Projects
Start Your Project
A dictionary is more than a book. It is a student's first personal reference tool—something they can use to build vocabulary, improve reading and writing skills, and develop confidence in learning.
Through a Dictionary Project, individuals, schools, clubs, businesses, and organizations can provide students with their own dictionary to keep and use both in school and at home.
Most Dictionary Projects focus on third grade students, a milestone year when students transition from learning to read toward reading to learn.
How the Dictionary Project Works
A local individual, organization, school, business, or community group sponsors dictionaries for students in their area. The dictionaries are ordered through the project, shipped directly to the sponsor or school, and then distributed to students during a classroom or community event.
Many sponsors choose to personally hand the dictionaries to students, making the experience even more memorable and meaningful.
Start Your Project
Step 1 — Find Schools
Start with your local schools or communities that may benefit from a Dictionary Project.
Many sponsors work directly with elementary schools, teachers, literacy organizations, youth groups, or underserved communities. School staff can help determine how many dictionaries are needed and which dictionary editions may work best for their students.
Step 2 — Select Dictionaries
Choose the dictionaries that best fit your project and the students you are sponsoring.
We offer traditional student dictionaries, gazetteers, bilingual dictionaries, specialty editions, and advanced learner dictionaries. Some projects choose standard student dictionaries, while others select bilingual or specialty editions based on community needs.
Sample kits and reference materials can help schools and sponsors compare options before ordering.
Step 3 — Plan Your Event
One of the most rewarding parts of the Dictionary Project is the presentation event itself.
Many sponsors organize classroom visits, literacy celebrations, school assemblies, or community presentations where dictionaries are personally handed to students. These events help students feel excited about reading, writing, and learning.
The project can be simple or expanded into a larger literacy activity with guest readers, vocabulary games, writing exercises, or school-wide celebrations.
Step 4 — Create Your Project
When you are ready, create your project and complete your project sponsorship.
After your order is submitted, updates and shipping information will be provided throughout the process. Most orders shipped within the continental United States arrive within several weeks depending on availability and season.
Sponsors may order online or through printable order forms.
Resources to Help With Your Project
Whether this is your first Dictionary Project or part of an ongoing literacy initiative, we provide resources to help you organize and manage your project.
Distribution Day & Activities
Letters of intent
Labels
Fundraising
Why Dictionaries Matter
A dictionary teaches students how to solve problems independently, explore language, and build critical thinking skills. Looking up a word, understanding its meaning, and learning how language works gives students a sense of confidence and accomplishment that extends far beyond the classroom.
For many students, this is the first book they truly own.
Get Started Today
You can make a difference in the life of a student by helping place the power of words directly into their hands.
Button: Start Your Project