Looking for a grammar game to teach or revisit synonyms in UKS2?
This pack contains a set of loop cards that is perfect for a whole class or small groups to develop vocabulary choices by exploring synonyms. This simple game asks pupils to find words that are synonyms to create a loop, with each card having an answer and a new question.
There are 32 cards, allowing the game to be played by the whole class as a starter activity to revisit previous learning; or groups could create the loop as part of a main teaching activity on synonyms.
Once the resource is created, it can be used time and time again to revisit this area of learning as part of whole class teaching or an intervention for pupils who may need further support.
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 are 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.
National Curriculum programme of study links
Year 6 English Appendix 2
- How words are related by meaning as synonyms and antonyms