ELAR Synonyms and Antonyms
ELAR: Synonyms and Antonyms- 5th grade ESL
Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, the learner will be able to define the words synonym and antonym, and
correctly give examples of each for vocabulary words with 100% accuracy.
TEKS:
ELAR:
(4) Reading/Vocabulary Development. Students understand new vocabulary and use it when
reading and writing. Students are expected to:
(C) identify and use antonyms, synonyms, homographs, and homophones;
Materials Needed:
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Synonyms and antonyms chart
Markers, pens, pencils
Sticky notes
Diamond vocabulary papers
List of 5th grade vocabulary words
Context/Modifications:
Synonyms and antonyms are normally an area that third grade focuses on, but the Istation reports
indicated that these fifth graders needed help with them so I have made this mini lesson to help
strengthen this concept. We will be focusing on academic vocabulary in this lesson.
Anticipatory Focus:
I will begin the lesson by asking who knows what synonyms and antonyms are. I will confirm or
introduce the two terms, explaining synonyms are words that have the same or nearly the same
meaning, and antonyms are words that mean the opposite of the word. Then I will tell the
students that we are going to be making synonyms and antonyms of words today.
ELAR Synonyms and Antonyms
Setting Expectations:
I will tell the students that because we don’t have a lot of time we are going to just jump right in
and make some words.
Input:
If needed, I will explain what synonyms and antonyms are. Next, I will introduce the chart that
we will be using for the activity.
Modeling:
I will do an example of the activity we are going to do by writing a vocabulary word on the chart
and placing a sticky note with an antonym and synonym in the appropriate column. I will Think
out loud as I come up with new words so they can see my thinking.
Guided Practice:
Now, both students will be given sticky notes and I will quickly explain again how we are going
to complete the chart. I will prompt them with a vocabulary word, and they will take turns
coming up with synonyms and antonyms and placing them in the correct column.
Checking For Understanding:
At this point, I will ask for understanding and see if anybody needs clarification.
Reteach:
If they are struggling with the concepts or the activity I will reteach and refer back to our
diamond papers to strengthen comprehension.
Independent Practice:
They will continue the activity without my walking them through each step of the process. They
will be given the word, and then I will give them time, on their own, to come up with the words.
I will assist if needed.
Mastery Check:
If they correctly identify synonyms and antonyms for the given words, then I will know they
have mastered the concept.
ELAR Synonyms and Antonyms
Extension:
If needed or if possible, I will introduce the thesaurus as a resource where listed for us are
synonyms and antonyms of all words. We can do an exercise where I will give them a word and
using their new resource they find synonyms and antonyms.
Closure:
As always, I will thank the students for their time, and tell them that we are going to review more
about this next time we meet.
ELAR Synonyms and Antonyms
Vocabulary List for Synonym/Antonym Lesson
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Myth – a story or character that is not real.
Rivals – competitors
Bellow – to make a low, loud sound
Omens - signs or occurrences that foreshadow good or evil luck
Ancestors – person from whom one is descended
Gruel – a watery porridge, or oatmeal
Word
Myth
Rivals
Bellow
Omens
Ancestor
Gruel
Synonyms
Fable, legend, fantasy, tall tale
Competitors, challengers,
opponents
Cry, howl, roar, growl, mutter
Indication, premonition,
warning
Antecedent, forerunner,
founder
Mush, oatmeal, grits
Antonyms
Fact, non-fiction, truth, real
Associate, companion,
teammate
whisper
Unknown, without warning
Descendent
Porridge,