Contextualization

The Dictionary is a fundamental tool in learning any language. It contains all the words that make up the language, and more importantly, the meaning of these words in various contexts. Therefore, it is essential that the student knows how to use this tool to have a good understanding of the language. To enhance this skill, let's develop the project 'The Dictionary: Words in Context'.

The Dictionary is a rich source of information and can be much more complex than just a repository of words and their meanings. Among its pages, we find the grammatical class of words, their etymological origin, examples of use, and, in some cases, even illustrations and cultural information about the words.

The ability to correctly use a dictionary is an important pillar in students' education. Just like solving mathematical problems or understanding scientific concepts, the ability to understand and contextualize words is a fundamental skill that will be used throughout life.

Importance of the Theme

Studying words in their various contexts is a key piece for a deep and complete learning of the Portuguese language. Every day, we use words without realizing that they can have several meanings, depending on where and how they are used. Our challenge is to appropriate these nuances to become effective communicators.

Understanding the multiplicity of meanings that a single word can possess helps us interpret texts correctly and express our thoughts and feelings clearly and precisely. Therefore, understanding how to use a dictionary and learning to identify the meaning of a word in a given context is an essential skill for the communicative development of students.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: Creation of a 'Context Dictionary'

Project Objective

The objective of the project is to develop in students the ability to identify different meanings of words based on their context, using the dictionary as a key tool in this process. The activity also aims to promote teamwork, time management, and creative problem-solving.

Detailed Project Description

Each group of 3 to 5 students must create a 'Context Dictionary'. 20 words from the Portuguese language that have more than one meaning will be chosen. For each word, students must:

• Identify and explain at least two different meanings of the word.
• Write two sentences for each meaning, where the use of the word in context makes clear the intended meaning.
• Illustrate each word with drawings or images to represent the different contexts.

The 'Context Dictionary' can be created in a notebook or in a digital document, and must be organized in alphabetical order.

Necessary Materials

• Dictionaries (in paper or digital format).
• Notebook or paper to record information (or computer, if opting for a digital format).
• Drawing materials (pencils, colored pens, etc), if choosing to include illustrations.

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution

1. Group Formation: Form groups of 3 to 5 students.

2. Word Selection: Each group must select 20 words that have more than one meaning.

3. Meaning Research: Use the dictionary to research the different meanings of each word.

4. Meaning Recording: For each word, students must record at least two different meanings.

5. Creation of Sentences: Develop two sentences for each meaning, where the use of the word in context makes clear the intended meaning.

6. Illustration Development: Draw or find images that represent the different contexts of each word, to complement the textual information.

7. Dictionary Organization: Organize all information in alphabetical order, to form the 'Context Dictionary'.

Project Deliverables

At the end of the project, each group must deliver the finalized 'Context Dictionary' and a written report with the following parts:

1. Introduction: This section should contain general information about the project, such as the work's objective, the importance of understanding words in different contexts, and the use of the dictionary in this process.

2. Development: In this part, students must explain in detail how they carried out the project. The methodology used should be described, the step-by-step of how the work was done, and discuss some examples of the words they selected and the different contexts in which they can be used.

3. Conclusions: In the conclusion, students must reflect on what they learned from the project, the challenges encountered during the execution, how they overcame these challenges, and how understanding words in different contexts can help in effective communication.

4. Bibliography: Indication of all dictionaries and other sources used for research and project development.