This short vocabulary activity works like a mini thesaurus for my students to encourage better word choice in their writing. The activity illustrates the different intensity levels words can have and helps students see shades of meaning.
There are 20 word lists included with 7-9 word choices per list. Print and cut the word lists and provide a student, students pairs, or student groups with a family of words. The students "rank" the words from weak to strong and write the ordered list on a paint chip for visual reinforcement.
Teachers have the option to remove tricky words or require students to use their dictionary skills and locate unfamiliar words. There is no one correct answer, but I love watching the students debate reasons why one word might be stronger than another. The Ranking Words Vocabulary Activity also has extension options like analogy practice or naming the word category.
Happy Word Work!
Caitlin
The-Room-Mom.com
