How do I help my child use guide words?

Have your child compare the first letter of the word to the first letters of the guide words, then the second letter if they match. Ask, does it come before, between or after? The sort page uses exactly those three choices.

What is the difference between a dictionary and a glossary?

A dictionary lists almost every word, while a glossary sits at the back of one book and lists only the words used in it, often with page numbers. Children use both in 2nd grade reading and science (L.2.4.E).

Is there an answer key for each worksheet?

Yes. All six dictionary skills sheets have an answer key.

Why does alphabetizing matter if my child can already use a search bar?

Alphabetical order still shows up constantly in second grade classrooms: class lists, library books, dictionaries, and glossaries all rely on it. Beyond the practical use, sorting by letter position is genuine logical-thinking practice, especially once words share the same first letter and your child has to look at the second or third letter to break the tie.

How do the alphabetizing worksheets build on each other?

Alphabetical Order has your child number an existing list of words in the correct sequence, and two newer pages sort animal and food words by the second letter. Alphabetical Order Words is harder: your child starts with a scrambled list and writes it out in order with no numbers to guide them. The six dictionary skills pages come last, using guide words and glossaries.

My child gets stuck when two words share the same first letter. What's the trick?

Have them say the alphabet out loud starting from the shared letter until they reach the point where the words actually differ, like b-e for bear versus b-i for bird. Saying it out loud catches the answer faster than staring at the page in silence, especially for a child who's still counting letters mentally.

2nd Grade Dictionary Skills Worksheets

Ages 7-8 · Free previews · Print-ready PDFs

Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher

Grade2nd Grade

TopicAlphabetizing

More alphabetizing worksheets

Explore all of our 2nd grade alphabetizing worksheets, covering alphabetical order, alphabetical order words, dictionary skills.

Alphabetical order Alphabetical order words

Frequently Asked Questions

Guide words are the two words at the top of a dictionary page. The first shows the first word on the page and the second shows the last, so every word on that page falls between them in ABC order.

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