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    Synonyms and Antonyms

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    Subject: ELA (English Language Arts), ESL/ELL (English Language Learning)

    Lesson Length: 30 - 45 mins

    Topic: Synonyms and Antonyms

    Grade Level: 4, 5

    Standards / Framework:

    Brief Description: Students read a comic and create synonym and antonym cards.

    Know Before You Start: If students are unfamiliar with the word opposite, pre-teach this concept before completing the lesson.

    Hook:

    • Read and discuss the first two panels of the sample comic.

    • Explain to students that words that mean the same as other words are called synonyms. Words that mean the opposite are called antonyms.

    • After reading the third panel, have students brainstorm synonyms of the word nice on one side of the index card. Next, have the students flip the card over and write words that mean the opposite. Continue doing this exercise with the rest of the panels. 

    Activity:

    • Using the sample comic as a guide, have students create a synonym/antonym comic of their own.

    Closure:

    • Remind students that good readers can give examples of words or phrases that are the same as or opposite of another word.
    • Instruct students to think of synonyms and antonyms while they are reading independently.

    Differentiation:

    • Allow students to use the speech-to-text feature.
    • Allow students to work in pairs or groups as needed.
    • Adapt the sample comic as needed to include more or less complex sentences.

    • Student language level should be taken into consideration before completing the lesson.

    • Encourage students to complete this exercise in their home language to reinforce the overall concept of synonyms and antonyms.

    • Allow students to use the voiceover feature to read their comics aloud.

    Resources:

    • Comic to print or display: Comic. 

    Suggested Content Packs:

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