SynonymsSynonymsPurpose: This activity can help children to enrich their word knowledge. Many children come to school with limited vocabularies, and activities such as this one can help them to learn to use more words in context. This is a powerful way to help them learn new words and expand their vocabularies. Having a rich speaking-listening vocabulary is one of the most important foundations for becoming a successful reader. [link to a research DYKT]
Materials/Advance Preparation:
none
Directions:
Pick a word that will be new to at least some of the children.
Tell your children what it means and use it in a clear context frequently, even over-using it for fun! If the day's word is "excellent," use it for anything that day that's good. Briefly state why. For example, "Good napping today; you all are 'excellent' nappers." Do this each time you use the special word.
The next day, find another to have fun with—like "fantastic."
Repeat frequently. You might want to take your cue from the weather or an event, e.g., "gloomy," on one rainy day, "dismal" on another.
Don't be afraid of using big words. Children love them.
Eric Gidseg
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