Understanding The Value In Antonyms

Hot, cold. 

Wet, dry. 

Soft, hard. 

Learning a word’s opposite isn’t just a vocabulary skill. 

Identifying antonyms helps you understand whether a word is appropriate in context. For example, whether you need a stronger or more delicate word in its place.

Because knowing what you mean to say is one thing. But knowing what you don’t want to say is just as valuable as a language skill. 

Match Opposites For Language Development

Through this activity, students will show they can relate words to their opposites. 

Players will choose a card, read the word, and identify its antonym on the game board. When they find a word, they cover it with one of their game pieces. The player who connects four squares in a row first is the winner!

Scaffolding + Extension Tips 

Support students who need help understanding the concepts by referring to an antonym poster or anchor chart for help. 

Challenge fast finishers who already understand the concept to practice using the antonyms in a sentence (orally or written, depending on proficiency).  

Get our 10 Best Scaffolding Strategies here! 

More ​​Antonym Games From This Activity! 

We created this resource for your reading center as an independent practice activity. We also suggest using it to reinforce your small group and full-class lessons in the following ways: 

✏️ Write the Room (Scoot Activity)

Hang sheets of chart paper around the room and post a word card above each one. Individually, or with a partner, have students rotate around the room, adding an antonym on the paper below the word. Project the game board for reference, if needed. Words may be used only once.

🔤 Alphabetical Order

As students play the game, challenge them to put their word cards in alphabetical order. Once the game is over, have players work together to sort all words on the cards into ABC order. 

💥 Swat! 

During small group instruction, create a grid of 5 word cards on top of a table. Give each student a fly swatter. Use the game board to give students the word opposite one of the visible word cards. The first student to swat its correct antonym sets the card aside in their own pile to keep score. The student with the most cards wins. 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Before You Download

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. An answer key is also included with this download.

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This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a teacher in Michigan and Teach Starter Collaborator. 

 

Love language? So do we! And we think your students will too with these activities: 

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