Give a child a word from the dictionary at a level slightly above their reading ability. Have them read the definition, then write a new sentence using that word. This bridges decoding and comprehension.
Go to JollyLearning.com and search for “Jolly Dictionary.” They provide:
👉 Pro tip: Sign up for their teacher newsletter – sometimes they give away extended previews.
Overview
Contents (single-page PDF)
Design specs
Deliverables
If you want, I can:
Which would you like?
The Jolly Dictionary is an essential companion for students using the Jolly Phonics program, designed to help children transition from learning letter sounds to understanding word meanings and independent usage. What makes the Jolly Dictionary unique?
Unlike standard dictionaries, this version is tailored for early learners (typically ages 7+) and focuses on literacy development through several key features:
Phonics-Based Learning: It includes the Jolly Phonics 42 letter sounds, helping children see the relationship between how a word is spelled and how it sounds.
Pronunciation Guides: Each entry features a simple pronunciation guide that utilizes the specific phonics symbols children have already mastered in the program.
The "Jolly" Vocabulary: It contains over 6,000 words, carefully selected to cover the vocabulary most relevant to primary school students.
Color-Coded Sections: The dictionary is often organized with color-coded edges to help children navigate the alphabet more intuitively.
Parts of Speech: Each word is clearly labeled (noun, verb, adjective, etc.) using the same color-coding system found in Jolly Grammar (e.g., nouns are black, verbs are red). Why search for a PDF version?
Many educators and parents look for a Jolly Dictionary PDF to:
Display on Interactive Whiteboards: Teachers use digital copies to demonstrate how to look up words in front of a whole class.
Create Worksheets: Digital access allows for easy extraction of definitions or "word of the day" activities for printed materials. jolly dictionary pdf
Remote Learning: It provides a portable way for students to access a consistent reference tool while studying at home. Where to find it
While the full copyrighted book is a paid resource from Jolly Learning, you can often find official sample pages and glossaries on their website. For the full experience, the physical "Jolly Dictionary" or the official digital eBook versions are recommended to ensure all phonetic guides and illustrations are rendered correctly.
If you are looking for specific practice sheets or a word list from the dictionary, I can help you find those. Just let me know: Are you a teacher looking for classroom materials?
Are you a parent helping a child with a specific Jolly Phonics level?
Jolly Dictionary , part of the Jolly Phonics Jolly Grammar Jolly Learning
, is an award-winning resource designed specifically for children in their first three years of school. It contains over 6,000 age-appropriate words
and is intended to bridge the gap between initial phonics and independent literacy. Amazon.com Key Features of the Jolly Dictionary Child-Friendly Definitions
: Over 6,000 words are defined using a limited "defining vocabulary" of about 2,000 words, making them easy for young learners to understand independently. Color-Coded Navigation : The book is divided into four color-coded sections that match the Jolly Phonics Alphabet Poster , helping children find words quickly. Pronunciation Guide
: Each word includes a unique pronunciation guide using the same letter sounds taught in Jolly Phonics. Grammar Reinforcement
: Parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.) are clearly marked using the specific colors found in Jolly Grammar and Montessori school standards. Illustrations
: The dictionary is heavily illustrated and features well-known Jolly Phonics characters like to help clarify meanings. Amazon.com Access and Downloads
While the full book is a copyrighted commercial product, you can find previews and digital access through the following platforms: Jolly Dictionary (Jolly Grammer) - Amazon.com
The Jolly Dictionary is a specialized learning resource designed for children (typically ages 5–9) to bridge the gap between early phonics and independent reading. It uses the Jolly Phonics system to help kids look up, pronounce, and understand over 6,000 words.
Below is a draft of the key features of the Jolly Dictionary, often found in its PDF previews or physical editions: Core Educational Features
Phonics-Based Pronunciation Guide: Each word includes a pronunciation guide using the 42 letter sounds introduced in Jolly Phonics. This helps children "sound out" unfamiliar words even if they haven't seen them before.
Color-Coded Parts of Speech: To align with Jolly Grammar, words are marked as nouns, verbs, or adjectives using specific colors (e.g., following Montessori-style color coding). This helps children identify a word's function in a sentence.
Defining Vocabulary: Definitions are written using a simplified "defining vocabulary" of approximately 2,000 words, ensuring that young learners can understand the explanation without getting stuck on even harder words.
Tricky Words & Irregulars: Irregular plurals and "tricky" verbs that don't follow standard rules are clearly flagged, helping kids navigate English's common spelling exceptions. Visual & Organizational Layout Give a child a word from the dictionary
Four Color-Coded Sections: The dictionary is divided into four distinct colored quarters to help children navigate through the alphabet more quickly.
Theme Pages: The book often starts with colorful picture pages that group words by topic (like animals or household items), allowing children to find spellings visually before they master the alphabet.
Jolly Phonics Characters: Illustrations frequently feature familiar characters (like Bee and Inky) to provide context and keep the learning experience engaging.
Alphabet Strip: Every page features a full alphabet strip on the side, highlighting the current letter to assist with alphabetical order. Typical "PDF" or Digital Variants
While the full physical book is over 340 pages, PDF versions found online (such as on Issuu or Scribd) are often previews or sample chapters used by teachers for digital whiteboards. Jolly Dictionary (paperback edition)
The Jolly Dictionary is a unique educational tool designed to help children transition from basic phonics to independent reading and writing. While many users look for a "Jolly Dictionary PDF," it is primarily a physical resource designed for classroom and home use. What is the Jolly Dictionary?
The Jolly Dictionary is part of the Jolly Phonics program, a world-renowned synthetic phonics method. Unlike standard dictionaries, it is tailored specifically for children who have learned the 42 letter sounds of English. It features over 6,000 words, carefully selected to suit a child's vocabulary level. Key Features
Phonic Support: Each entry includes a pronunciation guide using the Jolly Phonics sounds, helping children "decode" new words.
Vocabulary Building: It focuses on words children are likely to encounter in early reading and those they need for their own writing.
The "Jolly" Character: A friendly bee character appears throughout the book, offering tips and guidance on how to use a dictionary.
Color-Coded Sections: The edges of the pages are color-coded to help children navigate the alphabet more easily. Why People Search for the PDF
Many educators and parents search for a PDF version for several reasons:
Accessibility: Displaying a digital version on an interactive whiteboard for whole-class lessons.
Remote Learning: Providing resources to students who are studying from home.
Portability: Having a copy available on a tablet or laptop without carrying the physical book. Is a Legal PDF Available?
Currently, Jolly Learning (the publisher) focuses on physical books and specific digital apps. While you may find "PDF" versions on document-sharing sites, these are often unofficial scans. For the best experience and to support the creators, it is recommended to use the official physical copy or check the Jolly Learning website for any updated digital software or official e-book releases. How to Use It Effectively
To get the most out of the Jolly Dictionary, try these activities:
Sound Blending: Have the child look at the phonic pronunciation of a word and try to blend the sounds together before reading the definition. 👉 Pro tip: Sign up for their teacher
Speed Drills: Use the color-coded sections to see how quickly a child can find a word starting with a specific letter.
Daily Word: Pick one "Jolly" word a day and have the child use it in a sentence to build their writing skills.
The Jolly Dictionary is an award-winning literacy tool specifically designed for children in the first three years of school to help them independently look up and understand unfamiliar words. While official full PDF versions are generally not free due to copyright, digital versions are available for purchase, and some educational sites offer sample PDF files for preview. Key Features of the Jolly Dictionary
Child-Friendly Vocabulary: Includes over 6,000 age-appropriate words and phrases, with definitions written in a way that is easy for young learners to grasp.
Color-Coded Navigation: The dictionary is divided into four color-coded sections that match the Jolly Phonics Alphabet poster, helping children find words quickly.
Unique Pronunciation Guide: Each word features a specific pronunciation guide using joined digraphs, enabling children to decode and say new words correctly.
Jolly Phonics Characters: Illustrations of popular characters like Inky, Bee, and Snake are used throughout to clarify meanings and keep children engaged.
Grammar Integration: Parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives) are highlighted in specific Jolly Grammar colors to reinforce early grammar lessons. Where to Find It
If you are looking for the Jolly Dictionary in physical or digital formats, here are several reputable sources:
Official Store: The Jolly Learning Shop offers various editions, including paperback and hardback, in both print and precursive letters.
Digital PDFs: E-book versions are available through authorized educational retailers like Education Support E-book for around $25.50.
Retailers: You can also find the paperback version at stores like Walmart for ~$10.31 $13.50 and Barnes & Noble for ~$13.50.
Free Previews: Sites like Melly Jolly provide sample PDF pages to view the layout before purchasing. Jolly Dictionary
If you absolutely cannot buy the official version, here’s a free workaround:
Use the Jolly Phonics Word Bank (free PDF from Jolly Learning’s official site → resources section). It contains 1,200+ decodable words sorted by sound. It’s not a full dictionary, but it works for basic reading and spelling.
Combine that with a free children’s dictionary app like:
The dictionary is recommended for ages 5+. A 4-year-old in the early stages of Jolly Phonics (learning the first 12 sounds) may find it overwhelming. Start with the Jolly Phonics Word Bank (free PDF available on the Jolly Learning website) instead.