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JOHNSONIAN DICTIONARY

Planning Points

Approximate Time Needed: 3-4 hours
Correlation to English I SCS 1.02, 2.03, 4.02, 5.01, 5.02, 6.01, 6.02
Correlation to NC High School Exit Exam Competencies: C-5, C-6

Lesson Objectives:

Students will relate literature to their own experience and will respond creatively to a work of literature. Students will also further their understanding of the factors influencing personal language use.

Materials Needed:

Sample entries from Samuel Johnson's A Dictionary of the English Language; computer with word processing program; dictionary (optional)

Description:

Class should read and discuss excerpts from Johnson's dictionary, noting the subjective nature of many of Johnson's entries. The discussion should also involve the personal use of language and the factors that influence it (age, gender, race, social class, time period, education, etc.).
Students should choose ten words for which to create their own personal definitions. A dictionary may be consulted as students seek to refine their own definitions. (Example: "textbook-a heavy collection of words, most commonly used as a pillow during boring classes.")
Once definitions have been created, students should be placed in small groups to choose three to five entries from each person to submit for inclusion in a class dictionary. Guidelines for inclusion in the class dictionary should be clarified beforehand (see attached rubric).
Groups should also correct errors in spelling, punctuation, etc. before submitting entries for publication in the class dictionary.
Each student should word process his/her entries. Illustrations may also be added.
The entries should be alphabetized and compiled into a booklet. It may be copied and distributed to each student if desired.

Assessment:

Formal assessment of final entry submissions may be completed using the same rubric provided for students. Teacher may wish to include separate evaluation of grammar, spelling, etc.

Additional Notes:

In cases where computers are not available, entries may be done by hand. Alternately, where computers are available, an electronic dictionary (PowerPoint, etc.) may be preferred. Informal assessment of group work and student understanding of rubric may also be helpful.

Teacher's Notes:

Rubric for Johnsonian Dictionary Entries

	4	3	2	1	Score
Clarity	The definition is very clear and easy to understand.	The definition is somewhat clear and easy to understand.	The definition is not clear but could be reworded.	The definition makes little or no sense.
Relevance to lesson	The definition clearly illustrates the subjective use of language.	The definition illustrates the subjective use of language.	The definition is almost the same as the dictionary definition but shows some personal interpretation.	The definition came straight from the dictionary.
Creativity	The definition shows a great deal of thought and an understanding of the subtleties of language use.	The definition shows some thought and an understanding of language use.	The definition shows thought but no real understanding of language use.	The definition shows little thought or understanding of language use.
Suitability for Publication	The definition is written in language appropriate for publication.	(n/a)	(n/a)	The definition is written in language inappropriate for publication.
Total

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