English · Foundation

Active learning ideas

Understanding Synonyms (Same Meaning)

Active learning turns abstract word relationships into concrete experiences. When students physically match, hunt, or act out synonyms, they build mental pathways between words that stay stronger than passive worksheets.

• ACARA Content Descriptions
• AC9EFLA05

• 20–30 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 4 activities

Activity 01

• Inside-Outside Circle
• 25 min · Pairs

Card Matching: Synonym Pairs

Create pairs of cards with simple synonyms and matching pictures, like 'happy/glad' with smiling faces. Students work in pairs to match them face down, flipping two at a time and saying the words aloud. After matching all pairs, pairs share one new synonym with the class.

Explain how synonyms can make writing more interesting.

Facilitation Tip

During Card Matching, pair students with a peer who has a different first language so they must rely on shared meanings rather than decoding skills.

What to look for

Present students with a sentence like 'The big dog barked.' Ask them to underline the word 'big' and then draw a picture of a synonym for 'big' next to it, such as 'large' or 'huge'.

• Remember
• Understand
• Apply
• Relationship Skills
• Self-Management

Activity 02

• Inside-Outside Circle
• 30 min · Small Groups

Synonym Hunt: Picture Scavenger

Display classroom objects or pictures. In small groups, students select an item, name it, and brainstorm a synonym, recording with drawings or labels. Groups share hunts, voting on the most creative pair.

Construct a sentence using a synonym for a given word.

Facilitation Tip

During Synonym Hunt, provide picture cards with both the image and the word so visual and print cues reinforce each other.

What to look for

Give each student a card with a word like 'sad'. Ask them to write one word that means the same thing (a synonym) and then use it in a new sentence. For example, 'The boy felt glum.'

• Remember
• Understand
• Apply
• Relationship Skills
• Self-Management

Activity 03

• Inside-Outside Circle
• 20 min · Small Groups

Synonym Swap: Sentence Relay

Write simple sentences on cards with a key word. Teams line up; first student runs to board, swaps the word with a synonym, and reads aloud. Next teammate repeats with another sentence until all done.

Compare the subtle differences between two synonyms.

Facilitation Tip

During Synonym Swap, stand beside each relay team to listen for justification of word choices and prompt students to explain their thinking aloud.

What to look for

Show two pictures, one of someone running quickly and one of someone jogging slowly. Ask students: 'Which word is a synonym for run? Which word is a synonym for jog? How are 'run' and 'jog' a little bit different?'

• Remember
• Understand
• Apply
• Relationship Skills
• Self-Management

Activity 04

• Inside-Outside Circle
• 25 min · Pairs

Synonym Charades: Act and Guess

Students draw a word card, act out its meaning without speaking. Partner guesses, then names a synonym. Switch roles, then whole class discusses pairs like 'walk/stroll'.

Explain how synonyms can make writing more interesting.

Facilitation Tip

During Synonym Charades, limit the word list to Tier 1 and Tier 2 vocabulary to keep the focus on meaning rather than obscure words.

What to look for

Present students with a sentence like 'The big dog barked.' Ask them to underline the word 'big' and then draw a picture of a synonym for 'big' next to it, such as 'large' or 'huge'.

• Remember
• Understand
• Apply
• Relationship Skills
• Self-Management

A few notes on teaching this unit

Teach synonyms by starting with familiar Tier 1 words so students see synonyms everywhere, not just in advanced texts. Use quick oral drills to reinforce pairs before written work, and always ask students to justify choices with sentences. Avoid overloading with too many synonyms at once; three to five strong pairs per lesson stick better than long lists.

Successful students will confidently identify synonym pairs, explain small meaning differences, and swap words in sentences without losing the original idea. They will talk about why one synonym fits better than another in a given context.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During Synonym Swap, watch for students who swap synonyms randomly without considering tone or audience. Correction: After the relay, hold a group check where each team explains why their chosen synonym matched the mood of the sentence, guiding them to notice formal versus informal registers.

• During Synonym Charades, watch for students who assume all synonyms can be acted identically. Correction: After guessing, ask the actor to describe how the synonym changed the action, such as 'run' feels faster than 'jog', helping students notice nuance through embodied experience.

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Methods used in this brief

• Inside-Outside Circle