and an analysis of forty-six primary level readers. . . a composite list was checked against Gates "Reading Vocabulary for Primary Grades," the "Horn-Packer List" and Thorndike's "Teachers' Word Book" . . . Altogether, there are 2154 basic words and 2678 variants [with 1200 picture illustrations].

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