Activity Description

Preparation:

1. Select a text that introduces students to the concept of using exciting words to replace boring words
   1. For example: Fancy Nancy, by Jane O’Connor
   2. You would want to choose a text with lots of interesting vocabulary words or explicit demonstration of using interesting synonyms
   3. Read through the text and choose 5-10 words with which more exciting synonyms can be matched (or more bland words if the text is very exciting)
2. Prepare word cards
   1. Write each selected word from the text and the corresponding word on separate cards

Implementation:

1. Read aloud the selected story
   1. Stop at the each word and discuss a synonym for the word or ask students to identify what the “exciting” word means
2. Hand out the word cards to each student
   1. Ask students to read the words to themselves
3. Call out one of the simple words and ask the student with this card to stand at the front of the classroom
4. Invite the student with the corresponding synonym to stand beside the other student and have both students hold up their cards for students to read
5. Continue to call out words and matching synonyms
6. Invite students to have a short discussion about how using synonyms in their writing will catch the reader’s attention and make their writing more interesting to read

Adaptations For

English Language Learners/ESL:

- Prior to the activity pre-teach vocabulary words to students
- Pre-select a word card for student and have student practice reading and recognizing the word prior to the activity

LD/Reading & Writing Difficulties:

- Provide picture cues for each word
- Pre-teach words and the definition of the synonym
- Provide opportunities to practice selecting synonyms for familiar words

Cultural Appropriateness & Diversity:

- Choose words that are culturally inclusive
- Select a book that is culturally inclusive

Differentiated Instruction:

- Allow students to provide a variety of synonyms for chosen words

Related References

Evidence:
Brown, R., Waring, R. & Donkaewbua, S. (2008). Incidental vocabulary acquisition from reading, reading-while-listening, and listening to stories. Reading in a Foreign Language, 20, 136-163.