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Synonyms Lesson Plan

Objective
The children will learn what a synonym is. By the end of this lesson, they will recognize synonyms for specific words and use them to make their writing more interesting. Grade 3, Language Arts

Synonyms

Explanation
Today we are going to learn about synonyms. Synonyms are words that have almost the same meaning. How do you think synonyms might change this paragraph? Why do you think it is important to learn about synonyms? Synonyms help us make our writing more interesting. As a writer they give you different ways to say the same thing.

Modeling
Together the children will think of possible words to replace "great".

Monitoring Knowledge
Children will make a small circle on the carpet. Each child will take a card. Together the children organize the synonyms into related groups.

Focus
At the carpet, read the following paragraph together.

I had a great weekend! The weather was great. I went with my friends to a great birthday party. We had a great time. What great food they had! The music was great too. I hope next week is just as great!

What do you think of this paragraph? What might make it more interesting?

Independent Practice
Practice work sheet. Children will look at an underlined word and think of a synonym to replace it. They will then rewrite the sentence using the new word.

Enrichment
Children will work with a partner to generate as many synonyms as possible for given words. Next they will choose a word of their own and generate different synonyms.

Closure
Bring the class together again. Share some of the sentences children created. Review what a synonym is and how they are useful.

Materials
Worksheets and synonyms for small group work.

Examples:
talk touch branch loud
speak feel twig noisy
stick
 
bump quick say message
shove speedy speak note
push fast talk letter
 
joyful
glad
happy