Since 2006, the Rotary Club of Natick has been advancing one of Rotary International’s core missions—promoting literacy—through its annual Dictionary Project. Each year, every third-grade student in the Natick Public Schools receives a personalized Student Dictionary, helping spark curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
The Student Dictionary is thoughtfully designed for young learners. The first two-thirds function as a traditional dictionary, while the final third is an almanac filled with fascinating and useful information students love to explore. Highlights include a sign language letter guide, the periodic table, facts about all 50 states and U.S. presidents, maps of the world, and even the world’s longest word. It may be a small book, but it’s packed with knowledge.
Each dictionary includes a customized bookplate inside the cover with the student’s name and school, along with a link to the Rotary Club of Natick and Rotary’s Four-Way Test. For many students, it’s one of the first books they’ve ever owned with their name printed inside—a simple touch that can foster a sense of pride, ownership, and empowerment.
This year, 384 third-grade students across Natick’s four elementary schools received their dictionaries, continuing a tradition that helps inspire curiosity, learning, and a lifelong love of reading.