After students have worked with synonyms in the Pocket
Chart, place it in your literacy center, and tuck the antonym
Header Card into the top pocket. Place the antonym Word
Cards in one basket and the blank Answer Cards along with a
dry erase marker in another basket. Provide two pencils and
copies of the Antonym Reproducible in the center. Choose
partners to work together at the center and indicate that:
1. One student chooses an antonym Word Card from the
basket and places it in the pocket below for the word.
2. The same student finds the correct antonym Word Card in
the basket and places it in the pocket under the secret
reveal flap.
3. The other partner labels an Answer Card with his or her
guess and places it in a pocket under Our guesses.
4. The first partner lifts the secret reveal flap to see the
correct antonym.
5. Each student writes the word on a reproducible, illustrates
it, and writes each antonym in a sentence.
6. The partners switch roles and repeat the process.
7. Both students store their reproducible in their reading
folder or turn it in for assessment.
Synonym and Antonym Secret-Reveal Pocket Chart™
them in the pockets below Our guesses. Discuss how each of
the guesses relates to the word—whether the guess is the
antonym or a synonym that represents a shade of meaning of
the original word. Have students vote on which of the word(s)
are the synonyms or the antonym. Have a student reveal the
correct synonym or antonym. Tell students to circle all correct
guesses on their reproducible and to write a sentence with the
original word and a sentence with one of its synonyms or the
antonym. Direct students to turn in the reproducibles for
assessment. Later on, they can compile all of the reproducibles
into a synonym or antonym book by stapling their sheets
together behind a self-illustrated cover.
More Synonyms and Antonyms
Encourage students to come up with more antonyms and
synonyms to write on the blank Word Cards. Here are some
approaches to get them started:
• Create a Nominate a Word Box: Place a shoebox with a hole
cut in the lid in your literacy center. Label it with “I want to
learn more about this word.” Place a stack of index cards
and a marker next to the box. Tell students that if they
hear a word or see a word while reading that they want to
identify synonyms or an antonym for the word, they are to
write the word they discovered on a card and place it in the
box. Review the contents of the box every few days to see if
there are words that you want to use in the Pocket Chart.
• Feature words from books that the class is reading
together.
• Feature study words from topics in Math, Social Studies,
Music, and Science.
• Use words from the Antonym and Synonym Word Lists in
this guide.
Shades of Meaning Synonyms
Use the Synonym Word List as a reference for synonyms that
represent shades of meaning. You can expand your lessons with
the following activities:
• For a verb such as eat, have students name synonyms for
the word and act out those words that indicate shades of
meaning. Urge students to come up with additional
synonyms if they can.
• For synonyms that are adjectives or verbs, have students
discuss the differences between the synonyms and create a
linear array according to the intensity of the words. For
example, students could create the following linear arrays
for the words cold and eat as the “general”—less
descriptive—words.
Adjective
Verb
Explain to students that linear arrays are visual
representations to help them examine subtle distinctions in
word meanings. Arranging words in this manner is useful when
comparing words or concepts that vary in intensity. Indicate
that the far-left word is the least extreme, the far-right word
is the most extreme, and the center word is a general or
broader word.
© 2012 Really Good Stuff® 1-800-366-1920 www.reallygoodstuff.com Made in Guangzhou, China #160933
Synonym or Antonym Centers
After students have worked with synonyms in the Pocket
Chart, place it on a stand, bulletin board, or magnet-receptive
surface in your literacy center. Tuck the synonym Header Card
into the top pocket, and tell students that they will be working
with synonyms. Place the synonym Word Cards in one basket
and the blank Multiple Answer Cards along with a dry erase
marker in another basket. Provide two pencils and copies of the
Synonym Reproducible in the center. Choose partners to work
together at the center and indicate that:
1. One student chooses a synonym Word Card from the basket
and places it in the pocket below for the word:
2. The same student secretly labels a Multiple Answer Card
with all of the synonyms he or she can think of and places it
in the pocket under the secret reveal flap.
3. The other partner labels Answer Cards with his or her
guesses and places them in the pockets under Our guesses.
4. The first partner lifts the secret reveal flap to see what
words they have in common and the partners discuss which
words are correct.
5. Each student writes the word on a reproducible, illustrates
it, discusses his or her guesses, and narrows them down to
what he or she thinks are the correct answers.
6. The partners switch roles and repeat the process.
7. Both students store their reproducible in their reading
folder or turn it in for assessment.
Helping Teachers Make A Difference®
Shades-of-Meaning Synonyms
mad, cross, enraged, furious, annoyed
huge, large, ample, colossal, enormous, gigantic,
immense, massive, tremendous, vast
auto, automobile, vehicle, sedan, convertible
kitty, puss, feline
chilly, freezing, brisk, frigid, cool, icy, wintery
consume, devour, gorge, munch, nibble
pals, mates, chums, buddies, comrades
cheerful, joyful, glad, content, merry, thrilled, upbeat
arid, baking, blazing, burning, fiery, piping, scalding,
searing, warm, sizzling, steamy
abode, home, dwelling, residence
giggle, chuckle, snicker, guffaw, chortle
small, diminutive, minute, petite, tiny, wee
gaze, notice, observe, peep, see, study, watch
lots, countless, numerous, plentiful
cash, currency, coins, bills,
attractive, beautiful, cute, darling, lovely
dash, race, trot, scamper, jog, gallop
declare, announce, mention, recite, speak, tell,
whisper
boot, sneaker, pump, sandal, heel, clog
nap, rest, slumber, snooze
intelligent, bright, clever, sharp, wise
road, avenue, drive, lane, route, boulevard, lane
question, inquire, demand
heroic, courageous, daring, fearless
weep, bawl, sob, blubber
hard, challenging, demanding, tough
nice, helpful, friendly, courteous
build, construct, create, prepare
correct, proper, good
halt, cease, end, finish
stroll, amble, roam, strut
Synonyms
(Note: the boldfaced words are included on Cards in this Kit)
Word
angry
big
car
cat
cold
eat
friends
happy
hot
house
laugh
little
look
many
money
pretty
run
say
shoe
sleep
smart
street
ask
brave
cry
difficult
kind
make
right
stop
walk
© 2012 Really Good Stuff® 1-800-366-1920 www.reallygoodstuff.com Made in Guangzhou, China #160933
Antonym
little
white
up
empty
sad
cold
out
old
yes
go
hard
night
wet
many
last
back
outside
right
heavy (or dark)
quiet
high
far
messy
off
closed
under
pull
wrong (or left)
different
short
Synonym and Antonym Secret-Reveal Pocket Chart™
Antonyms
(Note: the boldfaced words are
included on Cards in this Kit)
Word
big
black
down
full
happy
hot
in
new
no
stop
soft
day
dry
few
first
front
inside
left
light
loud
low
near
neat
on
open
over
push
right
same
tall
Helping Teachers Make A Difference®
Synonym Reproducible
Antonym Reproducible
Helping Teachers Make A Difference®
© 2012 Really Good Stuff® 1-800-366-1920 www.reallygoodstuff.com Made in Guangzhou, China #160933
Make more of a game of it as you change words by asking
students to close their eyes while you place the new secret
reveal Word Card under the flap or by standing in front of the
Pocket Chart to shield the pocket.
Introducing the Synonym and Antonym Secret-Reveal Pocket
Chart™
Gather students, and show them the Synonym and Antonym
Secret-Reveal Pocket Chart™. Explain that they will use this
Pocket Chart to review synonyms and antonyms. Point to the
Header Card in the top pocket, and read it to students.
Indicate whether students will be guessing a synonym or an
antonym for the word in the pocket. Remind students that
whenever they communicate, they should use the best, most
precise words that describe exactly what they mean. Point out
that by using the best word, it is more effective, more helpful,
and even more exciting than it is to use a general word, which
would be less descriptive. Ask for a volunteer to read the Word
Card in the pocket below the header for the word. Ask several
volunteers to make guesses for synonyms or an antonym for
the word. Use a dry erase marker to record their answers on
blank Answer Cards, and place them in the pockets below Our
guesses. If you want, have students vote on which words are
correct. Finally, have a student lift the flap to reveal the
correct answer.
To set up the Synonym and Antonym Secret-Reveal Pocket
Chart™ for your lesson:
1. Hang it on a pocket chart stand, a bulletin board with
pushpins, or a magnet-receptive surface.
2. Place the Header Card for a synonym or an antonym in
the pocket below the words Looking for. (Note: These
Header Cards are offered with and without the definition
to use depending upon your students’ level of
understanding.)
3. Choose a Word Card, and place it in the pocket below the
word. (When appropriate, label blank Word Cards with
additional words you wish students to understand.)
4. Place either the correct antonym Word Card or a Multiple
Answer Card on which you have written the shades of
meaning synonym(s) under the Secret Reveal Flap.
5. Stage the blank Answer Cards and a dry erase marker
near the Pocket Chart.
lesson, wipe off the Answer Cards and Multiple Answer Cards
with a soft cloth before storing them.
Synonym and Antonym Secret-Reveal Pocket Chart™
This Really Good Stuff® product includes:
• Pocket Chart, with magnetic strip and storage pocket
• 22 Word Cards, two-sided
• 12 Blank Cards, two-sided, Write Again® wipe-off
laminate
• 2 Header Cards, two-sided
• 6 Multiple Answer Cards, two-sided, Write Again®
wipe-off laminate
• 12 Answer Cards, two-sided, Write Again® wipe-off
laminate
• This Really Good Stuff® Activity Guide
Congratulations on your purchase of this Really Good Stuff®
Synonym and Antonym Secret-Reveal Pocket Chart™—an
interactive way for students to study synonyms and antonyms.
Meeting Common Core State Standards
This Synonym and Antonym Secret-Reveal Pocket Chart™ is
aligned with the following Common Core State Standards for
English Language Arts:
Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
L.K.5
L.K.5.b
L.K.5.d
L.1.5
L.1.5.d
L.2.5
L.2.5.b
With guidance and support from adults, explore word
relationships and nuances in word meanings.
Demonstrate understanding of frequently occurring verbs and
adjectives by relating them to their opposites (antonyms).
Distinguish shades of meaning among verbs describing the
same general action (for example, walk, march, strut, prance)
by acting out the meanings.
With guidance and support from adults, demonstrate
understanding of word relationships and nuances in word
meanings.
Distinguish shades of meaning among verbs differing in
manner (for example, look, peek, glance, stare, glare, scowl)
and adjectives differing in intensity (for example, large,
gigantic) by defining or choosing them or by acting out
the meanings.
Demonstrate understanding of word relationships and
nuances in word meanings.
Distinguish shades of meaning among closely related verbs
(for example, toss, throw, hurl) and closely related adjectives
(for example, thin, slender, skinny, scrawny).
Cleaning and Storing the Synonym and Antonym
Secret-Reveal Pocket Chart™
Keep your Pocket Chart in good condition by wiping it
occasionally with a damp sponge. Fold the Pocket Chart
horizontally along the stitching lines for easy storage.
Daily Synonyms/Antonyms
Before students come in for the day, copy either the Synonym
Reproducible or Antonym Reproducible, and place a copy on
each student’s desk. Place the appropriate Cards in the Pocket
Chart. Instruct students to write the word on the reproducible,
illustrate the word, and write their guesses for the synonyms
or antonym.
All activity guides can be found online.
When you are ready to discuss the word, direct students’
attention to the Pocket Chart. Ask a student to read the
Header Card and the Word Card. Ask volunteers to share their
guesses. Have several students come forward and use a dry
erase marker to write their guesses on Answer Cards and place
© 2012 Really Good Stuff® 1-800-366-1920 www.reallygoodstuff.com Made in Guangzhou, China #160933
Assembling, Displaying, and Preparing the Synonym and
Antonym Secret-Reveal Pocket Chart™
Before introducing the Synonym and Antonym Secret-Reveal
Pocket Chart™, make copies of this Really Good Stuff® Activity
Guide and file the pages for future use. Or, download another
copy of it from our Web site at www.reallygoodstuff.com. Cut
apart the Word Cards, Blank Cards, Header Cards, Multiple
Answer Cards, and Answer Cards. Store them in the Storage
Pocket on the back of the Pocket Chart when not in use. Always
use a dry erase marker on the Cards in order to preserve their
Write Again® wipe-off laminate surface. At the end of each
Helping Teachers Make A Difference®
Synonym Reproducible
Antonym Reproducible
Helping Teachers Make A Difference®
© 2012 Really Good Stuff® 1-800-366-1920 www.reallygoodstuff.com Made in Guangzhou, China #160933
Make more of a game of it as you change words by asking
students to close their eyes while you place the new secret
reveal Word Card under the flap or by standing in front of the
Pocket Chart to shield the pocket.
Introducing the Synonym and Antonym Secret-Reveal Pocket
Chart™
Gather students, and show them the Synonym and Antonym
Secret-Reveal Pocket Chart™. Explain that they will use this
Pocket Chart to review synonyms and antonyms. Point to the
Header Card in the top pocket, and read it to students.
Indicate whether students will be guessing a synonym or an
antonym for the word in the pocket. Remind students that
whenever they communicate, they should use the best, most
precise words that describe exactly what they mean. Point out
that by using the best word, it is more effective, more helpful,
and even more exciting than it is to use a general word, which
would be less descriptive. Ask for a volunteer to read the Word
Card in the pocket below the header for the word. Ask several
volunteers to make guesses for synonyms or an antonym for
the word. Use a dry erase marker to record their answers on
blank Answer Cards, and place them in the pockets below Our
guesses. If you want, have students vote on which words are
correct. Finally, have a student lift the flap to reveal the
correct answer.
To set up the Synonym and Antonym Secret-Reveal Pocket
Chart™ for your lesson:
1. Hang it on a pocket chart stand, a bulletin board with
pushpins, or a magnet-receptive surface.
2. Place the Header Card for a synonym or an antonym in
the pocket below the words Looking for. (Note: These
Header Cards are offered with and without the definition
to use depending upon your students’ level of
understanding.)
3. Choose a Word Card, and place it in the pocket below the
word. (When appropriate, label blank Word Cards with
additional words you wish students to understand.)
4. Place either the correct antonym Word Card or a Multiple
Answer Card on which you have written the shades of
meaning synonym(s) under the Secret Reveal Flap.
5. Stage the blank Answer Cards and a dry erase marker
near the Pocket Chart.
lesson, wipe off the Answer Cards and Multiple Answer Cards
with a soft cloth before storing them.
Synonym and Antonym Secret-Reveal Pocket Chart™
This Really Good Stuff® product includes:
• Pocket Chart, with magnetic strip and storage pocket
• 22 Word Cards, two-sided
• 12 Blank Cards, two-sided, Write Again® wipe-off
laminate
• 2 Header Cards, two-sided
• 6 Multiple Answer Cards, two-sided, Write Again®
wipe-off laminate
• 12 Answer Cards, two-sided, Write Again® wipe-off
laminate
• This Really Good Stuff® Activity Guide
Congratulations on your purchase of this Really Good Stuff®
Synonym and Antonym Secret-Reveal Pocket Chart™—an
interactive way for students to study synonyms and antonyms.
Meeting Common Core State Standards
This Synonym and Antonym Secret-Reveal Pocket Chart™ is
aligned with the following Common Core State Standards for
English Language Arts:
Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
L.K.5
L.K.5.b
L.K.5.d
L.1.5
L.1.5.d
L.2.5
L.2.5.b
With guidance and support from adults, explore word
relationships and nuances in word meanings.
Demonstrate understanding of frequently occurring verbs and
adjectives by relating them to their opposites (antonyms).
Distinguish shades of meaning among verbs describing the
same general action (for example, walk, march, strut, prance)
by acting out the meanings.
With guidance and support from adults, demonstrate
understanding of word relationships and nuances in word
meanings.
Distinguish shades of meaning among verbs differing in
manner (for example, look, peek, glance, stare, glare, scowl)
and adjectives differing in intensity (for example, large,
gigantic) by defining or choosing them or by acting out
the meanings.
Demonstrate understanding of word relationships and
nuances in word meanings.
Distinguish shades of meaning among closely related verbs
(for example, toss, throw, hurl) and closely related adjectives
(for example, thin, slender, skinny, scrawny).
Cleaning and Storing the Synonym and Antonym
Secret-Reveal Pocket Chart™
Keep your Pocket Chart in good condition by wiping it
occasionally with a damp sponge. Fold the Pocket Chart
horizontally along the stitching lines for easy storage.
Daily Synonyms/Antonyms
Before students come in for the day, copy either the Synonym
Reproducible or Antonym Reproducible, and place a copy on
each student’s desk. Place the appropriate Cards in the Pocket
Chart. Instruct students to write the word on the reproducible,
illustrate the word, and write their guesses for the synonyms
or antonym.
All activity guides can be found online.
When you are ready to discuss the word, direct students’
attention to the Pocket Chart. Ask a student to read the
Header Card and the Word Card. Ask volunteers to share their
guesses. Have several students come forward and use a dry
erase marker to write their guesses on Answer Cards and place
© 2012 Really Good Stuff® 1-800-366-1920 www.reallygoodstuff.com Made in Guangzhou, China #160933
Assembling, Displaying, and Preparing the Synonym and
Antonym Secret-Reveal Pocket Chart™
Before introducing the Synonym and Antonym Secret-Reveal
Pocket Chart™, make copies of this Really Good Stuff® Activity
Guide and file the pages for future use. Or, download another
copy of it from our Web site at www.reallygoodstuff.com. Cut
apart the Word Cards, Blank Cards, Header Cards, Multiple
Answer Cards, and Answer Cards. Store them in the Storage
Pocket on the back of the Pocket Chart when not in use. Always
use a dry erase marker on the Cards in order to preserve their
Write Again® wipe-off laminate surface. At the end of each
Helping Teachers Make A Difference®
After students have worked with synonyms in the Pocket
Chart, place it in your literacy center, and tuck the antonym
Header Card into the top pocket. Place the antonym Word
Cards in one basket and the blank Answer Cards along with a
dry erase marker in another basket. Provide two pencils and
copies of the Antonym Reproducible in the center. Choose
partners to work together at the center and indicate that:
1. One student chooses an antonym Word Card from the
basket and places it in the pocket below for the word.
2. The same student finds the correct antonym Word Card in
the basket and places it in the pocket under the secret
reveal flap.
3. The other partner labels an Answer Card with his or her
guess and places it in a pocket under Our guesses.
4. The first partner lifts the secret reveal flap to see the
correct antonym.
5. Each student writes the word on a reproducible, illustrates
it, and writes each antonym in a sentence.
6. The partners switch roles and repeat the process.
7. Both students store their reproducible in their reading
folder or turn it in for assessment.
Synonym and Antonym Secret-Reveal Pocket Chart™
them in the pockets below Our guesses. Discuss how each of
the guesses relates to the word—whether the guess is the
antonym or a synonym that represents a shade of meaning of
the original word. Have students vote on which of the word(s)
are the synonyms or the antonym. Have a student reveal the
correct synonym or antonym. Tell students to circle all correct
guesses on their reproducible and to write a sentence with the
original word and a sentence with one of its synonyms or the
antonym. Direct students to turn in the reproducibles for
assessment. Later on, they can compile all of the reproducibles
into a synonym or antonym book by stapling their sheets
together behind a self-illustrated cover.
More Synonyms and Antonyms
Encourage students to come up with more antonyms and
synonyms to write on the blank Word Cards. Here are some
approaches to get them started:
• Create a Nominate a Word Box: Place a shoebox with a hole
cut in the lid in your literacy center. Label it with “I want to
learn more about this word.” Place a stack of index cards
and a marker next to the box. Tell students that if they
hear a word or see a word while reading that they want to
identify synonyms or an antonym for the word, they are to
write the word they discovered on a card and place it in the
box. Review the contents of the box every few days to see if
there are words that you want to use in the Pocket Chart.
• Feature words from books that the class is reading
together.
• Feature study words from topics in Math, Social Studies,
Music, and Science.
• Use words from the Antonym and Synonym Word Lists in
this guide.
Shades of Meaning Synonyms
Use the Synonym Word List as a reference for synonyms that
represent shades of meaning. You can expand your lessons with
the following activities:
• For a verb such as eat, have students name synonyms for
the word and act out those words that indicate shades of
meaning. Urge students to come up with additional
synonyms if they can.
• For synonyms that are adjectives or verbs, have students
discuss the differences between the synonyms and create a
linear array according to the intensity of the words. For
example, students could create the following linear arrays
for the words cold and eat as the “general”—less
descriptive—words.
Adjective
Verb
Explain to students that linear arrays are visual
representations to help them examine subtle distinctions in
word meanings. Arranging words in this manner is useful when
comparing words or concepts that vary in intensity. Indicate
that the far-left word is the least extreme, the far-right word
is the most extreme, and the center word is a general or
broader word.
© 2012 Really Good Stuff® 1-800-366-1920 www.reallygoodstuff.com Made in Guangzhou, China #160933
Synonym or Antonym Centers
After students have worked with synonyms in the Pocket
Chart, place it on a stand, bulletin board, or magnet-receptive
surface in your literacy center. Tuck the synonym Header Card
into the top pocket, and tell students that they will be working
with synonyms. Place the synonym Word Cards in one basket
and the blank Multiple Answer Cards along with a dry erase
marker in another basket. Provide two pencils and copies of the
Synonym Reproducible in the center. Choose partners to work
together at the center and indicate that:
1. One student chooses a synonym Word Card from the basket
and places it in the pocket below for the word:
2. The same student secretly labels a Multiple Answer Card
with all of the synonyms he or she can think of and places it
in the pocket under the secret reveal flap.
3. The other partner labels Answer Cards with his or her
guesses and places them in the pockets under Our guesses.
4. The first partner lifts the secret reveal flap to see what
words they have in common and the partners discuss which
words are correct.
5. Each student writes the word on a reproducible, illustrates
it, discusses his or her guesses, and narrows them down to
what he or she thinks are the correct answers.
6. The partners switch roles and repeat the process.
7. Both students store their reproducible in their reading
folder or turn it in for assessment.
Helping Teachers Make A Difference®
Shades-of-Meaning Synonyms
mad, cross, enraged, furious, annoyed
huge, large, ample, colossal, enormous, gigantic,
immense, massive, tremendous, vast
auto, automobile, vehicle, sedan, convertible
kitty, puss, feline
chilly, freezing, brisk, frigid, cool, icy, wintery
consume, devour, gorge, munch, nibble
pals, mates, chums, buddies, comrades
cheerful, joyful, glad, content, merry, thrilled, upbeat
arid, baking, blazing, burning, fiery, piping, scalding,
searing, warm, sizzling, steamy
abode, home, dwelling, residence
giggle, chuckle, snicker, guffaw, chortle
small, diminutive, minute, petite, tiny, wee
gaze, notice, observe, peep, see, study, watch
lots, countless, numerous, plentiful
cash, currency, coins, bills,
attractive, beautiful, cute, darling, lovely
dash, race, trot, scamper, jog, gallop
declare, announce, mention, recite, speak, tell,
whisper
boot, sneaker, pump, sandal, heel, clog
nap, rest, slumber, snooze
intelligent, bright, clever, sharp, wise
road, avenue, drive, lane, route, boulevard, lane
question, inquire, demand
heroic, courageous, daring, fearless
weep, bawl, sob, blubber
hard, challenging, demanding, tough
nice, helpful, friendly, courteous
build, construct, create, prepare
correct, proper, good
halt, cease, end, finish
stroll, amble, roam, strut
Synonyms
(Note: the boldfaced words are included on Cards in this Kit)
Word
angry
big
car
cat
cold
eat
friends
happy
hot
house
laugh
little
look
many
money
pretty
run
say
shoe
sleep
smart
street
ask
brave
cry
difficult
kind
make
right
stop
walk
© 2012 Really Good Stuff® 1-800-366-1920 www.reallygoodstuff.com Made in Guangzhou, China #160933
Antonym
little
white
up
empty
sad
cold
out
old
yes
go
hard
night
wet
many
last
back
outside
right
heavy (or dark)
quiet
high
far
messy
off
closed
under
pull
wrong (or left)
different
short
Synonym and Antonym Secret-Reveal Pocket Chart™
Antonyms
(Note: the boldfaced words are
included on Cards in this Kit)
Word
big
black
down
full
happy
hot
in
new
no
stop
soft
day
dry
few
first
front
inside
left
light
loud
low
near
neat
on
open
over
push
right
same
tall
Helping Teachers Make A Difference®