Webster's New World Children's Dictionary with CD-ROM - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0028631250 ISBN 13: 9780028631257

Publisher: Websters New World, 2000

Synopsis

Children, parents, and educators alike will love the dictionary software bundled with this all-new second edition of Webster's New World Children's Dictionary. Unlike other dictionary CD-ROMs, this one adds the complete text of the dictionary into any Windows 95/98 application. Children can look up any word on their screen for an instant definition. And See It, Say It, and Spell It activities make word learning not only easy, but fun. Webster's New World Children's Dictionary, Second Edition, has been written and designed specifically for children ages 8 to 11. Its more than 33,000 entries are based on contemporary children's literature and the writings of children themselves. Definitions are clear and accurate, with thousands of up-to-date example sentences that put meanings in real-life contexts. Over 750 full-color photographs, illustrations, and maps aid understanding and add appeal. Word histories, synonym studies, spelling tips, and a children's thesaurus help build important reading, writing, and spelling skills. With hundreds of new entries, maps, photos, illustrations, an all-new look, and a CD-ROM developed by Macmillan Digital Reference in collaboration with leading children's software developers, Webster's New World Children's Dictionary, Second Edition now offers even more of the unique features and qualities most valued by parents and educators.

About this title

Review:

Designed as a transition dictionary for readers in late-elementary school, Webster's New World Children's Dictionary bridges the gap between simple, picture-based dictionaries and the dull-but-necessary ones we all reach for when faced with unknown words. The medium-sized text, example sentences that accompany most definitions, and the miniature pronunciation guide on every page all work nicely together to ensure that kids will understand correct usage without getting overwhelmed with detail. Also included are maps, history and geography pages, and an introductory thesaurus. Especially helpful for younger users is the 10-page guide to dictionary usage, which covers synonyms, homonyms, and the ever-important ways to look up a word when you don't know how to spell it in the first place.

In general, the definitions are easily understandable for children ages 7 to 12, providing accurate answers without being verbose. In Webster's New World College Dictionary, "rebel" is described as "one who engages in armed resistance against the established government of one's country." In this version, you'll find the more kid-friendly definition "a person who fights against any kind of control or authority." The disk that accompanies the text version of the dictionary will be especially helpful to fifth and sixth graders using a home computer for papers and book reports, but chances are it won't replace your word processor's spell checker. It loads quickly and easily, but its special feature may actually annoy some users: an automatic pull-down menu starts churning out possible words as soon as you type the first letter, so it may end up frustrating rather than assisting in your word hunt. Educational games are also included on the disk, but they only work with older, 8-bit video cards. --Jill Lightner

System requirements:

• PC, Pentium recommended
• Windows 95/98
• 16MB RAM
• 20MB free hard disk space
• 640x480 video display with 256 colors
• Soundblaster compatible sound card and speakers
• 4x CD ROM

From the Publisher:

Tested by educators, approved by parents, and tested in focus groups across the nation, this dictionary has received the highest approval rating of all existing children's dictionaries.

About this edition

• Publisher: Websters New World
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0028631250
• ISBN 13: 9780028631257
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 928
• Editor: Agnes Michael