Looking for Homonyms

A Word Wall Activity

Stage of Literacy Development:

Stage 2: Consolidation / Fluency
Stage 3: Literacy for Growth

Ages:

5-9

Grade Range:

1st 2nd 3rd

Food Groups:

Primary:
Spelling & Word Study

Activity Description

Preparation:

Select 2 to 3 sets of homonyms from the Word Wall
Brainstorm clues that could be used to help students identify the target homonyms

Implementation:

Tell students that you are thinking of a Word Wall word and their task is to identify it
Provide 1 or 2 clues about the word and then allow students to take turns guessing the word
1. Remind students to search through the Word Wall as the clues are presented to see if they can find the word
2. For example, The word I am thinking of begins with the letter that makes the /t/ sound, it is a contraction and it contains one syllable.
One by one, invite students to share their guesses with the class
1. Have them say the word, spell the word, say the word again and then orally use the word in a sentence
2. Provide additional clues if necessary
Review the meaning of homonyms
1. For example, homonyms are words that sound the same but are spelled differently and carry different meanings
Once the mystery word is identified, ask students to search the Word Wall to find a homonym for the word
1. One by one, invite students to share their guess, spell it and orally use the word in a sentence
2. Repeat step 5 for all the homonyms associated with a word
Repeat steps 2 through 5 (with the exception of step 4) for all sets of homonyms displayed on the Word Wall

Adaptations For

English Language Learners/ESL:

- Provide homonyms to students in advance to afford practice time

Cultural Appropriateness & Diversity:

- Provide explicit instruction of words that are not meaningful and accessible to all students

Related References

Graded lists of high frequency words have been developed by Fry and Dolch: http://www.k12reader.com/fry-word-list-1000-high-frequency-words/

Evidence:
Zipke, M. (2011). First graders receive instruction in homonym detection and meaning articulation: The effect of explicit metalinguistic awareness practice on beginning readers. Reading Psychology, 32, 349-371.

Activity Objective

The goal of Looking for Homonyms: A Word Wall Activity is for students to practice identifying, spelling and using homonyms through an engaging word hunt activity.

What You Need

Prep Time:

5 minutes
- Select 2 to 3 sets of homonyms from the Word Wall
- Brainstorm clues that could be used to help students identify the target homonyms

Task Time:

15 minutes
- Teacher provides clues about a Word Wall word that she's thinking of
- Students identify the mystery Word Wall word, spell it, and use it in a sentence
- Teacher reviews the concept of homonyms
- Students identify homonyms associated with the word, spell them, and orally use them in sentences

Materials Required:

Teacher:
- Word Wall with examples of homonyms

What You Do

Teacher Role:

Direct instruction:
- while introducing the activity and explaining what homonyms are

Facilitator:
- while students identify, spell, and orally use homonyms in a sentence

Student Grouping:

Whole class:
- throughout activity

Assessment Ideas:

- Implement the activity with individual students to assess their ability to identify, spell and use homonyms appropriately

Quick Tips

Activity Extensions:

- Have students facilitate the activity
      a. Invite students to select the mystery word and provide clues to their classmates

Additional Comments:

- A Word Wall is required to implement this activity

- Students should have some previous experience with homonyms as this activity serves as a review or practice rather than an introduction to homonyms.