Synonym and Antonym Secret-Reveal Pocket Chart

• Feature study words from topics in Math, Social Studies, meaning. Urge students to come up with additional
Music, and Science. synonyms if they can.
• For synonyms that are adjectives or verbs, have students
• Use words from the Antonym and Synonym Word Lists in discuss the differences between the synonyms and create a
this guide. linear array according to the intensity of the words. For
example, students could create the following linear arrays
Synonym or Antonym Centers for the words cold and eat as the “general”—less
After students have worked with synonyms in the Pocket descriptive—words.
Chart, place it on a stand, bulletin board, or magnet-receptive Adjective
surface in your literacy center. Tuck the synonym Header Card
into the top pocket, and tell students that they will be working Verb
with synonyms. Place the synonym Word Cards in one basket
and the blank Multiple Answer Cards along with a dry erase Explain to students that linear arrays are visual
marker in another basket. Provide two pencils and copies of the representations to help them examine subtle distinctions in
Synonym Reproducible in the center. Choose partners to work word meanings. Arranging words in this manner is useful when
together at the center and indicate that: comparing words or concepts that vary in intensity. Indicate
1. One student chooses a synonym Word Card from the basket that the far-left word is the least extreme, the far-right word
is the most extreme, and the center word is a general or
and places it in the pocket below for the word: broader word.
2. The same student secretly labels a Multiple Answer Card

with all of the synonyms he or she can think of and places it
in the pocket under the secret reveal flap.
3. The other partner labels Answer Cards with his or her
guesses and places them in the pockets under Our guesses.
4. The first partner lifts the secret reveal flap to see what
words they have in common and the partners discuss which
words are correct.
5. Each student writes the word on a reproducible, illustrates
it, discusses his or her guesses, and narrows them down to
what he or she thinks are the correct answers.
6. The partners switch roles and repeat the process.
7. Both students store their reproducible in their reading
folder or turn it in for assessment.

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Synonym and Antonym Secret-Reveal Pocket Chart™

them in the pockets below Our guesses. Discuss how each of After students have worked with synonyms in the Pocket
the guesses relates to the word—whether the guess is the Chart, place it in your literacy center, and tuck the antonym
antonym or a synonym that represents a shade of meaning of Header Card into the top pocket. Place the antonym Word
the original word. Have students vote on which of the word(s) Cards in one basket and the blank Answer Cards along with a
are the synonyms or the antonym. Have a student reveal the dry erase marker in another basket. Provide two pencils and
correct synonym or antonym. Tell students to circle all correct copies of the Antonym Reproducible in the center. Choose
guesses on their reproducible and to write a sentence with the partners to work together at the center and indicate that:
original word and a sentence with one of its synonyms or the 1. One student chooses an antonym Word Card from the
antonym. Direct students to turn in the reproducibles for
assessment. Later on, they can compile all of the reproducibles basket and places it in the pocket below for the word.
into a synonym or antonym book by stapling their sheets 2. The same student finds the correct antonym Word Card in
together behind a self-illustrated cover.
the basket and places it in the pocket under the secret
More Synonyms and Antonyms reveal flap.
Encourage students to come up with more antonyms and 3. The other partner labels an Answer Card with his or her
synonyms to write on the blank Word Cards. Here are some guess and places it in a pocket under Our guesses.
approaches to get them started: 4. The first partner lifts the secret reveal flap to see the
• Create a Nominate a Word Box: Place a shoebox with a hole correct antonym.
5. Each student writes the word on a reproducible, illustrates
cut in the lid in your literacy center. Label it with “I want to it, and writes each antonym in a sentence.
learn more about this word.” Place a stack of index cards 6. The partners switch roles and repeat the process.
and a marker next to the box. Tell students that if they 7. Both students store their reproducible in their reading
hear a word or see a word while reading that they want to folder or turn it in for assessment.
identify synonyms or an antonym for the word, they are to
write the word they discovered on a card and place it in the Shades of Meaning Synonyms
box. Review the contents of the box every few days to see if Use the Synonym Word List as a reference for synonyms that
there are words that you want to use in the Pocket Chart. represent shades of meaning. You can expand your lessons with
• Feature words from books that the class is reading the following activities:
together. • For a verb such as eat, have students name synonyms for

the word and act out those words that indicate shades of

by acting out the meanings. antonym for the word in the pocket. Remind students that
L.1.5 With guidance and support from adults, demonstrate whenever they communicate, they should use the best, most
precise words that describe exactly what they mean. Point out
understanding of word relationships and nuances in word that by using the best word, it is more effective, more helpful,
meanings. and even more exciting than it is to use a general word, which
L.1.5.d Distinguish shades of meaning among verbs differing in would be less descriptive. Ask for a volunteer to read the Word
manner (for example, look, peek, glance, stare, glare, scowl) Card in the pocket below the header for the word. Ask several
and adjectives differing in intensity (for example, large, volunteers to make guesses for synonyms or an antonym for
gigantic) by defining or choosing them or by acting out the word. Use a dry erase marker to record their answers on
the meanings. blank Answer Cards, and place them in the pockets below Our
L.2.5 Demonstrate understanding of word relationships and guesses. If you want, have students vote on which words are
nuances in word meanings. correct. Finally, have a student lift the flap to reveal the
L.2.5.b Distinguish shades of meaning among closely related verbs correct answer.
(for example, toss, throw, hurl) and closely related adjectives
(for example, thin, slender, skinny, scrawny). Make more of a game of it as you change words by asking
students to close their eyes while you place the new secret
Cleaning and Storing the Synonym and Antonym reveal Word Card under the flap or by standing in front of the
Secret-Reveal Pocket Chart™ Pocket Chart to shield the pocket.
Keep your Pocket Chart in good condition by wiping it
occasionally with a damp sponge. Fold the Pocket Chart Daily Synonyms/Antonyms
horizontally along the stitching lines for easy storage. Before students come in for the day, copy either the Synonym
Reproducible or Antonym Reproducible, and place a copy on
Assembling, Displaying, and Preparing the Synonym and each student’s desk. Place the appropriate Cards in the Pocket
Antonym Secret-Reveal Pocket Chart™ Chart. Instruct students to write the word on the reproducible,
Before introducing the Synonym and Antonym Secret-Reveal illustrate the word, and write their guesses for the synonyms
Pocket Chart™, make copies of this Really Good Stuff® Activity or antonym.
Guide and file the pages for future use. Or, download another
copy of it from our Web site at www.reallygoodstuff.com. Cut When you are ready to discuss the word, direct students’
apart the Word Cards, Blank Cards, Header Cards, Multiple attention to the Pocket Chart. Ask a student to read the
Answer Cards, and Answer Cards. Store them in the Storage Header Card and the Word Card. Ask volunteers to share their
Pocket on the back of the Pocket Chart when not in use. Always guesses. Have several students come forward and use a dry
use a dry erase marker on the Cards in order to preserve their erase marker to write their guesses on Answer Cards and place
Write Again® wipe-off laminate surface. At the end of each
All activity guides can be found online.

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Synonym and Antonym Secret-Reveal Pocket Chart™

This Really Good Stuff® product includes: lesson, wipe off the Answer Cards and Multiple Answer Cards
• Pocket Chart, with magnetic strip and storage pocket with a soft cloth before storing them.
• 22 Word Cards, two-sided
• 12 Blank Cards, two-sided, Write Again® wipe-off To set up the Synonym and Antonym Secret-Reveal Pocket
Chart™ for your lesson:
laminate
• 2 Header Cards, two-sided 1. Hang it on a pocket chart stand, a bulletin board with
• 6 Multiple Answer Cards, two-sided, Write Again® pushpins, or a magnet-receptive surface.

wipe-off laminate 2. Place the Header Card for a synonym or an antonym in
• 12 Answer Cards, two-sided, Write Again® wipe-off the pocket below the words Looking for. (Note: These
Header Cards are offered with and without the definition
laminate to use depending upon your students’ level of
• This Really Good Stuff® Activity Guide understanding.)

Congratulations on your purchase of this Really Good Stuff® 3. Choose a Word Card, and place it in the pocket below the
Synonym and Antonym Secret-Reveal Pocket Chart™—an word. (When appropriate, label blank Word Cards with
interactive way for students to study synonyms and antonyms. additional words you wish students to understand.)

Meeting Common Core State Standards 4. Place either the correct antonym Word Card or a Multiple
This Synonym and Antonym Secret-Reveal Pocket Chart™ is Answer Card on which you have written the shades of
aligned with the following Common Core State Standards for meaning synonym(s) under the Secret Reveal Flap.
English Language Arts:
5. Stage the blank Answer Cards and a dry erase marker
near the Pocket Chart.

Vocabulary Acquisition and Use Introducing the Synonym and Antonym Secret-Reveal Pocket
L.K.5 With guidance and support from adults, explore word Chart™
Gather students, and show them the Synonym and Antonym
relationships and nuances in word meanings. Secret-Reveal Pocket Chart™. Explain that they will use this
L.K.5.b Demonstrate understanding of frequently occurring verbs and Pocket Chart to review synonyms and antonyms. Point to the
Header Card in the top pocket, and read it to students.
adjectives by relating them to their opposites (antonyms). Indicate whether students will be guessing a synonym or an
L.K.5.d Distinguish shades of meaning among verbs describing the

same general action (for example, walk, march, strut, prance)

Antonym Reproducible

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Synonym Reproducible

light heavy (or dark) say declare, announce, mention, recite, speak, tell,
loud quiet whisper
low high shoe boot, sneaker, pump, sandal, heel, clog
near far sleep nap, rest, slumber, snooze
neat messy smart intelligent, bright, clever, sharp, wise
on off street road, avenue, drive, lane, route, boulevard, lane
open closed ask question, inquire, demand
over under brave heroic, courageous, daring, fearless
push pull cry weep, bawl, sob, blubber
right wrong (or left) difficult hard, challenging, demanding, tough
same different kind nice, helpful, friendly, courteous
tall short make build, construct, create, prepare
right correct, proper, good
stop halt, cease, end, finish
walk stroll, amble, roam, strut

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Synonym and Antonym Secret-Reveal Pocket Chart™

Antonyms Synonyms
(Note: the boldfaced words are (Note: the boldfaced words are included on Cards in this Kit)
included on Cards in this Kit)

Word Antonym Word Shades-of-Meaning Synonyms
big little angry mad, cross, enraged, furious, annoyed
black white big huge, large, ample, colossal, enormous, gigantic,
down up immense, massive, tremendous, vast
full empty car auto, automobile, vehicle, sedan, convertible
happy sad cat kitty, puss, feline
hot cold cold chilly, freezing, brisk, frigid, cool, icy, wintery
in out eat consume, devour, gorge, munch, nibble
new old friends pals, mates, chums, buddies, comrades
no yes happy cheerful, joyful, glad, content, merry, thrilled, upbeat
stop go hot arid, baking, blazing, burning, fiery, piping, scalding,
soft hard searing, warm, sizzling, steamy
day night house abode, home, dwelling, residence
dry wet laugh giggle, chuckle, snicker, guffaw, chortle
few many little small, diminutive, minute, petite, tiny, wee
first last look gaze, notice, observe, peep, see, study, watch
front back many lots, countless, numerous, plentiful
inside outside money cash, currency, coins, bills,
left right pretty attractive, beautiful, cute, darling, lovely
run dash, race, trot, scamper, jog, gallop