Synonyms
Synonym Instructional Video
Synonym Song Video
Review Video & Follow These Instructional GuidelinesSecond Grade
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Synonyms are words that have nearly the same meaning. Although the concept of matching synonyms is quite simple in the lower grades, the power of the synonym is how it relates to writing in the upper grades. Choosing “juicier” synonyms and expanding vocabulary is essential for young readers and writers. The GrammarSong Video “Synonym Symphony” provides many examples of synonyms with a catchy chorus that defines them. There are extensive GrammarSong activities to support the concept of the synonym at various levels of instruction. |
- Extra Engagement: Use the printable matching game or “Synonym Game Cards” within a cooperative learning structure. For example, distribute one game card to each student and conduct a “Silent Search.” Without talking, student walk around the room holding up their game card for all to see. Partners visually look for their matching partner and stand together or “come together to the rug” or other area of the classroom designated. Once all partners have found their matches, facilitate an oral check by allowing each partner pair to present their match to be validated by the other students.
- Complete grammar sheet “Linking Synonyms.”
- Extra Engagement: Use the information presented within the sheet to model sentences on a white board or smart board to create a whole class lesson. Cut the sheet apart, gluing the related answers from the answer key on the back to use within a cooperative learning structure or as a self-checking center activity.
Third Grade
- Play “Intermediate Synonym Match.” Allow students to make their own synonym matching games.
- Complete grammar sheet “Synonym Practice” to practice matching synonyms in a paper/pencil format.
- Use thesauruses to find antonyms and synonyms for the words listed on the “Antonym Game Cards” and “Synonym Game Cards.” Add an element of friendly competition by having partners or cooperative groups compete for the “juiciest” antonym or synonym as deemed by another class, teacher, or the principal. (Cooperating teachers could trade submissions, and each class can choose the best from the other classes' ideas.)
- Complete grammar sheet “Differentiating Between Synonyms and Antonyms (Basic)” to analyze word pairs and determine whether the relationship between the words is a synonym or antonym relationship.
- Extra Engagement: Use the information presented in the grammar sheet as a whole class smart board or white board activity, at a center, or within a cooperative learning structure to practice differentiating between synonyms and antonyms.
Fourth Grade
- Play “Intermediate Synonym Match.” Play “Upper Level Synonym Match” for students with high vocabularies. Invite students to make their own matching games.
- Extra Engagement: Complete activities presented in “Synonym Vocab and Writing Activities.”
- Complete grammar sheet “Using Synonyms When Writing” to practice using “juicier” nouns, verbs, and adjectives, and adverbs when writing.
- Complete grammar sheets “Differentiating Between Synonyms and Antonyms (Basic)” and/or “Differentiating Between Synonyms and Antonyms (Advanced).”
- Extra Engagement: Use the information presented in the grammar sheets within a whole class cooperative learning structure or at a learning center to present the information in a more hands-on form.
Fifth Grade
- Play “Intermediate Synonym Match.” Play “Upper Level Synonym Match” for students with high vocabularies. Allow students to create their own synonym matching games.
- Extra Engagement: Complete activities presented in “Synonym Vocab and Writing Activities.”
- Complete grammar sheet “Using Synonyms When Writing” to practice using “juicier” nouns, verbs, and adjectives, and adverbs when writing.
- Complete grammar sheets “Differentiating Between Synonyms and Antonyms (Basic)” and/or “Differentiating Between Synonyms and Antonyms (Advanced).”
- Extra Engagement: Use the information presented in the grammar sheets within a whole class cooperative learning structure or at a learning center to present the information in a more hands-on form.
- Complete grammar sheet “Synonyms and Antonyms with Upper Level Vocab” as an independent assessment.