Synonyms and Antonyms

PARENTS: One of the ELA standards for 2nd grade is to understand and appropriately use antonyms and synonyms. This is difficult skill for many students because of the academic language involved. Children are used to hearing the labels same, or opposite. On the CST they will not be listed that way, so please help your child become more familiar with the academic language that will be used when they are tested.

We use synonyms and antonyms everyday without even knowing it. Synonyms are words that have the same or similar meanings. For example, a few synonyms for the word smart are intelligent, clever, genius, or brilliant. Synonyms are important and can make writing more powerful and brings words to life. Encourage your children to think of other synonyms.

An antonym is a word with the opposite meaning of another word. For example, a few antonyms for the word bored are excited, and thrilled. Some words only have one antonym like
black and white. Other words have many antonyms.

Brainstorming and using synonyms and antonyms are great ways to build your child's vocabulary!
Here's a few to get you started . . .

Synonyms

Happy and Glad








Small and Little







Name two more sets of synonyms.


Antonyms

Fast and Slow








Big and Little

Name two more sets of antonyms.


Okay, now are you ready for some fun? Let's practice what you have learned about synonyms and antonyms. Click on the link below and test your skills.

http://www.arcademicskillbuilders.com/games/frog/frog.html