"D" is for Dictionary
I absolutely adore dictionaries. My favorite is a 1954 Webster's "New" American Dictionary (quotes are mine)which I acquired for free at a book sale. I love all 1,241 pages of it. It is two and a quarter inches thick, the largest book on my desk right now, and every time I open it I take a moment to savor the delightful aroma--a mixture of old library smells which conjure up memories from my elementary school days. Any word I have ever needed to locate I have found within its pages.
I also thoroughly enjoy encyclopedias, atlases, and thesauruses. I love to learn; and to check my spelling, pronunciation and usage. I believe these are wonderful behaviors to model for our students. They should learn to revere and not fear these faithful, fabulous, reference books.