teaching resource

Synonyms Board Game

  • Updated

    Updated:  13 Feb 2023

Read 18 words and identify their synonyms as you race players to the end of the game board.

  • Editable

    Editable:  Google Slides

  • Non-Editable

    Non-Editable:  PDF

  • Pages

    Pages:  1 Page

  • Curriculum
  • Grades

    Grades:  3 - 4

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teaching resource

Synonyms Board Game

  • Updated

    Updated:  13 Feb 2023

Read 18 words and identify their synonyms as you race players to the end of the game board.

  • Editable

    Editable:  Google Slides

  • Non-Editable

    Non-Editable:  PDF

  • Pages

    Pages:  1 Page

  • Curriculum
  • Grades

    Grades:  3 - 4

Read 18 words and identify their synonyms as you race players to the end of the game board.

Match Similar Words With Our Synonyms Board Game

Looking for an activity that builds a voluminous vocabulary…a large lingo…a substantial syntax?

This one might just take the cake tart! 

Through this activity, students will use their reading skills to match similar words as they identify synonyms

Players take turns pulling the top card from the deck and reading the word. Then, they move their game piece to the first space that contains a synonym of that word. If there are no more spaces with a synonym, the player loses their turn. Play continues until a player draws a card that matches the last space on the game board.

Scaffolding + Extension Tips 

Support students who need help understanding the concepts by providing visuals like an anchor chart or posters with common words and their synonyms

Challenge fast finishers who understand the concepts use the synonyms in a sentence (written or orally, depending on proficiency). 

Get our 10 Best Scaffolding Strategies here! 

Use Our Synonym Board Game In More Ways Than One

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: 

🖼️ Scoot Activity

Display all 18 word cards around the room. Working either alone or in pairs, assign a starting card to each student and have them write a synonym for their word on a sheet of paper numbered 1-18. When you say, “Scoot,” students will rotate through the cards until they have written a synonym for each one. Project the game board for reference if needed. 

👋 Swat! 

During small group instruction, lay 3 cards on top of a table and give each student a fly swatter. Provide students with a synonym for one of the visible cards and have the students swat the similar card. The first student to swat the correct word sets the card aside in a pile to keep score. The student with the most cards wins. 

🃏 Upcycle Into Playing Cards

Print a second set of word cards and use them to play games like Match It, Go Fish, or Snap, to name a few. 

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.


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

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