This Real Grammar KS2 resources pack provides everything that you need to explore synonyms. Teaching slides, worksheets, games and an opportunity to apply the new learning in a writing task are all included to create a complete resource to teach using synonyms in oral and written work.
It is recommended that pupils have access to a thesaurus to help them complete the activities and develop their understanding of synonyms. The model text is based on the tales of Sinbad the Sailor. You may want to read these stories about Sinbad’s seven voyages to inspire pupils’ writing.
What is a synonym?
Synonyms are words with the same or a similar meaning. The words fast, speedy and rapid are synonyms of the word quick.
Why do we use synonyms?
Using synonyms helps to develop children’s vocabulary in spoken and written language. Vocabulary choices can communicate information more clearly through careful use of synonyms, creating a more vivid image for the reader or listener.
For example, we could write the following.
- I saw a large animal in the distance.
Or, we could use our knowledge of synonyms to write this, which gives a scarier image for the reader as we unsure what the creature might be.
- I saw a monstrous beast in the distance.
Synonyms can also create cohesion when writing, using words with similar meaning to link parts of the text.
What is included in this resource pack?
This pack is divided into five parts:
TEACH
This section includes PowerPoint teaching slides and teaching notes with an optional script to introduce synonyms. It can also be used to revisit this aspect of grammar with pupils.
PRACTISE
An independent activity for pupils to practise using what they have been taught, allowing teachers to assess understanding.
REVISIT
A series of short, 10-minute activities that can be used following the TEACH session to revisit and rehearse what has been taught. These may be short writing tasks, grammar games or editing/proofreading activities.
APPLY
A short writing task where pupils can use the grammar skills taught in context to produce independent writing.
REVISE
Five SATs style test questions, including cloze activities and multiple choice quiz questions, based on the grammar that has been taught.
Teachers can choose which section of the resource pack to use according to their pupils’ needs and could use the activities over a series of lessons or weeks
Teacher notes are provided to show how these quality resources could be used with pupils.
How is this resource differentiated?
The PRACTISE and REVISE sections include three activities differentiated for three levels of ability:
- Worksheet 1 for pupils who may need support. Questions will have a lower cognitive domain (what is being asked of pupils) and/or vocabulary used may be simplified where possible.
- Worksheet 2 for pupils working at age related expectations.
- Worksheet 3 for pupils who may need an additional challenge and may be working at a greater depth in this area. Questions will have a higher cognitive domain with more challenging vocabulary.
SUPPORT and CHALLENGE ideas are also included in the teacher notes of each section where relevant, with ideas of how to support pupils working towards the expected standard or at greater depth in this area.
What pupil-facing resources are included?
- TEACH
PPT slides; model text ‘Sinbad’s voyage’; synonyms bookmarks
- PRACTISE
Practise 1, Practise 2 and Practise 3 worksheets
- REVISIT
Game 1, game 2
Answer sheets for all worksheets are provided, where appropriate.