• Printer Friendly Version

Subject

English Language Arts (2005), English Language Arts (NYS P-12 Common Core)

Objectives

• Students will utilize a thesaurus to improve writing.
• Students will utilize technology to aid in their learning.
• Students will recognize the importance of using strong verbs in their writing.

Duration

• One 45-minute class

Step-by-Step Procedure

• Do Now: define synonym. Discuss meaning and write the definition on the SMART Board.
• Discuss ‘dead words’ and have students give examples.
• Read sample paragraph with dead words. Ask students to point out possible dead words.
• Reread paragraph with improved vocabulary and discuss differences. Which would students rather read?
• Explain activity directions and have them on the SMART Board.
• Each group will use a thesaurus to find 5 synonyms for each dead word on their list.
• Student will have the teacher okay their list. Each student will copy the dead word and synonyms into their notebook.
• The group will choose their favorite synonym for each dead word and write it on a paper strip.
• The teacher will collect the paper strips. As a class, students will choose the correct dead word to go with each synonym.
  • Dead Words will have been posted on the wall beforehand.

dead word lessonplan.notebook

Description

• In this lesson, students will use an online thesaurus to find synonyms to overused words in student writing.

Materials

• SMART Board
• laptops
• dead word lists
• construction paper
• notebook lesson

dead word lessonplan.notebook

Assessment

• Teacher observation
• Correct use of synonyms

Related Academic Standards

New York State

5L4c Consult reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses) to find the pronunciation and determine or clarify the precise meaning of key words and phrases.

5L6 Acquire and accurately use general academic and content-specific words and phrases, including those that signal contrast, addition, and other logical relationships (e.g., however, although, nevertheless, similarly, moreover, in addition).

6L4c Consult reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses) to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning or its part of speech.

6L6 Acquire and accurately use general academic and content-specific words and phrases; apply vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.

7SL1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners; express ideas clearly and persuasively, and build on those of others.

View All