Understanding Synonyms in English Structure English Grammar Primary 6 First Term Lesson Notes Week 3

Subject: English Language
Class: Primary 6
Term: First Term
Week: 3
Topic: Word Formation: Synonyms
Sub-topics:

  • Definition of Synonyms
  • Identifying Synonyms of Given Words
  • Using Words and Their Synonyms in Sentences
    Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

  1. Define synonyms.
  2. Identify the synonyms of given words.
  3. Use words and their synonyms correctly in sentences.

Keywords:

  • Synonym
  • Word Formation
  • Sentence

Set Induction:

The teacher will start by asking the pupils to think of different words that mean the same thing, like “happy” and “joyful.” This will introduce the concept of synonyms.

Entry Behaviour:

Pupils are familiar with basic vocabulary and have an understanding of words that have similar meanings.

Learning Materials:

  • Flashcards with pairs of synonyms
  • Word lists for identifying synonyms
  • Sentence examples for practice

Instructional Materials:

  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Flashcards
  • A chart displaying common synonyms

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

The teacher will link the lesson to prior knowledge by reminding pupils that they often use different words to describe the same thing, like saying “big” instead of “large.”

Embedded Core Skills:

  • Critical thinking
  • Vocabulary development
  • Communication skills

Reference Books:

  • Lagos State Scheme of Work
  • Primary 6 English Textbook

Content:

1. Definition of Synonyms:

  • Synonyms are words that have the same or nearly the same meaning as another word.
  • Examples:
    1. Beautiful – Pretty
    2. Large – Big
    3. Small – Tiny
    4. Quick – Fast
    5. Happy – Joyful

2. Identifying Synonyms of Given Words:

  • Recognizing synonyms involves understanding that different words can share similar meanings.
  • Example Exercise:
    • Find the synonyms:
      1. Angry – _______ (Mad)
      2. Easy – _______ (Simple)
      3. Smart – _______ (Clever)
      4. Start – _______ (Begin)
      5. End – _______ (Finish)

3. Using Words and Their Synonyms in Sentences:

  • Practice using synonyms correctly in sentences.
  • Example Sentences:
    1. The house is big. The house is also large.
    2. She wore a beautiful dress. She wore a pretty dress.
    3. The ant is small. The ant is also tiny.
    4. The car is fast. The car is quick.
    5. He is a smart boy. He is a clever boy.

Evaluation:

Fill in the blank with the correct synonym:

  1. The flower is beautiful. It is also _______.
    a) pretty
    b) large
  2. The box is big. It is also _______.
    a) tiny
    b) large
  3. The mouse is small. It is also _______.
    a) large
    b) tiny
  4. She is a smart girl. She is also _______.
    a) clever
    b) angry
  5. He is happy today. He is also _______.
    a) joyful
    b) fast
  6. The task was very easy. It was also _______.
    a) simple
    b) hard
  7. I will start my homework. I will also _______ my homework.
    a) end
    b) begin
  8. They are angry. They are also _______.
    a) mad
    b) clever
  9. We will end the game soon. We will also _______ the game.
    a) begin
    b) finish
  10. The car is quick. It is also _______.
    a) fast
    b) slow
  11. She wore a pretty hat. It was also _______.
    a) beautiful
    b) ugly
  12. The task was very simple. It was also _______.
    a) easy
    b) difficult
  13. The cat is tiny. It is also _______.
    a) small
    b) large
  14. He is a clever boy. He is also _______.
    a) smart
    b) foolish
  15. The child is very joyful. He is also _______.
    a) sad
    b) happy

Class Activity Discussion:

  1. What are synonyms?
    Answer: Synonyms are words that have the same or nearly the same meaning.
  2. Can you give a synonym for “large”?
    Answer: “Big.”
  3. Use the word “beautiful” in a sentence.
    Answer: The dress is beautiful.
  4. What is the synonym for “happy”?
    Answer: “Joyful.”
  5. How would you describe a “tiny” insect?
    Answer: A tiny insect is small.
  6. What is the synonym for “start”?
    Answer: “Begin.”
  7. Give a synonym for “quick.”
    Answer: “Fast.”
  8. What is the opposite of a synonym?
    Answer: An antonym.
  9. Use the word “smart” in a sentence.
    Answer: He is a smart student.
  10. What is a synonym for “easy”?
    Answer: “Simple.”
  11. If someone is “mad,” what is another word for it?
    Answer: “Angry.”
  12. How can you use “clever” in a sentence?
    Answer: She is a clever girl.
  13. What is a synonym for “end”?
    Answer: “Finish.”
  14. What is another word for “pretty”?
    Answer: “Beautiful.”
  15. Use “large” in a sentence.
    Answer: The elephant is large.

Presentation:

Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic, which was “Finding Words in a Simple Dictionary or Long List.” Pupils will recall how they searched for words and categorized them.

Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic by explaining what synonyms are and how different words can have similar meanings.

Step 3: The teacher allows the pupils to contribute by providing their own examples of synonyms and using them in sentences. The teacher corrects any mistakes.

Teacher’s Activities:

  • Explain the concept of synonyms and provide examples.
  • Guide pupils through identifying synonyms of given words.
  • Assist pupils in using synonyms correctly in sentences.

Learners’ Activities:

  • Practice identifying synonyms.
  • Use words and their synonyms in sentences.
  • Participate in group activities to reinforce understanding.

Assessment:

  1. Define a synonym.
  2. What is the synonym for “large”?
  3. Use the word “pretty” in a sentence.
  4. Write a sentence using the word “fast” and its synonym.
  5. Identify the synonym of “easy.”

Conclusion:

The teacher goes around to mark the pupils’ work, offering praise and corrections where necessary. The teacher emphasizes the importance of knowing and using synonyms to enrich vocabulary.