Here's a joke for you: What does a thesaurus eat for breakfast?
Answer: Synonym rolls! (We love to laugh at Lucky Little Learners!)
Keep reading to discover more amazing, awesome, incredible, marvelous, wonderful activities to teach synonyms and antonyms.
Enhance Literacy with Embedded Grammar Lessons
Research on the Science of Reading (SOR) dating back to the 1970s shows that teaching grammar as isolated rules doesn't effectively transfer to writing and speaking. What works better is embedding grammar within the context of writing. This is why our writing program Lucky to Learn Writing (LTLW) includes grammar skills integrated into writing lessons. This approach ensures that the same skills and standards are met, but in a meaningful context that connects with the rest of the literacy curriculum.
Get this exclusively on All Access
Join All Access to download everything we've ever made.
We also recognize the value of targeted practice and intervention to reinforce these skills. That's why we've compiled a list of our favorite grammar activities that provide additional practice and intervention opportunities. These activities are designed to complement our integrated approach, ensuring students have a well-rounded understanding of grammar concepts. Let's dive into these engaging and effective activities!
What are synonyms and antonyms?
Synonyms are words that have the same, or close to the same, meaning.
- Example: happy, cheerful
Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings.
- Example: happy, sad
This video from SpellingCity offers a great explanation of synonym and antonym relationships.
Where do you find synonyms and antonyms?
Synonyms and antonyms can be found in a thesaurus. Similar to a dictionary, a thesaurus lists words in alphabetical order. Instead of providing a definition, a thesaurus gives a group of synonyms and antonyms for the listed word. Check out an online thesaurus here.
A dictionary will also list a few synonyms and antonyms after the definition of a word. Find a student-friendly online dictionary here.
Synonym and Antonym Activities
Give one of these activities a try to get students up and moving!
Synonym Search
Write a pair of synonyms, one on a notecard, one on a sticky note. Place the sticky notes around the classroom. Give each student a notecard, and have them search the classroom for their synonym. Create a class chart with the answers.
Antonym Match
Write a pair of antonyms, each on a sticky note. Give each student a sticky note to wear. Students must then find their antonym match. How fast can you find your antonym match? Mix up the sticky notes and play again. Create a class chart with the answers.
Resources for Teaching Synonyms and Antonyms
Here is a list of our favorite resources for teaching synonyms and antonyms.
Grammar Toothy
Yes, we really do have a Toothy for everything! (New to Toothy? Learn all about Toothy here!)
Students will practice identifying pairs of words as synonyms or antonyms. This self-checking activity is great for whole group, small group, independent practice, morning work, and so much more!
The synonym and antonym activity is part of the Grammar Toothy Series.
Get this on All Access
Join All Access to download everything we've ever made.
Grammar Day by Day
Build important grammar skills one day at a time with Grammar Day by Day. These synonym and antonym worksheets provide a quick and easy way to practice this new skill. In fact, one for each day of the school week is ready to go! Color, write, and match to identify the correct synonym or antonym.
Get these on All Access
Join All Access to download everything we've ever made.
Spiral ELA
Teachers love our Spiral ELA. Students can practice identifying and writing synonyms and antonyms throughout the year to keep skills fresh!
Shoes and Socks
In this card game from our 2nd Grade Grammar Centers, students will take turns trying to match a pair of synonyms (shoes) or antonyms (socks). Students can play for fun, or use the recording sheet for a quick check of their understanding.
Picture Books about Synonyms and Antonyms
These picture books about synonyms and antonyms are a great read alouds to share with your class as you study synonyms and antonyms.
Note: If you click on the Amazon affiliate links and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Stegothesaurus
Thesaurus Has a Secret
How to Teach Other 2nd Grade Grammar Skills:
Is it time for a new concept in grammar? We have a post for that!
Capitalization
Irregular Plural Nouns & Irregular Verbs
Antonyms & Synonyms ~ You are here!
Collective Nouns
Shades of Meaning-Verbs & Adjectives
0 Comments